Our Last Shabbat in Israel

Our last Shabbat in Israel was spent at Congress. After some nice rest time everyone at Congress prepared for Shabbat by dressing in white. We walked in the "white sea" to a large grass area where we welcomed Shabbat with everyone. There we gave and were given Shabbat greeting cards from a random teen and made some new friends. After lighting the candles, we, the San Fransisco cohort, were in charge of leading the Reform/ Renewal Service. Those of us who choose to, helped lead the prayers from the siddur put together by Natalie, Hallie, Ari, and Alesandra.

Leading the service was a very meaningful experience and we received many compliments afterwards. It was very powerful to get to share our favorite Shabbat songs with others and to see people enjoying themselves. Someone even told us that we made their Shabbat. After the service, Alex got the honor of leading the Kiddush for the entire Congress. We then spent our lovely Shabbat dinner with our fabulous Upper Galilee partners. 

-Eliana Talcove Cohort 16