Israel. July 24, 2021. Day 7. A Very Arousing Kabalat Shabbat.

Wow, I can’t believe it’s day 7. Two more days and I go home.

Anyway, Friday night was nice. We walked to the Kotel, but on the way stopped at a park right outside the Old City to hear a Kabalat Shabbat concert. It was cute. From there we walked to the Kotel. We had about 45 minutes to spend there. Some of the group went off to the Robinsons Arch area to have an egalitarian davening. When they got there there were around 60 yeshiva kids taking over the entire space, so Moshe (our mission chair) had the security guard move them so they could have some space. Words were exchanged. They kept yelling about Kol Isha etc. but then Moshe yelled back at them that they are ignorant etc. Pretty sure he said something to the effect of “if this woman’s voice turns you on, you have bigger problems to deal with.”

Anyway, we walked back to the hotel and had a nice dinner. Josh, the executive Director of the Education Department joined the trip so he was there. We were also joined by some other higher ups at KKL. After dinner we had a group discussion and then just hung around a little. I slept like a rock, except they knocked on the door to clean the room at 830. I should have put on the Do Not disturb sign, but who comes to clean at 830?! I asked them to come back later, and they thought that meant 10. I sent them away again. Zohar finally knocked on my door around 10:40, so I made the end of breakfast.

Around 12:30 I left to walk to Abby and Mordy, good family friends that we visit each time we’re here. The walk was about a half hour, and it wasn’t too too hot if I stayed in the shade. We didn’t start lunch until 2 (sound familiar?). Ronnie and Avri were home so it was nice to see them. After lunch, Ronnie, Abby and I walked to my parents apartment that I’ve never seen. It’s a nice three bedroom with very high ceilings. Maybe one day we’ll be able to stay there.

Abby and Ronnie walked me back, and then I napped a little. We had to meet as a group at 8:20 for Havdalah and then we boarded the bus to Givat Hatachmoshet (ammunition hill). We were guided by Alon Wald, who has helped revamp the site. His father died there. It was a great tour, but too long. We didn’t get back to the hotel until close to 12. So, here I am, at 12:22, writing this but I have to get up tomorrow for a 6am PCR test. Yay. Also, I didn’t eat dinner so im just snacking away. Should feel good tomorrow.