The city that sits in solitary and at its heart a wall

Hurva Square in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem

Right before shabat we enjoyed the mayhem of the Shuk, Mahane Yehuda, in the center of Jerusalem. Where everyone is hustling and bustling getting their food necessities for the holiest day of the week. The heatwave didn't prevent people from filling the stores at the Shuk on that Friday morning.

After a very exciting week, we got to take it easy on Shabat. The zenith of our experience was Kabbalat Shabat in the Old City, were our very lively Akiva group danced in the streets with locals and other groups that were visiting. We had our time to connect and pray at the Kotel and then we had a very nice meal. All within the area of the Wall and together as a group. Shabat day was more relaxing and we got some very needed sleep to recharge our batteries. Another unique perk of the Akiva trip is that we got split into smaller groups for Lunch and enjoyed the hospilatiy of local families. This group provides the sightseeing you expect from an organized trip, yet you get to experience the holiness of the land. And also get to taste everyday life among local residents.

Walking everywhere provided us with knowledge of the streets, we were empowered to explore and by the end of the trip it felt like our own backyard. Very familiar and comfortable. We really got to know Jerusalem and its neighborhoods. When the commute was too long or the weather too hot, we also experienced public transportaton on free time. And then there was the time within the schedule in which we were together as a group on the bus for official activities. It was all very balanced and enjoyable.

The title of this article references the famous song Jerusalem of Gold, written by Naomi Shemer in 1967. It was originally created for the Israeli Song Festival as poetic longing to go back to the Old City, which was under Jordanian control at the time. After the miraculous victory of the Six-Day War, only three weeks after its original release, this song became an unofficial Israeli anthem. It remains a symbol until today of Jewish unity, victory over our enemies in recent years, and a wonderful poetry to dedicate to this most coveted city.

To Life!

Vivian Chaya Russo

Mamila Mall right outside the Old City of Jerusalem

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