Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem! Today was a dark, rainy, windy day, the kind of day to stay inside. Yet with Shabbat approaching, there was still a full schedule. The day began at Binyanei Ha’umah, the Israel Convention Center. We held the first every Pluralistic National Beit Midrash, a study session joining the rabbis with Israeli teachers and students in small group text sessions. Together we explored the theme of change vs. maintaining traditions. It was an interesting opportunity not only to study, but also to learn with Israelis who study from a very different perspective.
The convention center is located near one of my favorite spots in all Jerusalem – Machane Yehudah market, also known as the shuk. Every Friday thousands of Israelis flood the market buying food and supplies for Shabbat. When I lived in Jerusalem, my roommate and I made the trek each week as well. So some friends and I headed to the shuk for lunch- the best falafel I’ve had the whole trip- and shopping. Fresh baked pita bread, hummus and eggplant salad, za’atar spice, and some halvah make for a great pre-Shabbat, Shabbat, or post-Shabbat snack. The only other required purchase is chocolate rugulach from Marzipan bakery. EVERYONE stops there for these delicious treats. Almost every rabbi was there, along with what seemed like half the city. After the shop, we all headed back to the hotel for a little rest.
Shabbat provided us with the opportunity to visit some of the Reform congregations located throughout the country. I was sent to Ma’alot Tivon, a congregation in the town of Kiryat Tivon, about 40 minutes southeast of Haifa. Tivon is a very special place for me. When I lived in Israel in 1993, I volunteered for two months at a boarding school for disadvantaged children located there. It was impressive to see the growth of a tiny town into a burgeoning city. The rabbi of this small congregation welcomed the three of us to into the congregation for services and a family dinner. It was so special to share in services that were familiar in many ways, yet with slightly different melodies, and of course a lot more Hebrew. This wonderful community wanted to learn more about all of us, and shared in a question and answer session along with a great sing-a-long, led by their 81-year-old music specialist. I exchanged cards with the rabbi, and I hope that we will to do some work with this congregation in the future.
Shabbat can be a wonderful time in Jerusalem. The entire city more or less comes to a close. The shops are dark, the busses stop running, and people walk from place to place. It is truly a city at peace and rest for 24 hours. I hope the weather will get a little nicer tomorrow, so I can enjoy some of the city and Shabbat outdoors tomorrow after services.
Once again, Shabbat Shalom.