Our group shared a truly remarkable Shabbat this evening in Jerusalem. We began at the Kotel (Western Wall), where we placed our prayers in the Wall's cracks and felt the enormous spiritual energy of being there with so many others. Incredibly, as we listened to the sounds and the growing energy of Shabbat, we were witness to a unique sight - in addition to all the regular revelers, several hundred Israeli soldiers began to wildly sing and dance through the plaza - waving Israeli flags and shouting with pride and joy. Truly a memorable and inspirational moment.
From there, we returned to the HUC campus (the Reform Mobement's seminary) for a rousing Shabbat service overlooking the Old City. In what can only be called a Godly moment, fireworks began to explode in front of us just as we began singing the first words of Lecha Dodi - wow!
After a delicious dinner together, we heard from two world-class scholars: Avraham Infeld, who discussed the nature of Jewish Peoplehood and our imperative for stronger connection to our community, and Rabbi Uri Regev, who talked about the Reform Movement's difficult position in Israel and the ways we are moving forward in helping Israel become a more pluralistic place. Rabbi Regev, by the way, will be our scholar-in-residence during the Yom Limmud weekend over the winter.
Sleep will be at a premium as we prepare for an early morning departure to Masada and the Dead Sea in the morning.
Wishing you a hearty Shabbat Shalom from all of us in Jerusalem!
Rabbi Mark Miller
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