After five amazing, but extremely hot days in the desert we finally arrived in the holy city of Jerusalem. During the day we took an underground tunnel water tour through the City of David. It was an incredible experience; at some points the water even got knee high. It was amazing to think that soldiers, fully armed, could trek through these tiny water tunnels (it was hard enough for a group of Schechter girls to do so). After the underground water tunnel tour, we went to the ancient ruins of the City of David. We met with an archeologist who taught us about the first and second temples, and the Old City itself. After that we were set free for lunch, the choices were endless! Ice cream, pizza, falafel, shwarma, kebab; the food here is definitely amazing. After lunch, we headed for the Western Wall, or in other words the Kotel, the holiest of all places. Having been there many times before, I expected it to be the exact same. But for the first time ever I felt an extremely strong connection and began to get emotional. After praying with our Schechter Sidurim at the wall we went to explore further. We went to take an underground wall tour right at the wall itself. It was very interesting and we were in the holiest place for all Jewish people which felt amazing and extremely spiritual. Camp Solomon Schechter prepared us for the trip of a lifetime. Our Jewish knowledge and daily prayers have really come in useful so far.
Praying at the Western Wall was truly an event that none of us will ever forget. The bonds that Schechter creates are truly inspiring. I cannot picture anyone else to experience Israel with other than these Schechter girls, they are not just my friends, but my true family.
Maya Neuman
