Day Ten – Synagogues, churches and shopping! (Allan & Shari Baron)

Up again, bright and early (notice, I did not say bright-eyed!), we piled on the bus for our last day with our driver extraordinaire, Sinai, who dropped us off near the Dung Gate entrance to the Old City.  Before going in, we detoured and visited a fascinating place: within one building complex, we viewed: the room built where the “Last Supper” was said to have been held; the tomb of King David; the church built on the spot where it is believed that Mary ascended to heaven; AND had a great view of the southern part of the old city!
When we went into the room housing David’s tomb, the men went in one side and the women went in the other.  Not expecting anything special, I was surprised when we had a lovely experience: an obviously Orthodox woman was in the women’s section praying over the tomb of King David.  She started to seem annoyed by some of our chatter as we entered. Suddenly, rather than criticizing, she asked if we were Jewish. When we said yes, she asked us with a smile to say the Shema with her, and we all covered our eyes together and said the Shema. Then she told us to pray.  We stood quietly for a few moments, each with our own thoughts. Then this lovely woman asked if we wanted our pictures taken! I left feeling warmly towards her and wondering why there has to be so much judgment and animosity between the Orthodox and less observant Jews.
The Old City was next and we had a full day there!  Highlights: the restored Hurva Shul (beautiful building and great view of the old city from the roof); the four quarters of Jerusalem (Armenian, Jewish, Christian and Moslem); shopping in the Cardo;
lunch and shopping in various spots in the Jewish quarter; the Via Dolorosa; shopping in the Arab Shuk; the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; and, did I mention shopping???  Several people bought new tallitot, jewelry, mezuzot, and many gifts for family members at home.
By 3:00 p.m., we headed back to Mount Zion Hotel to rest up and get ready for Shabbat.  Rabbi Gerber led a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat service, during which several people talked about our special feelings being in Jerusalem, each person with her/his own experiences.  Then we had dinner at the hotel, where we did Kiddush and Motzi together. It was, all around, a great day!

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