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Dear Heilige Parents and NCSY JOLT Israel'ers,
It's hard to believe that a little over a month ago at this exact time, Rabbi Rosenfeld and I were doing airport runs for our kids flying in from across the United States. Now I look at the window here in Yerushalayim and I am overwhelmed with feelings as we get ready to spend our last Shabbos together. These past two days have been non-stop and magical. Yesterday we did a five hour hike in Wadi Kelt otherwise known as Nachal Prat. It was amazing! We woke up at five so that we would be able to get to the start of the hike early enough that we wouldn't be caught in the blazing heat of the sun. Imagine if you will walking through fields of wild lime trees, fig trees and wild grapes. The pungent smells of horse mint and lavender lining the streams that we walked along were intoxicating. We walked on paths, in streams and up mountains but the most amazing thing that I noticed as we walked was not just the sights which were beyond awesome. Including the heard of wild mountain goats and the rolling expanse of holy mountains. What was truly amazing was listening to the kids laughing and singing and cheering and giggling along the entire length of the hike. It was like a big family of 40 kids bound together by a common thread. I was truly moved. It was excatly the way it should have been.
After Wadi Kelt we went back to Bayit Vagan, showered, rested a bit and then met to go to the Kotel for an amazing tour of the Kotel tunnels. I have done these tunnels tons of times but it is amazing to me how much they add each time. I saw things I have never seen before. It was awesome! I believe the most poignent part of the whole thing was when we stood right across from the Kodesh HaKedoshim and gave time for the kids to pour their hearts out to Hashem. It was powerful to watch and even more powerful to be part of.
We came back for dinner and then davened Mariv. After Mariv we heard a beautiful Dvar Torah from Avi Roth who made a Siyum on Taanis which allowed those who were interested to buy some Burger's Bar. I mean seriously, how long can a person go without meat?!
This morning we packed up and left our temporary home in Bayit Vagan and loaded the buses. We drove to Emek Tzurim and did some artifact sifting. We found some amazing things! We davened mincha there on a hill looking out at Har HaBayis. It was funny because unlike in America where you always face east towards Eretz Yisrael and Yerushalayim. In Israel, depending on where you are you face towards Yerushalayim in different directions. While standing there in Emek Tzurim, we joked amongst ourselves and also marveled at how lucky we were, no one had to ask which direction we needed to face because it was staring us right in the face.
From Emek Tzurim we gave the kids some free time in the Shuk and now we are all back, safe and sound in our hotel for what promises to be an amazing last Shabbos.
Next week I will write up my reflection on this summer but I wanted to tell you how amazing your children are. Each one of them has been an amazing addition to this trip. It wouldn't have been the same without each and every one of them. I Mamesh view them as my own children and I am excited to continue our relationships for many years to come!
I also want to take this opportunity to wish each of you a Gut Shabbos, a sweet Shabbos, a Heilige Shabbos and an easy and meaningful fast.
With warmest wishes
-Rabbi Weinberg
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