JERUSALEM! By Lisa Silver

We arrived in Jerusalem yesterday after driving through Tiberias on the banks of the Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee). We paid honor to the founders of Zionism at the beautiful Kinneret Cemetery. We drove south through the West Bank, where Sue Snyder took advantage of a rest stop to run across the road to ride a camel while we got coffee and snacks!

We stopped at Mt. Scopus for our first panoramic view of Jerusalem to say a Shehecheyanu and kiddush. We arrived in Jerusalem in time to watch the hustle and bustle at the Machane Yehuda Market as everyone was preparing for Shabbat. Then a brisk walk through the old city to the Western Wall in time to join thousands of people from all around the world. We ended the day back at our beautiful Hotel Mamila for our own Shabbat dinner and some singing.

Today we had many options--some chose to get a little extra rest, some attended Shabbat services, some went to the fascinating Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, some went to the wild and crazy Shuk (the outdoor market), some went on a walking tour of the Old City.

The Old City of Jerusalem attracts tourists from all around the world and pilgrims from every religion who are visiting their Holy Land. It's crowded and busy and you can feel the energy.

We ended the day with a rooftop Havdallah service, followed by a fantastic dinner prepared by Michael Ochs' good friend Chef Johnny. Another full day tomorrow, walking through the old city. We will all be in need of foot massages next week!

Photos are in random order