10/22/17: Shabbat in Jerusalem

Posted 10/22/17

Shabbat in Jerusalem

There’s something special about preparing for Shabbat in Jerusalem. This always includes a trip to Machaneh Yehudah, the Jewish market, and as you can see it is bustling with activity.

There are all types of people visiting the market, and there is everything that you could want. The challah is so fresh, the vegetables so beautiful, and the spices so fragrant!

On Shabbat morning, Debra and I attended services at Kehilat Har-El, a Reform synagogue established in 1958, the founding congregation of the Israeli Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. As it was Shabbat Rosh Chodesh (Shabbat and the Beginning of the New Month), we were treated to wonderful services led by Cantor Evan Cohen with a very musical Hallel. I was given the honor of chanting the Torah blessings for the third Aliyah. Dr. Eliyahu Schleifer, Professor Emeritus of Sacred Music and Former Director of the School of Sacred Music at HUC-JIR/Jerusalem, chanted a beautiful haftarah. It was such a pleasure to talk with both of these cantors after the service.

On Shabbat afternoon, Debra and I walked to the Kotel (the Wailing Wall) in the Old City, about a 30 minute walk. What a pleasure to walk through the streets of Jerusalem, and literally to be able to “walk in the street” as there are very few cars driving on Shabbat in Jerusalem. It was a very pleasant afternoon and the weather was perfect – mostly downhill as we descended to the Kotel into history, and an uphill walk as we walked back to our room.

After Shabbat, we walked the pedestrian mall called Ben-Yehuda which is just 1/2 block from where we are staying. Again what a difference from a few people walking around during Shabbat, to the hubbub of this busy walkway just after Shabbat. We ended the evening with a scoop of glidah at one of the main ice cream shops on Ben-Yehuda!

We wish a continuing speedy recovery to Rabbi Berkson over the next few weeks, and again are very appreciative to Rabbi Shaller for all the extra responsibilities that she is taking on at the synagogue during this time.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

David and Debra