Israel 2023 – April 27: Ezra Epstein & Coby Saidel

Good afternoon Gross Schechter!

Today we had a blast and it’s not over yet. This morning we went to the egalitarian section of the Kotel and did tefillah. Schechter Manhattan led us and it was very meaningful. Then we toured around the Kotel and eventually stopped for lunch where we were able to pick what we wanted to eat. After that, falafel, shawarma, and hamburgers were eaten. The falafel was amazing!

Afterwards, we headed back to the Kotel. Where we went through the underground tunnels on the western wall. We learned a lot about the history of the importance of Jerusalem. It was very interesting learning about the different empires that would take over and shape Jerusalem a different way each time. When we finished going through the underground depths of Jerusalem we finally went to the Kotel where we gave tzedakah and wrote notes in the Kotel. It was very spiritual and was emotional. There were a lot of people praying next to it and even a bar mitzvah was being held there!

Now we are heading to an archeological site where we will be looking through dug up ancient debris. See you in a week!