Yom Kippur was an amazing day in Jerusalem. There was absolutely nothing open or happening in the entire city. After services (that overlooked sunset over the Old City), everyone walked down to Emek R'faim to just walk around. Since there are no cars on the streets, everyone just walks down the middle of the streets instead of needing to use the sidewalks. While walking around, I ran into Ari and Lital and then the Klein-Katzs. There are also kids (and some adults) riding around on bicycles because it is the only chance for them to ride without cars around, and if you know how Israelis drive, thats very important.
After that, Dusty, Allie, Brian, Leah, and I all walked to the Kotel in the Old City just to see what it would be like there. Surprisingly, it was very quiet. I expected there to be hundreds and hundreds of people there to pray, but it seemed like any other time at the Kotel.
During Yom Kippur day, the city was still totally serene with no cars and people walking in the streets. We prayed again overlooking the Old City and then had a break fast in the Moadon at HUC. I didn't go to N'eilah because I was helping to cut bagels (surprise surprise) and after that, had another break fast at my apartment.
The hardest part of this Yom Kippur was the fact that it fell on Shabbat, so we had school Thursday; Friday and Saturday was Shabbat/Yom Kippur; and it was back to school on Sunday. There was no real weekend or time to catch up on sleep and homework so Saturday and Sunday night were both very stressful to get caught up on sleep.
Look for a new update next week after I get back from ISTANBUL!
L'hitraot from Jerusalem
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