Day 26 - Netzach - Heath Gassner & Mirra Parij
Waking up from a much needed sleep to a delicious breakfast buffet, we all scattered over the food hall and excitedly stacked our plates to the brim. We were then surprised with an unexpected guest, the one and only Rabbi Benji. We had absolutely no clue we would be seeing him on IST. He engaged us, as always, with his inspiring and motivating speech, one of which has been dearly missed. Along with his smiling baby, he managed to grasp our attention immediately while explaining the importance of not only utilising the opportunities given to us, but also assuring that this eye-opening experience does not pass by in a wink. This was the perfect start to an amazing day, which we approached with an adjusted mindset.
Next on the agenda was the WIZO kindergarten, where we were greeted by Reighley Marks with a welcoming introduction, explaining a bit about WIZO projects and what the kindergarten does. Entering the classroom, our hearts were warmed at the sight of many smiling children. Sitting in a circle together, we sang Shabbat songs and did Kabbalat Shabbat led by the 3 year old Imma and Aba. It was nostalgic as it reminded us of our kindergarten days back in Mount Sinai and Moriah Pre School. Following this, we then went off with the children, playing with toys, building towers and drawing pictures. I think we can all agree that we got as much out of the morning as the kids did.
The adventures continued towards the famous Shuk Machaneh Yehuda, which has been eagerly anticipated since the beginning of the trip. Dispersing into the shuk, our high expectations were certainly exceeded. The first thing that appealed to our senses was the rich smell of the rugelach, as well as the freshly cooked shwarma. As it was just before Shabbat everyone was busy purchasing their last minute essentials, so the shuk was packed from shoulder to shoulder. We had two hours to indulge ourselves in the culture and friendly atmosphere of this famous shuk. We were exposed to the authentic Israeli culture, which was something new to the both of us. It was an unbelievable sight to witness the Israeli shop owners and customers screaming, singing and bargaining. We all had our hands full with food, jewellery and presents as we left the shuk with satisfied stomachs and smiling faces. Shabbat was around the corner and we were all excited for a much needed rest.
Once we were all dressed and ready for Shabbat, we headed down to take our weekly pre-Shabbas photos. After the girls lit candles to bring in Shabbat, we collectively davened a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat. This was followed by a few inspiring ideas from Miriam Tekuzener, a key aspect to our IST experience. She taught us various ideas about the importance of focusing on yourself, and not comparing yourself to others. By this time we were all very hungry and eagerly sat down together for the Shabbat meal. After our stomachs were satisfied with an exquisite Shabbat meal, we were given the opportunity of a Q&A with the knowledgeable Rabbi David Wolfowicz. Here we hit him with our deepest questions about Judaism, which he answered with his detailed opinions and intelligence. Then there was the tish that everyone was waiting for; we sat in a circle singing harmonically and people stood up and shared important messages.
Overall the day was an enjoyable, yet a meaningful day. We cannot wait to utilise the rest of the opportunities that await us in the last 2 weeks of IST.
Heath Gassner & Mirra Parij - 13.12.2019
