After a small respite from camp and the opportunity to spend time with Israeli family and friends, we returned to our YTT family. It was great to see everyone well rested and rejuvenated. We hopped on to the bus happy spirit in tow and were lead by our awesome tour guide Ira to the central prison. It was fascinating to see the conditions in which our very own people endured resulting from British prosecution. Moved by those who died based on various accusations, we sang niggunim in tribute. I immensely enjoyed walking through the prison and getting a slight taste of the prisoners' experience. It transformed tales of the past that we hear into a detail of my life. Our next destinations consisted of visiting the kever of Shmuel Hanavi, trekking up a steep hill, and gaining a vast understanding of Beis Yisroel history. Reciting the verses of tehillim at David Hamelech's kever casted an extra dose of connection and protection upon us and the land of Israel. Finally, we had the privilege of walking through the streets of the Ir Ha'atikah. The many seemingly identical walls were brought to life in a vivid visual way as we walked through the TUNNEL TOUR's under the Kosel. We treaded the grounds that the kohanim walked daily on there way to serve in the Beis Hamikdosh. We were fortunate to stand in the closest possible spot to the Kodesh Hakedoshim. Our mincha, tefillos, and heartfelt singing definitely permeated the walls of the holy city and penetrated the heavens for the safety of this special land and the soldiers on the battle front. It was amazing to see how our singing inspired many others and they clearly noticed that we are Lubavitch girls. We concluded with a scrumptious dinner at the Rabinowitz's and a cake in honor of Counselor Miri's birthday, Once settled in Beit Meir, we had an inspiring Rebbe Time and headed off to bed.
Shout out to Mommy Katz! Camp is amazing b"H :)
-Rivka Katz
Crown Heights