Birthright Day 2

I have written about keeping the Shabbat before on my blog, but when in Israel, the day of rest takes on a whole new meaning.

In the United States, Friday night through Saturday night is considered the weekend, which for many is still a work day.  In Israel, the entire country basically shuts down.  All the shops close.  All business ceases as everyone spends this 25 hours with their family.  The roads become far quieter.  The whole country rests.

We were educated about the day of rest in the morning, but as I am a frequent attender of Chabbad, I found that much of what was said had already been imparted on to me.  I found it quite interesting that in addition to the guides themselves, many of my new friends on this birthright trip came to me with questions.  Proof that Chabbad really is succeeding in my own life in regards to education.

Just because it happened to be Shabbat did not imply I did nothing but rest though.  This is still a birthright trip.  We took this opportunity to take a shabbat walk around Tibereus.

In addition to seeing the beautiful and quite hilly city, we spent part of the day at the Sea (lake) of Galilee.  The waters are exceptionally clean and clear.  Also there are fish in the water that will clean your feet and legs, assuming you allow them to nibble at your lower body.

After the aquatic experience and another shabbat walk to return to our hotel, we rested for a couple hours before we gathered for Havdalah.  Closing Shabbat in Israel with more than 40 other Jews is a magical experience that I feel empowers the soul.

More journeys are to come.  This trip is only getting started.