Shabbaton to Jerusalem

This past weekend, the yeshiva hosted an exciting Shabbaton (weekend retreat) and we all got to go to none other than... Jerusalem! Yes, we spent two extra days at the yeshiva this past Shabbat to have fun and enjoy each other's company even more than usual. Actually, it was pretty fun. Friday morning started with a tour to East Jerusalem, just outside the Old City, to the City of David - the most ancient part of Jerusalem. It was a great tour with a real tour guide who provided an excellent historical overview of the ancient, ancient city. We also went underground to the tunnels under the ancient city. Here's a view of part of East Jerusalem from the City of David...


Then, the yeshiva hosted Friday night services at the synagogue next door to the yeshiva and we had a dinner followed by a really fun game and then at about 9 p.m. it was time for the event I'd planned - the "tish" (which means table). I'd asked a bunch of students and faculty to be prepared to tell stories related to this past week's Torah portion or about Hanukkah, which begins in a week and a half. Most of those I'd asked were prepared and gave nice talks. I also had the room fully stocked with snack foods, beverages, and alcohol. The tish went on past 10:30, which was when I left because it's way past my bedtime.

On Saturday morning, we had a Shabbat service in the yeshiva and it was followed by a really good lunch where I ate my first persimmon, which was delicious and I keep eating them every day since. I did not partake in the afternoon activities because I went home immediately after lunch and fell asleep for two hours. Then, it was practically the end of Shabbat and so I just had to shake my grogginess in time to go to a late night showing of Casino Royale.

For a full overview of everything I missed, see Gabe's Blog Post about the weekend!