Day 2

Today was a long day. Davening was at 7:45 in a local shul, as the Bet Midrash was being finished today. For breakfast we had bagels with cucumbers and cream cheese and regular cheese. After that we had official orientation in which they told us what a man can do and what he cannot. The place is pretty laid back. Its nice, the people are friendly, but there seems to be some clicks forming for the time being. My theory is that once everyone starts meeting each other, as apposed to just staying with the people they know, the clicks will fade away. Also most likely once classes actually start it should help as well. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking. After the orientation we had lunch and time to by sefarim. We had free time after that for 3 hours which myself and my dorm mates went to the local supermarket and bought the place out. We needed basic supplies, and since it is hot as hell here (especially in these concrete rooms) we bought a fan. What a difference it makes. We also stocked up on food, nosh and the classic Israeli Peanut butter and chocolate spread sandwich ingredients. Oh and I almost forgot, MENTOS!!!! And gum. We next boarded the busses for Yerushalayim! On the way there we stopped off at Har Har-El. This is a lookout that the Israeli army used during the 6 day war. Full video explanation by Rav Mo (Rabbi Mordachai Kaplan): After eating dinner at the lookout we boarded the busses for the Kotel! As we approached we made a pitstop. We stopped off at the first place where we can see the Kotel from a distance. At that point since the great big palace in the sky has not come to earth yet, we tore Krea (tearing the shirt for mourning. You do this if you have not seen the temple mount in the past 30 days.). After tearing, we began to sing and dance to the tune of Yiboneh… Pictures of that included in the gallery as well. Then we boarded the busses and drove to the Kotel. As we walked down the hill towards the last remaining intact portion of the Bet Ha-Mikdash the anticipation grew. I have not been here in 5 years and couldn’t wait to see it. As I rushed down the stairs the Kotel itself came into view. As always it was breathtaking. It was night and the whole plaza was lit up bright. I took tons of pictures there. Color, natural, and black and white. We davened Maariv at the Kotel with the entire Yeshiva, and that was an amazing experience. We were then allowed to wander around the Kotel plaza, meet up with friends, take pictures, and the like. When we left everyone was dead tired. Most of the bus slept on the way home, myself included. That was our day today. Maybe one of these days I will get internet and actually be able to post these logs to the blog. Anyway I am beat, so I’m gonna call it quits. Good night all, Jesse