It is now close to Shabbat in Jerusalem and there is a calm descending upon the city. Stores are closing and there are only a handful of cars on the road. Today I visited Shaar Yafo – The Jaffa Gate. Last week two Yeshiva students were attacked and stabbed at this location. Today it was hub of activity with tourists of all faiths passing through this historic entrance to the “Old City.” One of the most wonderful parts of this trip is witnessing firsthand the resilience of the Israelis and how no one is living in fear. Just the opposite, the city and country are alive.
Of course I visited the Kotel – the Western Wall. I brought with me the list of names of people from the Shul who are not well and at the Holiest place on earth I asked Hashem to grant them a speedy recovery. Once again, I had the opportunity to speak with families from last week’s tragedy. This is the first Shabbat after the Shiva. May they find comfort during this difficult time in their lives. Shelly, our congregant whose brother was injured in the attack is spending Shabbat with him in the hospital.
I am spending this Shabbat with my five children and two grandchildren that live here. A rare opportunity. I will resume the updates after Shabbat. In the meantime, Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi P.
