Our First Shabbat

By Mira Brynjegard-Bialik, Bus 3 Staff

Only two days into our NFTY in Israel trip, and we’re already starting Shabbat! It hard to believe it’s been less than 72 hours since all of the campers arrived in Israel—we’ve already been to an archaeological dig, the Western Wall, and through the watery Hezekiah’s tunnels, but now we’re taking some time to decompress for Shabbat. We had a beautiful t’fillah led by the campers, singing melodies we haven’t heard since the last time we were at camp, before the pandemic. It was so powerful to be a part of the community, be able to hear the people singing around me, and participate in Kabbalat Shabbat in Jerusalem. We can’t wait to visit the Israel Museum tomorrow! We won’t be using the bus (because it’s Shabbat) but it’s only a short walk away from our hostel. Two days down, 28 more to go! We can’t wait!