Written by Sophia Ehrenberg, Yallah! 2024 Participant
Wholeness. What other word could describe the mere one square mile of the Old City in Jerusalem? There is a unique joy and fulfillment in walking those streets—something I’m not sure I can put into words. This sensation can even be felt without the company of friends. I spent much of the afternoon immersed in history, slowly realizing that the more I learn, the more questions I have. To be honest, I felt nothing but the present moment. I would like to tell you that I felt the history and the spirit of religion, but truly, I just felt questions. When asked, “What was your takeaway from being in this place?” I could only respond with wholeness. There is a wholeness in heart and a security in soul that I felt. I knew where I was, and I knew that I was supposed to be there.
It is hard to take in and process this entire trip, especially since it has been a dream of mine for so long. But today felt different. Sometimes I forget I’m actually here; sometimes I force myself to think, “Wow, I’m actually here.” But today just felt like being here.
