Jerusalem!!

After a long flight filled with other Maccabiah participants, we arrived in Tel Aviv. We zipped through Passport Control, baggage claim and onto a bus to Jersualem to our David Citadel Hotel - a magnificent historic building just outside the old walled city. We checked in at the Maccabiah Mission desk, received our credentials and quickly changed and walked to the Western Wall to meet the rest of the group. We later discovered they went to the Southern Wall, but no matter - it was just before Shabbbat and very lively indeed. This was followed by a spectacular dinner back at the hotel and several moving speeches.

We have met many families and athletes from all over the USA - instant friends as we are all sharing the common experience of the Maccabiah Mission.

Yesterday we toured the old city and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the biblical lines are blurred with historical truth. Very powerful indeed. We ate lunch at Karma in Ein Karem where we had delicious focacio and then Greg went to train with another team member at the very old squash courts at the YMCA just down the road from the hotel. A quick shower led to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at a location overlooking the walled city - Rabbi Irwin Kula absolutely rocked the group with his humor and meaningful thoughts about the moment - Greg and Susanne both joyfully participated.

Bex has been a real trooper, dealing with whatever tour experience comes her way. We had a few hours yesterday to enjoy the very lively and wonderfully refreshing pool while Greg trained. She made some friends from Los Angeles while I lounged and enjoyed the scene.

Quite a mix of old and new architecture and traditions. Enjoyed the light show last nite at the Tower of David and then walked through an outdoor mall back to our hotel - amazing to experience the Old City come alive after Shabbat.

Today is a big day w/ both an AM and PM tour. Every day is better than the next.
Shalom!