An only in Israel moment for me was when we toured Jerusalem the first time and visited Western Wall. We started off the tour of Jerusalem by being lead to mount Scopus with our eyes closed. Mount Scopus is hill on the outside of the Jerusalem that has a beautiful birds eye view off the whole of ancient Jerusalem. When we were told to look up and open our eyes we took in the breath taking view of all of Jerusalem. Being able to view with my own eyes some of the holiest places for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity was unbelievable. Little did I know at the time we were going to visit the holiest place for Judaism, which can only happen in Israel.

After singing a few songs on the top of Mount Scopus we loaded back onto the bus for a tour of the King David Museum in the old city of Jerusalem. We learned in detail the story of King David and King Solomon. Learning about the kings was wonderful, but for me the best part was being able to see the lives of average ancient Hebrews and the ancient Cohenim. In the museum we visited an ancient Mikva used by Jews two thousand years ago, and touched the stones our forefathers and mothers walked on their paths. We got to see the bowls and the cutlery they used something so simple yet so impactful. An experience I could only have in Israel. 

However, the most impactful experience I had in Israel so far was putting on Teffilin in the Kotel. After seeing the Museum we had had a food break and then went to a small square and talked about the Kotel. Aubrey our teacher said to think about any prayers or questions we had for God. After some deep self reflection I found out what I wanted to ask God. We passed through the security at the Western Wall the atmosphere immediately changed. Almost like walking from a hot summer day into nice cool air-conditioned home. I felt the presence of all the Jews in the area trying to connect with God. I walked to the men’s side of the wall and a Rabbi asked if I wanted to put on Teffilin. I could tell he couldn’t speak English very well and he could tell I didn’t speak Hebrew very well but the language barrier didn’t matter. When putting on Tefflin I felt the most connected to God and the Jewish people I ever have. I felt as if we the people next to me were family not just a group of people who happened to be the same religion, an experience I could only have in Israel.