The second week of the Mini-Mester has been filled with adventures, learning, and meaningful experiences. Though we are only two weeks into the program, it already feels like we’ve known each other for much longer. Perhaps it’s due to the long days of traveling and trekking around Israel, or maybe it’s because we spend so much time together, discussing such deep and meaningful topics. 

This week, we spent Shabbat in Jerusalem, danced at the Kotel (Western Wall), ate our way through Machane Yehuda Market, and explored the heart of ancient Jerusalem, the City of David. The students split into teams and planned the steps they would take to ensure the survival and thriving of the exiled Jewish community in ancient Babylon, and we saw how innovations born in exile shaped Jewish communities around the world to this very day. 

On Tuesday, we returned to Jerusalem to explore the street-level excavations of the Second Temple period. We saw signs of the city’s glory, wisdom, and holiness before its destruction, and learned about the story of its downfall. One of the key lessons we discussed was Sinat Chinam (baseless hatred), which tore apart the Jewish kingdom of old. We reflected on the relevance of this lesson for our people today. 

Wednesday, we woke before dawn and climbed Masada, where we watched the sunrise, prayed together, and connected with the historical significance of the place, where many brave individuals fought for their freedom. We then floated in the Dead Sea and enjoyed a delicious hummus lunch. 

This Friday, we are all off to family and friends for our first open Shabbat in Israel, and next week, we can’t wait to get back on the road!