Israel just keeps getting better

Exhausted and overjoyed in Israel. Healing mud baths and floating at the Dead Sea. Cable cars to the top of the fortress Masada and a visit to the world's oldest synagogue.

Spectacular tour under the what is the left in the 8th wonder of the ancient world, a part of the support for the second Temple, namely the Western Wall, and finally the best, a quiet day spent with my donor in his small town, Bet Shemesh. I saw his Yeshiva where he studies in a method hundreds of years old, and had a wonderful vegan lunch at his apartment with our wives.

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful person as my donor.

Much too tired to write more, but aching to share stories and maybe some wisdom I have learned on the way

Shabbos Dinner

What an amazing evening at the home of my donor's parents. 11 of the 12 children were at the table for Sabbath dinner, with the older kids taking care of the younger ones. Not tranquil or quiet, but full of love and wisdom.

Wonderful home cooked meal with even the challah being vegan. I can't imagine the work of preparing food for 12 people every day.

The Torah portion was on making a donation. Yaakov, my 24 year old donor, did a wonderful and pertinent drash (interpretation) on the spirit behind giving.

After dinner we walked for miles back to our hotel through car free streets- no-one drives which means no taxis) in the orthodox neighborhoods on Shabbos. Hassids in their fur hats and long black or gold striped coats were an organic part of the active street life. Multiple generations dressed in their Sabbath finery talking in the middle of what on any other day would be a traffic filled road.

Clearly family life is good here. Social and spiritual concerns seem pre-eminent, at least on Saturdays.

No pictures taken. It's Sabbath

I am so blessed to have such a mench as my donor.

Said prayers for you all at the Wall earlier today.