We embarked upon
a voyage to explore the underground crevices of the Kotel, with Noam to
guide us through the heat of Jerusalem. We were given a chance to say a few
prayers at the closest point to the holy of holies, which was especially
powerful for us as Jews considering the significance of the Temple which we
mourn the loss of on this day of Tisha B'av.
We were then given the opportunity to do our own
private Tefillah by the Kotel.
On return to our hotel, we had 2 hours to rest and
regain strength fpr those fasting, before watching an emotional Holocaust film
called Denial. Next, we discussed the importance of Tisha B'av and the meaning
of it to us personally with Rabbi Gideon Sylvester, who surprisingly had
connections to almost all of our families!!!
After reflecting on the importance
of the day, we pilgrimaged to the Kotel to soak up the post fast atmosphere and to break the fast with well
deserved snacks. On arrival, we were overwhelmed by the huge amount of Jews who were at considerably the most spiritual place for our nation. We
ventured forth to (m)eat the cravings in our stomachs with mouthwatering foods.
This was the end to a relaxing, yet eventful and mind-opening day.
By Kezia Blakeley and Ella Hyman
