Jerusalem

Today was a full day - leaving the apartment around 8:30am and returning around 11:30pm. We began our day at Yad Vashem - the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. We have been there twice before but thought it important to go again. Pictures are not allowed in the museum so I only have a few outside photos. There is a well-known poem that is one of the first things you read as you enter the museum. It was written by a German pastor, Martin Niemoller.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the commui, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

The first picture is actually taken inside the Children's Memorial. It is one single candle that never goes out and when you walk in the names of the children are being read off. There are mirrors that reflect the light infinitely. The infinite lights represent the children who will never be born because of the murder of the children in the Holocaust. In Schindler's List, Schindler quotes the Talmud, "He who saves a single life, saves the entire world."


This one statue is of a Gentile teacher with his Jewish students. When the students were being taken away he refused to leave them and they all ended up murdered in one of the camps.


I just loved this with the Star of David.


It was a sombering morning and is hard to go from the museum out into the world as if nothing happened.

We spent some time waking through the Mahane Market (also known as the Shuk). It's a fun place to just watch people and take in the sights and smells. Below are several pictures as we walked the market.

It is mandatory for both men and women (or should I say boys and girls) to serve in the IDF. It is common to see them in the streets.



We stopped for coffee - it was just a beautiful presentation.


And the food!








We then walked over to King of Kings in the heart of downtown. I have watched them on Sunday mornings at hone before heading to Rocky (their services are on Sunday evening) and thought how amazing it would be to be there. And it was amazing!


We had some time between service and seeing Yonina so we walked down Ben Yehuda Street. It is a wide street where cars are not allowed. Lots of restaurants and small shops. Just a fun place to be.

And then we went to see Yonina - Yoni and Nina - who I have been following on Facebook for over 3 years. It was so much fun to meet them and hear them play live. She has the voice of an angel. You should hear for yourself ... https://www.facebook.com/yoninamusic/


Well, it's after midnight here and we have an early morning. We will be meeting with Ari and touring the Old City with him.

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