Henna C., Zoe L., and Avi K.: Today, we explored the Old City of Jerusalem. First, we toured the City of David and learned about ancient royalty and their lives. Afterward, we explored the water tunnels beneath the City of David. While in the tunnels, we sang songs, created lasting memories, and built trust by helping each other through any moments of fear. We thought our tunnel exploration was over for the day, but then our guide, Abbie, had one more to show us. Underground, we had the incredible opportunity to see the largest stone in the Western Wall and the most sacred space for prayer: a section of the wall located beneath a synagogue.

For lunch, we went to the Jewish Quarter and enjoyed tasting and choosing our own food while exploring the area. It was a fun opportunity to spend time with our friends and experience the atmosphere of the Jewish Quarter. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly our visit to the Kotel (Western Wall). After years of learning about it, we finally had the chance to visit the Wall as a class. The boys all had the meaningful opportunity of wrapping Tefillin and reciting the Shema. Meanwhile, we were handed a Siddur and began to read, drawing upon the Hebrew reading skills we have developed throughout our lives. After we all said our private prayers, touched the Wall, and walked away respectfully, we felt a profound shift in our Jewish identity. Visiting the Kotel was a moment we will cherish forever.