Shalom, Parents, Family and Friends!
Today, we woke up bright and early in Arad and headed out to an archaeological dig at the site of the ancient city of Maresha at the Beit Guvrin National Park. We were led through a very intricate network of (some extremely narrow) caves, using candlelight as our only way to see. We took some great pictures along the way -- you'll see them when we get back.
These caves contain the remains of the ancient Edomite civilization. Then, we actually began to help excavate the site. We uncovered bones (from food, not people!), pieces of pottery, plates, bowls, oil lamps and many other interesting artifacts. After the dig, we were able to take a few souvenirs home with us. We departed BeithGuvrin for the Holy City of Jerusalem, stopping at the Mivaseret Mall for lunch along the way.
Our first stop in Jerusalem was at the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus, which overlooks the entire City. After taking a few group photos, we recited the Shehechiyanau and received the same greeting that Abraham did when entered Jerusalem almost 4,000 years ago: bread and wine.
Next came one of the most spiritual and meaningful experiences of my life: We sang "Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu" and "Am Yisrael Chai" and danced and had the most amazing experience. The bus then took us to the Israel Museum where we saw an incredible model of the Old City of Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple, and the Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls that were discovered in the caves of Qumran near the Dead Sea.
After we practically closed the Museum, we checked into our hotel, the Kedem Towers. After dinner, we had a reception with members of the Israel Cornell Club. They shared their stories and really showed us that there is a life in Israel for any Cornell graduate. Their stories of aliyah and life in Israel were inspiring and educational.
These caves contain the remains of the ancient Edomite civilization. Then, we actually began to help excavate the site. We uncovered bones (from food, not people!), pieces of pottery, plates, bowls, oil lamps and many other interesting artifacts. After the dig, we were able to take a few souvenirs home with us. We departed BeithGuvrin for the Holy City of Jerusalem, stopping at the Mivaseret Mall for lunch along the way.
Our first stop in Jerusalem was at the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus, which overlooks the entire City. After taking a few group photos, we recited the Shehechiyanau and received the same greeting that Abraham did when entered Jerusalem almost 4,000 years ago: bread and wine.
Next came one of the most spiritual and meaningful experiences of my life: We sang "Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu" and "Am Yisrael Chai" and danced and had the most amazing experience. The bus then took us to the Israel Museum where we saw an incredible model of the Old City of Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple, and the Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls that were discovered in the caves of Qumran near the Dead Sea.
After we practically closed the Museum, we checked into our hotel, the Kedem Towers. After dinner, we had a reception with members of the Israel Cornell Club. They shared their stories and really showed us that there is a life in Israel for any Cornell graduate. Their stories of aliyah and life in Israel were inspiring and educational.
Tomorrow, to the Old City........
Laila Tov from the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Adam Schneider '09
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