Satell Teen Fellowship Israel Trip 2007: Day 2

June 22, 2007

Tammuz 6, 5767

Israel, Day 2

Jerusalem: Historical and Personal Perspectives

           
So, first off we heard from our most important POI (Person Of Influence) as of yet on the trip, Linda Gradstein, a journalist for NPR who covers Middle Eastern affairs.  She told us how she became a journalist (which involved speaking Hebrew and Arabic) and how she always tries to maintain objectivity.  She talked about the process of interviewing people, which included getting to know them well before conducting the actual interview.

After that, we headed to the open market of Jerusalem, which was kind of like Reading Terminal Market except outdoors and crowded to the point where you can barely move.  But nonetheless it was awesome and gave us a real insight into the everyday going-ons of Israeli life.

Then, we headed to Ben Yehuda Street (which just so happens to be my Hebrew name) aka “crazy-spend-all-your-money-on-gifts” land.  After exchanging our money at an unreasonable ratio, we spent our time shopping and eating delicious falafel and shwarma.

Once this was done, we headed to the legendary Time Elevator, which was kinda like the Terminator 2 ride at Universal Studios, but with twice as much awesome and ten times as much Judaism.  Here, our helpful and intuitive tour guide Moshe led us through centuries of Jewish history with magic and moving chairs.

Finally, we headed back to the hotel and prepared to go to the Kotel (Western Wall).  We traveled through a maze of Orthodox neighborhoods and eventually emerged to the sight of the Kotel; we lit candles and said prayers for Shabbat, and then went down to the wall.  The wall was split up between males and females; the guys’ side was filled with men praying and singing, while the gals’ side was much quieter.  Some of the guys participated in traditional Jewish dancing.

We arrived back at the hotel after a long walk (because it was now Shabbat, which meant no automobiles) and said all of the Shabbat prayers before eating our dinners.  Finally, exhausted from the events of the day, we collapsed into our beds for a good night’s sleep.
 
Love,
Ben Stein
 

Satell Teen Fellows heard about how to understand and report the Arab-Israeli conflict from Linda Gradstein, NPR correspondent (sitting at the table).

A street sign on Ben Yehuda street, a famous hang out and shopping location in Jerusalem.

David and Ellie show off their sunglasses outside Machne Yehuda, commonly known as "the Shuq."

Dan, Will and Anna pose on Ben Yehuda Street.

Josh gets "wrapped" in Tifilin by an American Orthodox Jew outside the Shuq.

In a park near the Shuq, Ben shows his excitement to walk around ancient neighborhoods.

Satell Teen Fellows walk through a passageway on a tour of the Nachlaot neighborhoods.

Satell Teen Fellows relax in the King Solomon Hotel after a long day of touring Jerusalem.

Ben, Annie, Rachel, Dan and Will sit in the Time Elevator.

Lindsay and Rachel wait in happy anticipation to travel up the Time Elevator, a multi-sensory ride through history.

Ellie, Jill, David, Josh and Ben enjoy their time on Ben Yehuda Street.