Welcome Midreshet Moriah 5771! The group flight arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Shana Bet, as well as the girls who had come a day early, were at the airport to greet them. After all the luggage was pulled off the carousel (a great way to make friends!), the students made their way to the buses for the Mystery Trip. We brought them to Mitzpeh Rechavam, a beautiful look-out from above Har Ha-Zaytim. From there, we saw the whole Har Ha-Bayyit and talked about the history of davening for our return to this special place within Yerushalayim. Vicky gave words of encouragement about living al kiddush Hashem and making the most out of this year. The girls were each given a Midreshet shirt with “Im Eshkachaich Yerushalayim” printed on it, and were thereby able to fulfill the practice of “tearing kriyah,” as a mourner does, upon seeing the ruins of Yerushalayim after many months (or years) of being away. A group photo with the Har Ha-Bayyit in the background was in order, and you can access that group picture on our website soon. The students were then given a few moments to write notes to place in the Kotel as well as daven Minchah here, a quite inspiring and unique place to visit. The visit to the Kotel followed, with a few minutes for Tehillim or personal introspection, after which we proceeded to Midreshet for supper and unpacking. That night in the dorm was full of friendly chit-chat, music and fun as the girls settled in and became more comfortable with their new friends and surroundings. Thank you to Sarah Proops, our Eim Bayyit, for staying late and making sure everyone was settled and happy. Thursday will have Orientation programming, as well as a trip to Kever Rachel and to Rav Eitan’s for a BBQ and evening of ice-breaker games, to help everyone meet and become fast friends. Stay tuned for information about our first in-house Shabbaton of the year. Great programming and some treats and surprises all await the girls. May we be zocheh to a fulfilling, successful and fun year!