This week was Yom Yerushalayim. We began the celebrations Tuesday evening with a very spiritual Ma'ariv, singing praises of Hashem and Jerusalem. After Ma'ariv, Ruthie shared her childhood memories of Jerusalem before the unification; standing on the rooftop of the King David Hotel with her family and viewing the Jordanian soldiers aiming rifles in their direction. Seeing the Kotel was still a dream. We, on the other hand, visit the Kotel all the time. We are living the dream.

The night continued with Midreshet's annual "Drum Circle".  We each received our own darbuka to play and together we learnt rhythms and had a great time. Later, we went to Yeshivat Merkaz Harav where we joined in the famous march to the Kotel late at night. 

Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of people dressed in blue and white met at Gan Sacher for the start of the Rikud D'galim (dance of the flags).  With our flags on our backs, we again marched, sang and danced our way down to the Old City. All along the way there were concerts and music making it a truly special celebration. Eventually, we all made it to the Kotel, dancing and singing with the rest of the thousands of people who were there to celebrate Yom Yerushalayim. 

The pride and unity of Am Yisrael was truly an inspiration to us. The streets of Jerusalem and the Kotel were filled with tons of Jews, from Israel as well as from all over the world. Everyone there felt the same emotions; the love and passion for Israel and praise for Hashem for returning us to Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom!

Jordana Pachter, Hollywood, Fl, Shana Alef

Talya Ross, Lawrence, NY, Shana Alef