Erev Yom Kippur

pomegranates - Israeli anti-oxidant

ancient stone alleyway

The Kotel and Dome of the Rock

Looking east past the Kotel

It's Sunday morning and I'm headed out of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for Yom Kippur. It's only a quick 45 minute drive on the modern highway going up to Jerusalem. The new "bridge" welcomes you to the holiest city on earth. After trying to check into the new Mamilla hotel (where the front desk is still learning how to accomodate guests), I proceeded to check into my old favorite -- the David Citadel. My schedule is still a little off so it's a quick pre-fast meal before an early Kol Nidre. I decided to stay at the hotel and attended services there. I was able to follow most of the service with my English/Hebrew prayer book. Of course, there was a mechitza separating women and men so I sat alone in one of the last rows. Being jet-lagged, I headed upstairs to sleep after hearing the familiar prayers of the Kol Nidre. Seems to have so much more meaning here in Jerusalem. This is the real thing for sure.