The Sound of Silence

For as long as I can remember, I have been told that there is nothing like Yom Kippur in Jerusalem. I am fairly certain this statement is true. It is hard to explain the sound of the silence that takes over the city or the site of all the traffic lights flashing yellow and next to no cars driving on the road. It is hard to explain how kids on their bikes take over the street and sidewalks become obsolete. However, this is what it is like and you'll simply have to imagine it or take my words for it. 

For services, I was expected to attend the ones held in Blaustein Hall at HUC. This hall has floor to ceiling glass windows that face the old city that serve as the background to the bimah (stage where services are lead from) - it is a spectacular site coming from traditional synagogues where you face a wall. I spent more time in synagogue this year than I recall ever doing before - Kol Nidre, Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Neillah. I even attended a study session in the afternoon. I saw that sunset, rise, and set again from the same seat (approx), and when I realized I was seeing the sunset for the second time, it struck me how cool it was to be experiencing it. 

Some interesting thoughts were raised in my mind with regards to the style and effectiveness of the services, but I think I will post those in my thoughts blog when I get a chance to write. On a whole, it was a new and special experience, and I'm really happy about it. 

On Erev Yom Kippur, I took a walk to the Kotel with some friends and sat there speaking for a little while. I'll reiterate that there is definitely something magical about the Kotel at night...though I should probably try to get there during the day sometime soon. On the way home, and throughout the entire 25 hours of Yom Kippur, I made sure to take every opportunity possible to walk in the middle of the street - it was really cool. 

It is appropriate to wish each other a Gmar Chatimah Tova (may your name be sealed in the book of life) all the way through the end of Sukkot. Therefore, that is what I will leave you and this blog post with.