Shalom TJJ Bus 5 Family,

On Friday we spent the day in the vibrant streets of Jerualem. We first had lunch on Ben Yehuda street and walked around shopping for gifts for family and friends and personal items as well to always connect us to our homeland.

We then walked to Machane Yehuda as a group and explored the most exciting and inspiring in the world. There is no place like Machane Yehuda on a Friday as thousands of Jews from the Jerusalem area come out to buy food in preparation for the Shabbat. Our bus was no different as we bought pastries, dried fruit, nuts, candy, chips, drinks, and so much more for our final Shabbat together.

On Shabbat night we sang and prayed together at the Kotel. Our group was filled with so much spirit, song, and dance that other groups asked if they can join in our Kabalat Shabbat. The prayer group went from our bus of 44 to over 150 people. It was very inspiring and very uplifting.

Afterwards we had a beautiful Shabbat dinner together overlooking the Kotel. Following our meal we walked down the light rail together with other TJJ buses back to the Bayit Vagan Guest House. It was a stunning night and a beautiful walk.

The next day we spent Shabbat together with song, great meals, learning sessions on our past, present, and future, and a final takeaway message about the importance of solidifying inspire by putting it into action.

After Shabbat we had one last dinner at the stunning Tzion Hagadol restaurant with shishkabobs, grilled chicken, and unlimited pita and dips. What a great way to end off the night. I say night because we got back to the Hotel close to midnight and then the finale began.

We all came together for a banquet where the staff spoke about every single TJJer and distributed gifts as well. Afterward select TJJers spoke on behalf of the bus to talk about the staff and the appreciation they had for the hard work and dedication that they were able to reap the benefits from.

It is hard to believe that the summer is over. Our group flight just landed in JFK and the journey that began four weeks ago has finally come to an end. It has been such an honor and pleasure directing the 2017 TJJ BUS 5. NCSY runs programming throughout the year with Shabbatonim, Latte and Learnings, JSU Clubs, and so much more. TJJ should be just the beginning for our TJJers there is so much out there to tap into to keep our kids inspire and more connected to their Judaism every day. May we merit to see our children grow to tremendous heights and be the next generation of leaders in the Jewish community.

All The Best,

Michael Kahn

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