Israel 2013

From the diary of Jeffrey Appel..
A few days ago Sue was told by one of her Israeli friends that every Friday about an hour before Shabbat there is a Kabbalat service at the Tel Aviv Namal. So I thought that instead of going to my usual Friday night Shule I would venture down to the Namal and see what it was all about.
As I approached, I saw hundreds of people on the decking, facing the water and the setting sun. There were people sitting on chairs which had been set up, people on rugs and people standing. The service is Beit Tefilah Israeli and is supported by the council. There is a band of 5 musicians and 2 singers. There were sound technicians and a special Siddur in Hebrew, transliteration and English translation. There were men with kippot, those without, women with kippot, those that appeared religious and those that came to hear the Kabbalat Shabbat songs. All the songs were signed for the deaf by a person standing in front. The crowd all joined in singing the Shabbat songs as the sun was setting over the Mediterranean. A few weeks ago I attended a Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel where there were thousands , and today one on the sea shore where there were hundreds. Each has it purpose, each has its special meaning to all those that attend. To me it was a special night and I am glad that I heard about it before we head home.

- From the diary of Jeffrey Appel