In Israel Succot is celebrated for 8 days with the last day being both Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. I tried out both of the reform synagogues, going to Kol Haneshama on Sunday evening and Har-El on Monday morning. Har-El is a reasonable walk from my place. It is really hard to fit in. Most of the time no one talks to you unless you start a conversation. So I jumped in and joined the dancing and got to dance with the Torah at both shuls. However I really missed being with people I know. I did feel a little more comfortable at Har-El. I might go back for Shabbat. There is another modern Orthodox synagogue that I would also like to try before I leave. Supposedly they do more singing. Even though the services were entirely in Hebrew, I know enough about a pray book to be able to follow along. On my way home from shul on Monday I ran into a group of women called “Women wage peace”. They recently completed a two week walk through Israel including the West Bank. The marchers were both Israelis and Palestinians. On Monday, Oct. 31st, they are going to march to the Knesset. I am going to join them. 

Today I went up to Mt. Herzl to see the grave sites of the leaders of Israel. When I am in Israel I make it a point to go to Hannah Senesh’s grave and I wanted to also pay my respects to Shimon Peres. I chose not to go to Yad Vashem. I have been there twice. It is too painful to go. 

After I went to the Mahane Yehuda shuk to buy groceries. It is an impressive place but I also find it hard to make up my mind as to what and which stall I want to buy from. So I came away with some smoked fish, fish, herring, some veggies, olives, some loose Beduian style tea, eggplant salad and zatar (I am bringing this back to the states).