This week an incredible, momentous event took place in Israel, on Shavuot, but you may not have heard about it through the press. It didn’t involve the war, president Trump, or placards and shouting. Nevertheless, it was a special moment in the annals of Jewish history that is worth celebrating. 

Thirty years ago, I was in Jerusalem for my gap year, and experienced this myself in person. Rising early, at 2am, I stepped into the crisp spring night, to begin a two hour trek to the Western Wall with friends. 

As we walked, we were joined by thousands of other Jews, from all walks of life, making their own journey towards the holiest place on earth. The crowd grew as we reached closer. 

Different languages. Disparate cultures. Religious, non religious. Sefardi, Ashkenazi. Old, young. A multitude of people gathering together for one purpose, with one heart. 

I was swept along with the crowd, and felt a part of something greater than myself. I will never forget the moment when the sun rose above the Kotel (Western Wall) and our voices merged together in a grateful song. 

(I actually fell asleep during the prayers, and a bird dropped something on my shoulders to help me wake up.. but will leave that part of the story for another time.)

I don’t know how many people were there then, I couldn’t count. This year, there were over 100,000 people gathered together to thank Hashem for the gift of the Torah that we received as a people over 3337 years ago on Shavuot.

When we entered the land of Israel so many years ago, with Joshua as our leader, (Moshe died outside the land), we were told to travel to Jerusalem, to the Temple, three times a year – on Pesach, Shavuot and Succot. 

Ever since, when we have had access to the Kotel, thousands have tried to continue this tradition on these three festivals. 

We don’t always hear about these events. There’s no controversy here. No fighting and no sides. Maybe it’s not juicy enough for the press. So I’m sharing it with you today, so you can smile for a moment. Feel the energy and unity of our people. Yes, we often disagree. We feel passionate about our different approaches to life. But this week reminded us that beneath it all, we are one. 

Wishing you Shabbat Shalom

Shuli

P.S. In case you missed last weeks message in the Jewish News, you can find my article here.