July 27
Shabbas in Jerusalem
“Shabbas here was beautiful. Buses weren’t running and only a few cars moved to break Shabbas. “
Shabbas in Jerusalem Buses not running and only few cars moved to break Shabbas
July 27, 1957 Sat Night
Dear Mom Dad & Alan,
Today was a most thrilling day. In Yerushalayim they say Birkat Cohanim on every Shabbos, so today I duchened in the Holy City. It was a great feeling. I was thinking about all of you.
As far as clothes go I haven’t seen anyone wearing a suit, not even in Israel’s Parliament. Today I got a real close up view of the old City. I even saw Arabs looking at us with machine guns and Spy Glasses. They were lower than us and their positions are dominated by Israeli Artillery, (recently acquired from Egypt) located on the Hilltop where we were. The Jewish and Arab Civilians live right near one another here peacefully. It seems that since Sinai, they go out of their way to avoid trouble. I guess they realize it is healthier (for the time being at least).
The Shabbas here was beautiful. Buses weren’t running and only a few cars moved to break Shabbas.
I am amazed at the extra friendly spirit of the Israelis. Everyone we meet is willing to invite you to his home where I spent some time. It’s getting late and some people are working for me.
Your very devoted son,
Bob
David’s Comments:
July 27, 1957 Saturday Night
“Today was a most thrilling day. In Jerusalem ירושלים they say Birkat Kohanim ברכת כוהנים on every Shabbat.”
In the US, Jews of West European origin (Ashkenazim) only say “Birkat Kohanim” (blessing of the priests) on the High Holy days (Bob always loved to give his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren a “Birkat Kohanim” on Friday nights, festivals and other “smachot” (happy occasions)
“The Shabbas here (Jerusalem) was beautiful. Buses weren’t running and only a few cars moved to break the Shabbas”.
Bob was referring to public buses not running on Shabbas. Some non public buses run on Shabbas especially in areas with non-Jewish populations.
“I am amazed at the extra friendly spirit of the Israelis; everyone we meet is willing to invite you to his home.”
In 2019, most people are not as friendly as they were when the State was first founded.