First Day (and a half)

We are happy to report that we have arrived safe and sound, and have just finished up a very nice Shabbat evening.  Our flights went very smoothly – some of us slept more than others – and we arrived in Prague to see snow on the ground.  We were met at the airport by Shlomo, our guide, and then at the hotel by Shelly, another person here to make sure we have the best experience possible!

Once we settled into the hotel, we took a leisurely stroll to Beit Simcha – the liberal Jewish community here.  Services were familiar at times and difficult for some of us to follow at other times.  We were definitely welcomed into the community nicely though!  After services, we walked to the Jewish Community Center to have dinner together.  After that we were lucky enough to have a friend of Cantor Sacks come and speak to us about Czech Jewry.  He happens to be pursuing his PhD. in the subject, so it was very informative for us.

Here are a few pictures since we've been together (in no particular order):

At JFK before our flight to London

Dinner party @ JFK

Sweet tooth

Jerusalem Street Synagogue, Prague

Jerusalem Street Synagogue invites all who are righteous to enter.

The old City Hall

The Grand Hotel Europe

Shlomo leading the group

Jackie, Joe, Noah, and Sabrina

Shlomo teaching us about the nonviolent revolt that occurred in 1989

The corner where our hotel is located.

The sign for Jerusalem Street.

Our first Metro experience.

Sydney, Jason, Sam fighting back the sleep

Our elders: Raquel, Jake, Az, and Jami

The National Museum