WEDNESDAY/ THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 9-10, 2000

   The first unique experience of our trip -- Sheva Brachos at 33-thousand feet.  It was unique alright -- Midnight New York time -- Robert Katz and I are invited to join a small cluster in the aisle at row 38.  We strain to hear the Brachos over the sound of the engines.  The Chosson and Kallah -- Avi and Jen Fruchter -- well, let's just say they seem less than thrilled to be the center of a spectacle.  They were married two nights ago in New York and look like they'd rather be sleeping.

   (She's from Morristown -- maiden name  Lowensteiner -- he's from Efrat -- and they're on their way to their new home in Ramat Beit Shemesh).                                                  

   Robert has the third Bracha -- I say the fourth.  Mattes and Mark could have gone next but they've gone to sleep instead.  Bracha number six -- the big gun comes out --  the man who takes it seriously when someone makes the obligatory joke:  "Chazanus" -- cantorial-style. 

   Only on the way to Israel.  Next time, a Bris?

Har Hatzofim, overlooking the Old City, at sunset. Wow.

Mayer Fertig -- looking amazingly happy after just 2 hours of sleep.

Newlyweds Avi and Jen Fruchter

37-thousand miles up, negative-58 degrees outside, and doing 560 MPH -- it's good to be indoors.

...Al Kanfei Nesharim Esah Etchem...On the wings of eagles I shall carry you.

I stood stock-still and let the chills wash over me.  I hadn't been at the Kotel in 12 years.

On the walk downstairs from the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, I listened to the laughter all around me -- you'll always hear when the six of us are together.  I wondered if the kibitzing would dilute the impact of my first glimpse of The Wall. 

I shouldn't have worried.

As I rounded a corner on the staircase, there it was, bathed in light. The thought ran through my mind that seeing the Kotel for the first time, the second time -- can be even more meaningful than the first.