Cardin School Updates

Machaneh Yehudah - January 4, 2007

Today was my first time visiting Mahaneh Yehudah, a busy, open air shuk (market) in Jerusalem. To be honest, at first I was hesitant about visiting there, worried about miscommunication, or not fitting in. These worries, however, shortly drifted as I was blended into the diverse culture of the shuk.

In the shuk there was no place for the eyes to escape from seeing the vibrant colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables, or the glittering of the sugar on the succulent candies. Constantly hovering beneath my nose was the aroma of Israel, freshly made falafel, shuwarma, and pitot (pitah bread). The sounds of people bargaining, collecting Tzedakah, and making conversation with one another blended together to create a melodic symphony. The shuk was a thrill to the senses.

I am so glad that I had a chance to visit Mahaneh Yehudah. It has become one of the highlights of this trip for me. I enjoyed being wrapped up in the culture of the shuk, and having a chance to talk with people from surrounding neighborhoods and towns. I loved the shuk and hope to go back and visit it again someday.

- Rebecca Weinstein