On Saturday, I returned to the Kotel to daven at the minyan that I’d happened upon the previous Shabbat. Once again, the group was friendly, and one of the participants noted that I had arrived on time, which he encouraged me to do again.

On my way through the Old City to minyan, I found myself cheerfully greeting others with a “Shabbat Shalom,” feeling myself in good spirits. I reflected upon my mood as I walked, and realized that I was looking forward to praying on Shabbat in the open air with the friendly minyan that I’d discovered there. Continue reading →