Jerusalem and Day of Reflection

On the 25 of May, we spent the day exploring the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. We perused the market streets in search of Hamsas, mezuzot, and Chanukiot. We came out with some really excellent finds! While it got hotter, we strolled through the Old City, and saw some really inspirational sites. We saw the South Wall of the Temple Mount where the ancient Temple stood over 3000 years ago. After that, we were given the chance to visit the Kotel, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. It was a really spiritual experience for many people. Many of us wrote prayers that we placed within the cracks of the wall. After that, we headed to a traditional Israeli market, to enjoy the food of the land. Some of us ate Schwarma, falafel, or pastries. Then, we visited a site that overlooked the West Bank, and there we discussed the implications of the area and its people. After a long day, we headed back to the hotel for a night in. Our Israeli soldiers prepared a game of "Israeli Jeopardy" for us. We competed as three branches of the IDF: Airforce, Navy, and Infantry. The infantry unit came out victorious!!

Today, May 26, we started our day at Yad Vashem, the national Israeli Holocaust Museum. It was a deeply moving and profound exhibit that inspired a lot of emotion for everyone in the group. After a quick lunch, we headed to Har (Mount) Herzel, the national Israeli military cemetary. We visited the graves of famous Israelis such as: Theodore Herzel, Yitzach Rabin, Golda Meir, and others. After we visited a few graves of soldiers who gave their lives for the advencement of the Jewish State such as Michael Levin and Yonatan Netanyahu. Before setting out for Tel Aviv, we said our tearful goodbyes to our eight Israeli soldiers. In Tel Aviv, we had a nice variety of dinner options on Jaffa street. Anything from Shwarma to pizza was available; and the ice cream was only 8 shekels! We ended the evening by seeing a play performed by blind and deaf actors, detailing their struggles and dreams. Overall, it was a humbling and reflective day.


Kimberly Syvarth, Rutgers 2013
Sabrina Rackow, George Mason Dec 2011
Jonathan Levin, Rutgers 2013
Sofia Kremer, Rutgers 2012

to the south

yesterday, we went to tzfat or safed - there's no standard spelling - it was very beautiful, with a great view of the surrounding countryside. we visited two synagogues, then went shopping. after shopping, we worked with livnot u'lhibanot - to build and to rebuild - an israeli group a bit like habitat for humanity. we did some weeding in a park in tzfat, where there was an old fortress dating back at least to the romans. after tzfaat, we went to bet she'arim, where there are caves where jews were buried during the roman period, and we learned about the revolts against the roman and the greeks. finally we went to a bedouin camp, where we rode camels a short distance, then enjoyed traditional bedouin hospitality and coffee. the bedouins drink three cups of coffee with their guests, one to honor the guest, one for protection, and one for fun. we took a night walk into the negev desert where we meditated a bit, then came back and discussed faith and religious experience in the desert. we slept at the bedouin camp after a night of singing and fun around a campfire.
today we got up very early to go to masada. we saw an infantry brigade, the young pioneers, walking through the desert on a long hike to masada, where we climbed the roman ramp with the soldiers. we viewed and learned about the ruins at masada, then went to the dead sea for lunch and relaxation. after that we went to ein gedi, a freshwater spring, where we haad fun in the water. after ein gedi, we went to jerusalem, where we had a short shehechiyanu ceremony before going to the hotel. we spent the night out in jerusalem, in a pedestrian mall. we had a lot of fun, especially tonight.
sammie - george mason
dov - rutgers

SUMMER 2011!!

Driving to the airport some of us were nervous but once we met each other on the plane, everyone shared the same feelings and were welcoming. Although the plane was an 11 hours long, it went by pretty fast; we talked, napped, and watched movies.
Our first shabbat was nice because it was nice relaxing from being rushed into Israel for our first times. We stayed at the Kibbutz in Machaniam. We noticed instead of squirrels, Israel has cats and dogs running around. Everyone we have met so far is really nice and understanding that we do not speak Hebrew. Many people are connecting to their Judaism and others are still finding themselves. We all manage to coordinate and find time to spend our spare time together.

Today we went on a nature walk in Tel Dan. It was fascinating. We learned about Syria and Lebanon, and how the conflicts arise between the close borders. We saw exotic birds and how essential the conversion of swamps were into agricultural land. The soldiers joined us they are very nice and open to any questions; they will be joining us for a few more days, and we love them already. Traveling up the Golan Heights really put things into perspective for us and how important the IDF is... it is not just being apart of an army, but having a special identity and pride for your country to maintain its significance. We have all gotten really close and it is only the third day. So far, birthright is an amazing experience and I cannot wait to see what else comes this week.