Israel Trip Update 4/26 & 4/27

Israel Journals

April 26th
Today we went to visit an old man-made cave from the time of the Maccabees. The cave had numerous holes we climbed through and many twist and turns. After the cave we entered another ancient ruin to dig for old artifacts such as, broken ceramics, animal bones, and anything else from their time period. During our time we learned many new things about Israel's archeology and ancient civilizations.
-Samantha



April 27th
On Saturday afternoon, we went to Gan Ha'Atzmaut, Independence Park. The three schools talked, read, and played sports. I enjoyed reading and hanging out by the creek. After packing our suitcases and having a Havdalah ceremony on the roof of the hotel, we went to Ben Yehuda street for dinner and shopping. I had falafel and ice cream, and bought two animal statues.
- Rachel

8th Grade Israel Trip

Israel Journals:

 

 

April 18

We arrived at Israel on Tuesday and quickly made our way to our first activity which was touring Caesarea which was really fun.  On our third day in Israel, we went biking at the Hula Valley and we learned that birds fly there to rest. Later, we ate pizza and played a fun game called Mingle. Then we rode jeeps on a trail which was very muddy and fun. We all had an amazing day and made a lot of new friends.  - Maya

 

April 19th

On our first full day, we took a bus to Tzfat, learning Israeli slang and songs along the way. Once we arrived in Tzfat, we listened to the Yom Hashoa siren that is sounded all across Israel. After that, we continued touring around and bought artistic and special gifts for ourselves, our friends, and our family. - Olivia Altman

 

We went to the holocaust museum and after we went there, we saw a holocaust memorial. When we were at the museum we got to see what it was like before, during, and after the holocaust. After we were done touring the museum, we went to a holocaust memorial which took place in Lohamei HaGetaot. It was amazing, there were fantasic singers, holocaust survivors, and soldiers.

 - Isabella Kolodny 

 

 On our fifth day in Israel, we got a well deserved rest at the Ohalo guest house. We started off the day  late by sleeping till 9:30 (Thank G-d). We had a long Shabbat service. After the service we played sports, cards, and bonded with friends until 5:30. We then went back to our rooms and prepared for havdalah and a fun night in Tiberius. After having dinner in Tiberius, the group walked to the docks and boarded a party boat that took us around the kineret while at the same time making sure that everybody partied hard. Ten minutes into the ride the beat dropped and things got wild and crazy. The fun soon ended when the boat finished its route around the Kineret. After the boat, we boarded the bus and drove back to where we were staying.

 

Much love,
Gabriella Neibart

 

 

April 20th

This morning, we awoke bright and early to a wonderful Rosh Chodesh. To begin the new month, we experienced nature in the most exuberant way. We hiked across the Golan Heights, saw waterfalls, climbed rocks, and grasped some of the true beauty of Israel.     -Daniel Shtirmer

 

Yesterday afternoon we went rafting down the Jordan River. I was rafting with four of my friends: two from Hannah Senesh, one from Carmel Academy, and Jason Berg from Gottesman RTW Academy. When we got onto the boat, I began to enjoy the rafting experience when I got wet. We jumped in and out of the river, splashed others, and most importantly, had fun! My favorite part of the rafting trip was when Mr. Nahan got out of his raft, climbed onto my raft, picked me up, and threw me into the water like a wrestler throwing down his opponent to the mat. When we started to approach the end, I jumped out of the raft and tried to sneak up to other rafts and pull others out of their raft into the river. In the end, we had a marvelous time and it was a great bonding experience for all of us.     -Ben Pincus

 

Last night, our group went camping near the Jordan River. We were all tired, but somehow we were able to set up our tents. Dinner was various barbecued meat and pita, but luckily for me, there was a  vegetarian option. We made s'mores and had a campfire sing along. Towards the end of the night, we all went back to our tents in groups of three, talked for a little while, and fell asleep. Breakfast was early, and after davening, we hurried to get ready for our fun day that awaits us at the hot springs of Sachneh and the Dead Sea.      - Joseph Cukor

 

 

April 21st

Today we went to Sachne, the freshwater natural pools. There were a lot of fish which felt weird on our feet (and were really scary (for me)). The water was really warm and it was like we were in a jacuzzi. Miss you all!! 

 

Love,
Orli.

 

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An Update from Israel!

An Update from Israel!

Israel Trip 2014 Part 2

Day 9 (May 3):Finally, after a week of tiring activities we got to rest and relax on Shabbat. After Shabbat was over, we shopped at Tveria then we got on a boat and danced as we took a ride on the kneret.
Xoxoxo

8th Grade Israel Trip

An Update in Israel!

Day 5 (April 29):

                Five days ago, I never would have dreamed that I would be sitting in a dark cave with 35 close friends, singing our hearts out together. This is how our Israel trip 9has started to change us all. This morning, we left the Jerusalem area to head south. driving for an hour, we finally stopped at the area of the caves that were used almost 1900 years ago in the Bar Kochba Revolt. we crawled through the tunnels and rooms, some uncomfortably tight and small, stopping along the way to hear the story of the tunnels, how people had to go underground and fight to prevent themselves from losing their jewish identities. Then, we took another drive, stopping along the way at a gas station to eat lunch, to go to the dig-for-a-day archeological seminar. We dug through dirt and rock, sifted out buckets of dirt, and crawled through caves to learn about how all our knowledge of ancient history comes to be. Our final stop before our hotel, after almost three hours of driving, was at the edge of Machtesh Ramon, where we started a jeep ride that took us around the huge basin. We learned about it's formation, and how a Machtesh is different from a crater. After this ride, we traveled to our hotels and ate dinner before going to bed. It's now my turn to go to bed. Goodnight!

Day 6 (April 30):

We looked outside the window as the morning sun broke through the horizon. Once again Eretz Yisrael didn't fail us, it was a beautiful, cloudless, sunny day. That was until we stepped out of our hotel into the scorching 95 degree sun of the Negev. The day commenced with a short bus ride to Ein Ovdat where we took a brutal hike over a waterfall (with no water), and a scenic view of the mountains of this Holy land. Shortly after, we traveled to the grave of the person who carried the country through a difficult time, brought success, and encouraged the land to flourish. His name is David ben Gurion. We showed our respect to this great person who transformed history, and then went on our way to the Neve Midbar natural pools. We relished in our first swim since coming to Israel. We concluded the day with a literal bang as our bottoms embraced the comfortable humps of a camel across the desert, and we are now enjoying the hospitality and food of the bedouins at Kfar Nanokdim.   

Day 7 (May 1):

Ouch, we woke up so early this morning, it was 4:00 a.m.  It was very hard, but the day got much better.  We went to Masada and we climbed up the side path for like 20 minutes to the top. Then we got up, watched the sunrise, and prayed.  Afterwards our group toured the oh-so interesting Masada, courtesy of King Herod.  After touring for a while, we had a Torah service and since I'm a Kohen, I got the first aliyah.  This was a very cool and interesting experience for me.  After the Torah reading, we went to the bottom of Masada.It took us about an hour,the Snake Root is very steep! In the restaurant we had breakfast.  We went to the Dead Sea afterwards where I had a lot of fun.  We then went to Ein Gedi and after a while of climbing, we reached our destination and we swam and went under the waterfall for a little bit. Then we went on the bus to Karey Desheh,by the sea of Galely where I am now.  Peace out.

An Update in Israel!

Today was the most inspiring Shabbat I've ever experienced!  To start off the day, we woke up to a delicious authentic Israeli breakfast at our hotel.  Then we got divided into four group to go to all different types of services. One group went to Beit Kneset HaGadol. It was a LONG WALK! Another group went to Beit Kneset in Nach'laot neighborhood. There they had an amazing service and a kiddush. After the service one man from the synagogue volunteered to take our group to A WALKING TOUR though one of the most eclectic Jerusalem neighborhoods. Tonight, we davened and did havdalah and then went to Ben-Yehudah street for an excellent dinner and some shopping time.  Phew, I'm tired!

To begin this amazing day, I woke up and had an amazing breakfast. It was delicious. Then, we split up into four groups to go to different synagogues. My group got lost for 10 minutes trying to find the place. That was fun. After this, we all went to the park for almost three hours to play some games and hang out with our frineds. Finally we went to Ben Yehudah street to go shopping and have dinner. Today was really fun. '

3rd Day:

Rise and shine was how the day started... at 6:30. Oy vey. Besides the start, the day was one to remember. We ventured through the alleyways of the old city of Jerusalem, crept our ways though the narrow Hezekiah tunnel (which included a swim in sewage water afterwards), and we set off on our own to discover the city and to get lunch. Perhaps the most enjoyable experience of the day was interviewing other tourists and natives of the land. I spoke to a Lutheran man who was in Israel out of support for the state and to learn more about it, and a French born woman, who came to the joyous state because she was sent by G-d. Wow what an amazing land.

Day 4 (April 28):

Today was the most strenuous day so far. We started even earlier today, getting up at 6:15. After breakfast and davening, we drove to Yad Vashem, the Israeli holocaust museum and complex. We got guides and took a trip through the holocaust, from the highest highs to the lowest lows, and back again. It was extremely moving and powerful to be there on Yom Ha-Shoah,the Holocaust Memorial Day. After spending time in the museum, we walked up the path to Mount Herzl. It was almost like we were taking a path through time, from the destruction of the Holocaust to the rebirth that was the Jewish State. We walked around Mount Herzl, stopping at some of the gravesites, including that of Yitzchak Rabin.

               

After Mount Herzl, we drove and stopped at the Kenesset. Unfortunately, as it was a national Memorial Day, they were closed and we could only look from afar. Then, we walked into the old city and had a pizur dinner near the Kotel. To end the night, we walked through the Kotel tunnels and saw many ancient Roman pathways and arches. It was an incredible and inspirational day.

Bon Voyage: The 8th Grade Trip to Israel - Day 1

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An Update from Israel!

DAY 9

Today was Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial day. It began last night. At the hotel, our two madrichim, Shir and Alisha, made a presentation for us to convey the seriousness of Yom Hazikaron in Israel. Because every Israeli knows somebody who died fighting for the Israeli Defense Force or died in a terrorist attack,everyone in Israel feels this day very personally.

This morning, we visited the memorial for 12 IDF soldiers who had died in the second Lebanon war. Then we visited the graveyard for the Shomer soldiers. After that, we attended a Yom Hazikaron ceremony that included some speeches and songs. Then we went on a nature walk/hike at Banyas. For most of the walk, the path followed a stream which eventually led to a waterfall. We then had lunch at Banyas.

After Banyas, we went to Arbental, an old army place, where we learned about the Yom Kippur War. Then we had fifteen minutes to explore the trenches and look at the beautiful view from which we could see Syria. Now we are on the bus to return to the Tel Chai YouthHostel where we are staying for three nights.Tonight we will go celebrate Yom Haatzmaut, Israeli independence day. Can't wait!!!

-sarahlily


DAY 10

Hello everyone it's Ryan and David reporting to you day 10 of our amazing trip! Last night we went to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut in Kiryat Shmona. It was great, we danced, ate food, and had lots of fun! This morning we woke up at 7 and ate a very "yummy" breakfast after davening Halel for Yom Ha'Azmaut. We went for a 6 mile bike ride around the Lake and stopped multiple times to enjoy the beautiful nature around us. Afterwords we went rafting. There was a lot of action, and we even got to go down a rapid. We also had many water battles where we would ambush other boats and splash them.We are having a blast in Israel and enjoying every moment of our amazing trip with new and old friends.



DAY 11
Hi,

This is Moreh Moshe. It is Wednesday late, and the students are really tired from a long day. I decided to give them a break, and write a short Blog.

Today we left the North and went to Jerusalem. On the way, we stopped by a natural warm spring called 'Ein Ha Shlosha', AKA Sachne. The kids spent more than two hours swimming from one warm pool to another. It was so much fun.

Then, we took a long bus ride to Jerusalem. We went to the Malcha mall and had dinner and much needed shopping. Some children met some friends and family members.

We came back to the hotel and met Ari Chasid, a Harvard graduate who was the roommate of Mark Zuckerberg. He told us his incredible story.

It's late now. Good night from Israel.

Moreh Moshe 



Photos from this week:

An Update from Israel!

DAY 3

Hi everyone!  This is Ophir and Sarahlily blogging from the desert in Israel!  Today is Wednesday, April 10th, and today was Rosh Chodesh. The girls had their own service outside because after all, Rosh Chodesh is a holiday meant for the women.  It was a gorgeous morning, and we really enjoyed davening outside under the beautiful morning sunshine.  After that, we went of to breakfast and left Shefayim, our hotel. From there we headed to Nagala'at, which means "please touch" in Hebrew. This is because it is a community center dedicated to the blind, deaf, and a mixture of both. We went into a pitch dark room where there was a blind guide. In the complete darkness, we made pottery and understood how it is to be blind through a Q and A with our  guide. When we got back out into the light, it was so difficult for our eyes to adjust!

 

After our trip to Nalaga'at, we took a brief walk around the pier at Yaffo.

Then we got onto the bus to go to the Olympic Experience, which is a training facility for Israeli Olympic athletes. In addition, it is a place for people to learn about the Olympics in general and specifically about the accomplishments of the Israeli athletes.  In here, we got to see how strong we are, our reaction rate, how fast we are, and our concentration level. Then we watched an interactive movie on Israeli athletes and the Olympics. 

Next we headed off to lunch outside on the courtyard of the Olympic Experience, and we bought ice cream. From there we headed to Shvil Hasalat, which is a farm the grows fresh vegetables and fruits on the desert.  We got to try tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.  We even got to hold pigeons and release them into the sky!  Afterwards, we got onto the bus for about an hour and a half. We arrived at our new motel and went straight to dinner, followed by a night activity.  Tomorrow we will be going to the Bedouin tents, so we need to pack tonight for that. Also, tonight is the first night that we are sharing rooms with the other schools, and we're becoming closer to them. Can't wait for tomorrow!

DAYS 4 and 5

Hi everyone! This is Jesse and Sam writing from Israel! On Thursday April 11th, we went on the Ein Avdat hike where we hiked to the top of a large cliff where we had to climb steep steps and tall ladders to get to and see beautiful sites. Following this, we went to Mitzpe Revinim and learned how the Negev was first settled by the pioneers. We found out that because we were able to settle the Negev, we were able to obtain all that land and keep it from the Arabs.  An actor came and put on a show, which made us laugh hysterically.  Jesse and Yonatan had cameos, which you'll see in our pictures.  Later that day, we went to a Bedouin-style hotel where we rode camels, ate a delicious Bedouin-style dinner, and had a bonfire complete with smores.  We all slept in one big tent, which was a little cold, but overall really fun. 

The next day, Friday April 12, all the kids woke up at 4:30 in the morning for a very special event - to see the sunrise on Masada. Gesher arrived at Masada at around 5:30, right before sunrise and rushed up the mountain to see the beautiful sunrise from across the Dead Sea. Afterwards, the group went around Masada and learned about its history and story. Right afterwards we went to have breakfast and head towards the Dead Sea where we floated away to our next hotel - Karei Deshe.  Now we're off to get ready for Shabbat tonight.  Shabbat Shalom!

DAYS 6, 7, and 8

Hi everyone this is Yonatan and Michael writing from Israel. On Saturday, We had a late wake up at 9:00 and had an entire day of resting in total. We had about 6 hours of down time and used it up playing basketball. After our adventures on the court, we had dinner and services and left to go off into the city of Tiberius(Teveriah). We were in for a big night as we explored the wonderful city full of life and lights. After shopping for about an hour, we went to the "Party Boat." The Party Boat was a vehicle that rides on the water and plays music at the same time...AMAZING RIGHT!? Well, the party lasted about an hour and was an amazing time as we all danced. Of course, we(Yonatan and Michael) broke it down on the dance floor as we busted our moves. As we were on the boat, we were amazed by the lights and sights of the beautiful city. After the Party was over, we headed to our hotel and crashed. The next day I (Michael) was requested to wake up 30 minutes early to wake up the rest of the group with other friends. To start off the day we hiked down Mount Arbel. It was a great experience because we climbed down steep cliffs and met some cows along the way. After that hike we went to a camp where they showed us how life was before our time, about 1800 years ago. Thank you for reading our blog and have a good day!

Photos from this week: