Today was a very special and relaxing day filled with Judaism and exploration, but we wouldn't be doing our trip justice if we didn't describe our first full day of Birthright to you.
Today was a very special and relaxing day filled with Judaism and exploration, but we wouldn't be doing our trip justice if we didn't describe our first full day of Birthright to you.
We spent a lot of time going around saying our names so we could get to know each other better. The team building and bonding activities were a lot of fun and a great way not only to learn everyone’s names quicker but to become more comfortable being ourselves among a new group of people. The afternoon free time was an opportunity for us to either rest or relax by ourselves or with our new friends. Having Havdallah was a very meaningful way to end our first shabbat together and to start the next phase of our adventure.
Even with each of us raised differently; conservative, reform, orthodox, secular, we all came together to share something very special. After four days of running around, we could finally rest. I feel so blessed to have met such an amazing group if people that I can already call my family!
We had time to relax, get to know one another, and ease the transition into being in Israel. A few of the highlights from our weekend were a group yoga session, a nature walk through the kibbutz, and getting to know the people and lifestyle at the kibbutz
What made this moment so remarkable is that I am standing a circle with people that I met only a few days before and through the power of Shabbat we all are sharing very personal stories that are very hard to talk about. Not only did I feel very blessed that I was in Israel for Shabbat, but I felt even more blessed to be with Jewish peers that felt the same way I did. This connection was AMAZING and I will never forget this moment and my first Shabbat in Israel.
We could not be experiencing Israel more authentically. We have enjoyed the pinnacle of each city we have been in. We went from a night celebrating our youth, energy, and 2016 in Tel Aviv to observing Shabbat in the cradle of holiness, Jerusalem. The word that comes to mind correctly or not is "Bashert" or destiny.
As the sun set on our first Shabbat, we performed a short Havdalah service and had dinner at our dining hall. We finished up the night by playing a few ice breaker games as a group. It's taken awhile, but I think we're all finally starting to learn everyone's names! We all had a great time on the Kibbutz, but we're all excited to head out on the bus tomorrow morning for some hiking and to see Tzfat.
Our first Shabbat on the trip began with discussions based upon identity and Judaism.
Arriving after a long day of traveling, we finally arrived at the kibbutz safely. We scarfed down a delicious dinner and then rang in the New Year at the local bar!
Our first day was filled with unplanned weather, some snow caused our hikes to be cancelled. Instead we were able to tour Olea Essence where we learned extensively about olive oil and sampled six flavors!
Had a great Shabbat, after dinner we played games and got to know eachother more personally. A modified rock paper scisors tournament ended in in the Hava Nagila!!
Finally, the we saw the curvaceous image of the Dead Sea appear from behind an edge of the mountain, far below in the valley. Driving down into the area of the Dead Sea you can see marked lines on the side of the mountain walls to your right that indicate the points of -100, -200, -300 meters below sea level. The color begins to define the sea as you get closer, turning from sun-drenched silver to an aquamarine that glows bright blue as you get closer.