SH-21-308's blog

We departed the kibbutz and headed for Mt. Arbel, driving to the top of the overlook. We could see the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Kinneret. It was an amazing view, with villages below both Muslim and Jewish. We heard the call to prayer ringing out over the small village nearest the base of the mountain, and took in an amazing view of the green mountainside while learning about the history of the area. The climb down the mountain was fantastic, a difficult descent over ladders and boulders along the trail.

 
Hello family and friends!!! 
 
After sleeping in the Kibbutz Gonen overnight, we ate breakfast in the communal area and headed out to Mount Bental.  There we were able to view the Golan Heights from the top of the mountain and learn about the wars of 1967 and 1973.  We checked out the underground bunker on the hill and saw how the Israeli soldiers survived during the war. 

Our day of touring the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem started with an early morning exploration of emotion and a discussion of our own family connections to the holocaust. We each selected a card on which was written an emotion – anger, fear, joy, revenge, etc. Then after a moment of personal reflection, we were asked to share with the group what this emotion means personally and to connect this emotion to the Holocaust.

Shabbat Shalom!
 
How exciting? We finally made it to Israel, and we were fortunate enough to spend our first night welcoming in Shabbat- the Sabbath- in the holiest city in the word: Jerusalem! We finally arrived in Israel despite Chicago snow storms, overweight luggage, and a long plane ride, only to be greeted by several wonderful and enthusiastic Israelis ready to share our journey. Before we knew it, we were bonding on a short bus ride from Ben Gurion airport towards Jerusalem, making sure to check in before Shabbat arrived to celebrate properly!