SH-22-380's blog

After a great Shabbat in Jersualem it was time to head south and the part that most people were either really looking forward to or really dreading: The Negev Desert. After arriving at our hotel at 11 p.m., we quickly got ready for bed since we had a 3 a.m. wakeup call the following morning. After peeling ourselves out of bed, we managed to make it over to Masada, a massive mountain in the middle of the desert. The race against the clock was on if we were going to reach the top by sunrise.

Here in the eternal, undivided capital of Israel, our group just observed our first Shabbat together. Yesterday evening, we each participated in one of three Kabbalat Shabbat (Receiving Shabbat) options --- a "tradition" service, a more spiritual/alternative service, and a text study.

The last two days have gone by even quicker than the first two but the days have been packed with amazing experiences. Wednesday morning we were up early again and went to Mt. Arbel which looks over the enitre Galilee and Golan Heights. The bus dropped us off at the top and the hike down was filled with steep ledges, metal bars to hang onto and a lot of steep and crumbly stairs. It was definitely the most challenging hike for the group but also the most rewarding.

Shalom friends and family! We are safe and sound in Israel and the trip is already off to a great start. We arrived in Tel Aviv yesterday without a hitch and were welcomed by a group of Israelis who will be traveling with us for the entire trip. We said a prayer, sang a song and even danced in the middle of the airport.