SH-26-129's blog

What a fantastic trip this has been. Mid way through the trip we had thee opportunity to share with the group how we have progressed on the trip with regard to meeting our expectations through learning, experiencing, and processing this state and culture. I came into this trip with no expectations other than to make some amazing friends and to connect with Jewish community in Boston.

Shabbat Shalom!
We're here at Kibbutz Almog in the Jordan Valley and we've just enjoyed an incredible group Shabbat. Shorashim Bus 130 was also here, and we welcomed the Shabbat together and also shared meals as a community. Shabbat included a little bit of sleeping in, and also some free time in the afternoon, which many of us enjoyed by the pool or napping.

It's been a whirlwind two days of going across the country and seeing a wide range of regions, climates and scenes from Jewish history!
Yesterday we woke up in the Golan Heights and made our way to Tsfat, where we learned about Kabbalah and how Jews through the centuries have adapted and expanded Judaism. We were fascinated by the "blueness" of the city, as well as the old synagogues which illustrated the wide range of Jewish customs and traditions. Some of us bought a good luck "hamsa," and other of us picked up Shabbat candles from a famous candle-making establishment.

After taking planes, trains, and automobiles, and a quick stop in Munich, we have arrived in Israel! We have been on the ground for 24 hours and it's amazing to think of how much we have done already.

We landed at Ben Gurion and were met by our amazing guide, Neitsan, and the seven Israeli soldiers that will be with us for the next 10 days! As we exited with ALL of our luggage, they greeted us with posters, balloons, and singing. Then we all joined in the traditional Shorashim song/dance of Achim! It was such a great way to be welcomed to Israel!