Day Three: leaving the kibbutz (and Abra's birthrday!!!)

Quick Shabbat recap: Saturday was spent mostly at the pool hangin' with the locals. There was a small group of young internationals who had recently made Aliyah and are now serving in the IDF and living on Kibbutz Malakai. They quickly bonded with members of our group. We also spent a good several hours in a heavy discussion about Jewish identity from both the American and Israeli perspectives. Our Israelis (guides included) were taken aback by the deep level of thought and intellect displayed by our students. Big ups!

Shabbat wrapped up with a beautiful Havdalah outside and then off to a random mall area for dinner.

Today began as a normal Birthright date would: wake-up at 7am, load the bus, eat breakfast and hit the road by 7:45am.

Our first stop was in the mystic city of Tzfat, home of Kabbalah. Tzfat earned its reputation during the Spanish Inquisition when it was settled by Spanish Jews in the late 15th century. Since, Tzfat has been home to artists and kabbalists alike. We visited a 500 year old synagogue and wondered the main strip for quick shopping before heading off to Haifa.

In Haifa we went to the high school, Ironi Aleph where we met with a few of the students. Our conversations ranged from American-Israeli relations to their perception of Americans as lovers of junk food. Sweet kids.

We're currently en route to my (this is Dan, again) favourite city: Tel Aviv. Founded in 1910, Tel Aviv is internationally renown for its New York-esque way of never going to sleep. At anytime you'll find a great restaurant open, modern art--in museums, on the streets, on the walls--amazing music, hot beaches, beautiful people. Did I mention this is my favourite city outside of New York?

Abra has successfully encouraged students to interview each other to the great amusement of the bus!

Next post: pictures!