Erev Tov
After our prayer overlooking the city, we arrived at Kibbutz Almog located in the middle of the desert, right outside of Jerusalem. The group continued to bond through introductory games and random roommates. With enthusiasm, the group headed off on a hike through Sataf. Following the hike, we explored a quiant neighborhood in Jerusalem and had free time for dinner of our choice. Upon returning to the kibbutz, there was a gathering at the main house for the Birthright groups staying there, it allowed for bonding and a night of dancing to a mix of Israeli and American music. This gathering included all of the different groups and allowed for our group to connect with other Birthright trips. A great time was had by all.
Wednesday morning began early for our group as we met at 7:30 for breakfast and were off for another day in Jerusalem. We walked through the Old City and Jewish quarter seeing Yemin Moshe and King David's tomb. As we were walking, we started to connect with the history and culture of the Jewish tradition. We then moved on to the Western Wall, where everyone was able to put prayers into the wall while respecting the traditions of covering up regardless of the heat. After the wall, we had an independent lunch Mahane Yehuda at a shuk, or marketplace, sampling the sights, smells and tastes of local Israeli food. Following lunch, we traveled to the Bible Lands Museum where we once again connected with many Birthright groups and learned about otheropportunities to return to Israel. Many of the people on the trip ran into friends and classmates on other trips and were able to share their excitment about Israel together! After the long day, we travelled back to the Kibbutz for dinner followed by a discussiong preparing us for our visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust museum. Great conversation was had about the impact of the museum and the moving experience we are about to have tomorrow morning.
So far, we are all having an amazing time and cannot wait to travel to the Golan tomorrow after a trip to Yad Vashem. It's so hard to believe that we have only just landed in Israel and we are already so close and comfortable with each other!
More to come from us soon,
XOXO Amy and Sara
