Hi everyone at home!

So far, our trip has been great. After a long day of traveling, the Chicago Shorashim group arrived at our kibbutz in Huquk. The following morning, we went on an amazing hike. We ended up going downhill for almost two hours and at times we were holding onto ropes as we walked across narrow strips of rock. The views were beautiful and it was a great first activity. Later on in the day, we entered the city of Tzfat which is known to be ultra-Orthodox. This was a city much different than many of us had ever seen. There were narrow winding roads and very old synagogues that we were able to go into. The history of Tzfat was really interesting and our guide explained to us why it is the city of Kabbalah and mysticism. After walking around the city, we ate great schwarma and falafel at a restaurant nearby. We went back to our kibbutz to get ready for Shabbat. Our group definitely began to bond as we shared our previous experiences with Shabbat and played games to get to know each other. For services, there were several options that we could attend and we did these with another Shorashim group that was staying at the kibbutz. Some of my friends from high school were in the other group and it was great to reconnect in Israel! We all ate dinner and spent time together later in the night. Although it is really hot here during the day, it is always beautiful at nighttime. Shabbat was great because we were able to sleep in and have a relaxing day! On the kibbutz, both groups spent time outside in the sun and in the small pools they had set up for us. We spent some of our day in discussion groups, talking about issues pertinent to our lives and learning important Israeli history. After sundown, we went into Tiberias for dinner and saw a ton of other Birthright groups. We were able to walk around the city for a while which was really fun. This morning, we were up really early as we left the kibbutz that we are now so used to. We went for another great hike on a trail where there were waterfalls, streams, and beautiful wildlife. After, we went to a bunker on the Syrian border and were able to learn about the conflicts that had occurred right by this border. It was so interesting to learn that although there has been no peace agreement between Israel and Syria, it is the quietest border. We just had lunch where everyone had great falafel, schwarma, and schnitzel. Now, we are on the bus on the way to the Mediterranean Sea where we get to go swimming! In the 90 degree weather, it’s going to feel great.

That’s all for now! -Leslie