Shehechianu

December 23rd began with an early morning arrival to Newark International Airport. After a short questioning from custom agents, I was whisked away through the baggage and ticketing process swiftly. Shortly after, I met the 38 other American Birthright participants and our 2 North American trip leaders before emabarking on our 11 hour flight to Tel Aviv. I have to say, El Al was superb. Service, food, and seating was excellent; not to mention this was one of the few times in recent memory where I slept on the flight.

After arriving in Tel Aviv, Israel early on December 24th, we were coordinated into our groups by our trip leaders and began our journey through this beautiful country. Our group also met the 7 Israeli members accompanying us on out journey and our Israeli tour guide, medic, and driver. Our tour guide, Yonatan, provided the group with useful and fascinating information about the Israeli country-side while we drove. At the JNF site where we first stopped after arriving in Israel, we enjoyed an amazing birds-eye view of one of Israel's two large lakes, and Israel's solitary body of fresh water called the Kinneret/Sea of Gallilee. One of our trip-leaders, Scott, asked the group to reflect on our intentions and expectations of ourselves, Israel, and our group by the end of the 10 dy trip.

After leaving the first destination, we traveled to our accomodations called Kibbutz Afik Guest House. This hotel also provided spectacular views of the Israeli country-side and provided an excellent Israeli-style lunch.

The next activities are dinner and more group introduction activities. I can't wait!
Eric Berman
December 23-24