Shabbat Shalom

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.
We've had some group activities which have challenged us and let us hear new perspectives. Today we started with a discussion on the Torah portion Balak, which brought up issues of "the nation that dwells alone" and connections to the land. Later in the day, we had a discussion about the Holocaust and its relationship with each of us and Israel. Tomorrow, we will visit Yad Vashem, where we will listen to a survivor and tour the Holocaust history museum.
Also today, the Israelis planned an activity for us. We split into two teams and did some trivia about what we've learned so far, including Israeli slang, food, and famous personalities. Things got pretty lively, and we also had some "challenges" worth extra points.
We drove back up to Jerusalem at night, where we had free time in the German Colony for dinner and shopping. This will be our last night at Kibbutz Almog. After Yad Vashem tomorrow, we will come south to explore the desert, including some of the places mentioned in this week's Torah portion.