Teacher Trek Day Three and Four Recap

We've been so busy having a great time in Israel that we didn't yet get to blog about it!! On Thursday, we traveled to the mystical city of Tzfat and learned about Jewish mysticism. We were greeted there by a two-person Jewish band who taught us about unique instruments (one that looked like it came from space, but actually came from Switzerland). We then went to Yemin Orde Youth Village and were inspired by a unique model of education (see earlier post). We traveled to Tel Aviv and learned about Yitzhak Rabin's life and legacy through touring Rabin Square, the site of Rabin's assassination. We then visited Independence Hall -- the exact site where David Ben Gurion announced the State of Israel's independence. We then took in the sights and sounds of Tel Aviv nightlife on our leisure night. On Friday, we visited the Democratic School in Modiin, again exploring a new model of education which focuses on student choice and decision making made by committees of students, teachers and parents. Then we traveled to Jerusalem, where many of our participants became quite emotional about finally arriving here! We had lunch in Emek Refa'im and then toured the Jewish Quarter. The most emotionally charged moment of the trip so far was a visit to The Kotel, the Western Wall. Many of the Teacher Trekkers had distinct connections to this place, whether they be cultural, familial, or religious. We then prepared for Shabbat!! -Bus 151