Golan Heights | Page 2 | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

It is my first time in Israel and I am loving every minute of this trip! It definitely feels as though we had known each other for more than just two days! :)

How many people can say they celebrated their 22nd birthday hiking in northern Israel and touring Tsfat? I don't think that's what Taylor Swift sings about...

We spent a magnificent hour singing, splashing, and heading down the waterfall. Just when we thought the day couldn't get any more eventful, it was time to dance. An evening filled with laughter, dancing, and most importantly schvitzing, we had successfully learned 4 dances of our Jewish heritage whereby the majority of us made it out unscathed (one of us got a bit overly excited and hit the deck). 

The river we rafted down was awesome.  Beautiful setting, lots of people, and if you had it in you, you could even jump off trees into the river.We then continued on our way to a river where we were set to go rafting.  The river we rafted down was awesome.  Beautiful setting, lots of people, and if you had it in you, you could even jump off trees into the river.

This day will be very hard to beat, but Bus 358 is excited to see what Shorashim holds in store for us tomorrow!

 Our tour guide gave us a summary of the area's history and encouraged us to conduct our own research as well so that we could form our own opinions. We talked a little about the Syrian refugee crisis and learned that Israel has a policy of treating any refugees in need of medical attention.

On top of Mount Arbel we all sang a nigun and learned some sign language from our resident ASL expert, Rachel Greenberg. Our hike down the mountain was challenging, but beautiful, with views of the Sea of Galilee and a Bedouin village.

We had time to relax, get to know one another, and ease the transition into being in Israel. A few of the highlights from our weekend were a group yoga session, a nature walk through the kibbutz, and getting to know the people and lifestyle at the kibbutz

But there, with my new American friends, I suddenly felt something different that I can't yet put in words. Luckily, I have another 9 days to find my way here.

I am happy I was able to have a brief taste of the true Israeli life and set the context for the incredible cultural journey. am happy I was able to have a brief taste of the true Israeli life and set the context for the incredible cultural journey.