Israel | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

I cannot put into the words how amazing this trip has been. I have learned more than I ever imagined learning about this beautiful country.

We arrived at Mearat Keshet. The way we went through this site was absolutely beautiful.

The group was happy and bonding, and being such helped us realize that although we are guests in this beautiful land, we are already home.

We went to a candle museum and Oh My Goodness I took so many pictures and now I want to learn to make candles. :) The rafting trip we took in the afternoon was super fun! We floated down the perfect-temperature river in the perfect-temperature shade, looking at pretty birds and trying not to run into the plants on either bank. After that, we went to an olive oil factory!

What was your favorite part of the day and why? 
My favorite part of the day was the hike up mount Tzfachot. We learned so much about our culture and history.

Landing in Israel for the first time was an incredible feeling. When we landed, everyone clapped and the plane was filled with excitement and joy. The airport was truly international. With flights coming in from every continent, it felt like Jews were flying to Israel from all over the world. We were all finally home and the feeling of Jewish peoplehood was so positively overwhelming. 

As I listened to my group members discuss the pride that they felt to be Jews when we survived one of the hardest moments in human existence or the hope they felt as they believed the world could learn from this tragedy I realized that the next day would be more than just anger and sadness.

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.

The whole day our group became louder and louder with more laughter and conversations as time flew by. We're off to a great start.