Tel Aviv | Page 2 | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

When Hatikvah flowed triumphantly from the speakers, the emotions were raw and powerful and we rose to our feet as one. Achdout – literally "unity" in Hebrew, but translating to a more powerful sentiment than our word conveys – is a contagion that has infected our whole group. 

We were so lucky to have gotten to speak to someone whose life exemplified the struggles the Jews have faced and the impact these events had on the Israeli people.

We snapped many photos of the picture perfect view of the sun rising over the Mars looking landscape of the Dead Sea area.

I felt that it connected me to a part of Judaism that I only knew a little bit about before on the spiritual side. I really liked when he mentioned that nothing is a coincidence. When he mentioned that I realized how true that was and how it connected in my life. I believe that we all meant to be there and I was there for a purposeful reason.

The first step onto the ancient lands of our great ancestors marked the official start of this pilgrimage what we will call home for the next 10 days. The faces of old and new friends fill the bustling airport as we are greeted and welcomed by our native family. The welcoming embrace , energy and high spirits act as the most fitting catalyst to this life changing journey we currently navigate through compiling the essence of knowledge, culture, and the true meaning of love amongst the beautiful human beings that make this earth the most unique place to live.

Combining Tsfat and Tel Aviv in one day made for an interesting contrast between old and new.

There was a wide spectrum of feelings within the group, and after only three days, it really opened my mind and heart to everyone's story and background. Surprisingly, sharing something so intimate made me very comfortable with these 47 people that I just met, and I continue to get to know them better every day. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be on this trip with every wonderful person here, and bond through not only religion, but stories and life experiences. I wouldn't have it any other way!

he most meaningful moment of the day was being able to touch and write a note at the Western Wall, and it was touching to see others showing their emotions and allowing themselves to be vulnerable together.

From their we traveled to Jerusalem Beach (still in Tel Aviv, contrary to its moniker), where we spent an hour and a half wading in the gorgeous, crystal-clear Mediterranean. Then we explored the shuk marketplace for lunch, before boarding the bus and heading for the nation's capital.