Day 4

Today was a busy day. We got an early start as an attempt to be one step ahead of the other Birthright Israel groups. We packed the bus at 6:30am and left the Ohalo Hotel in the Galil promptly at 7:15. After a 45 minute bus ride, we arrived in Tzfat (Safed, Tzevat, Sfat) first we climbed what Elaun called, the “stair master,” what seemed to be a never ending set of stairs to the top of the city. Standing under buildings with bullet wounds from when the Jews defended the town of Tzfat was surreal.

We walked through Tzfat. In the city we stopped at a candle store filled with intricate, detailed candles of all shapes and sizes. Then, we bought fresh squeezed pomegranate juice from a street vendor for only 10 shekels or about $2.50. We then made our way across Tzfat to meet a man named Avraham who moved from Detroit 17 years ago when he found his spirituality in Kaballah. He told us his story and gave us a short explanation of Kaballah, and how he creates his art. After meeting Avraham, we walked through the city of Tzfat and visited gift shops and artists galleries.

We got back on the bus and headed to Chen’s house in Kokhav Ya‘ir. Chen is one of the Israeli participants who is traveling with us. His family was very welcoming and we enjoyed some time in their back yard garden. Chen even made fresh tea with lemongrass and mint that he clipped from his garden. After some intense ping pong, we said our thank yous and goodbyes to Chen’s family and got back on the bus.

Our last long bus trip of the day, we drove from Kokhav Ya’ir to Tel Aviv. When we got into Tel Aviv, we visited Rabin Square and his memorial. We drove to our hostel in Tel Aviv and all ate dinner together.

Tonight, we are all going to experience the night life in Tel Aviv.

Until next time.