Shabbat, Tzfat, and Haifa!
Part 1: Shabbat (by Zach B)
After showering for the first time in Israel, we all donned out finest Shabbat vestments as the sun set dramatically on the Kinneret. We gathered in the kibbutz dining hall to light candles and welcome the Shabbat Queen, and before saying the ritual blessings over a hearty communal meal, we broke up into smaller groups to sing Shabbat songs and learn more about the weekly tradition. As per usual, there were icebreakers to follow.
On Friday night, we had our first and only opportunity to sleep in and relax. Rabbi Mordechai led a group discussion on the Mishna and the practice of Shabbat both in Israel and in the Jewish community at large while we took some Israeli coffee and cakes. After a filling lunch, we had the day to catch up on sleep and get to know the kibbutz. Some of us swam at the pool, some ran, some did yoga, others read, and others talked. Our guides also led us on a walking tour of Afik and spoke to us about the culture and history of kibbutzim. As the sun set again on the Kinneret, we gathered to perform a closing Shabbat ceremony, including a spiritual (find a buddy and talk about where you are), and the Havadallah. With Ben on the guitar and the rest of us on vocals, we returned to the daily grind out of the sphere of rest. We then ventured outside the Kibbutz to Tiberias, one of the four holy cities in Israel, for dinner.
---
Part 2: Tzfat and Haifa (by Becca L. and Hannah M.)
After another early wake-up, we had our final breakfast of pickled salads, Israeli-style omelets, and Israel’s superior Nutella alternative at Afiq, our now beloved Kibbutz. We packed up our things and said good-bye to Golan Heights as we made our way West to Tzfat (or Sefat or Zafat as we saw on multiple signs along the way).
In Tzfat, we learned about different aspects and sects of Judaism and Kabala while exploring two beautiful synagogues in this ancient city. And the city itself was absolutely gorgeous. The architecture itself was stunning, with the stained glass, slick limestone cobblestones, and the beautiful blue trim that seemed to line the whole city as it evoked a sense of spirituality, whatever that means to each person.
After a brief touristy shopping interlude (we definitely were able to witness the world of Tzfat’s artist community) we left the Galilee and drove to Haifa, stopping at a roadside mall for lunch.
We were all excited to see Haifa, especially the Israelis since it would be a chance for them to show us their home. After driving through the tunnel cutting through Mr. Carmel, the mountain on which Haifa sits, we were met by a beautiful view of Haifa and the Mediterannean Sea. We drove right outside Haifa to the Yemin Orde Children‘s Village for our site visit. Some of the staff members told us about this amazing community where kids who are either from immigrant families or are having a hard time adjusting and we were able to volunteer with this community.
From there, we drove to a park that one of our Israeli friends chose and they told us all about life in Haifa as students, as soldiers, as partiers, and as members of a city that prides itself on coexistence.
And now we are on our way to Tel Aviv!
