Visiting the Partnership, Tel Aviv, and More | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

Visiting the Partnership, Tel Aviv, and More

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

By Adam Sherman

After departing from our hotel in Jerusalem, we made our way to Kiryat Gat, where we had the opportunity to learn about Ethiopian Jews and how they came to arrive in Israel.

During our lesson, we drank Ethiopian coffee and had some delicious bread.Inn accordance with the relationship  between Kirvat Gat and the Jewish United Fund in Chicago, we all had the unique opportunity to give back to the community through volunteer. We got our hands dirty applying "plaster" (dirt, water and straw) to the interior walls of a hut (Goja House) that was in the process of being built. In addition to this, we learned how to write our names in the Amharic language, and paint them on a wooden plaque. Personally, I'm no artist, so I don't think mine is going on the fridge anytime soon. Others, however, did a much better job! Overall, it was both an exciting and rewarding experience.

After that, we headed over to a nearby mall for lunch before making the trip to Tel Aviv. As for the eateries, Shawarma and falafel never get old! Before getting off the bus, however, we were told of a special surprise that would occur following lunch. What could it be??? As it turns out, Nitzan, one of many amazing Israelis on our trip, graciously welcomed all of us into his house to hang out for a bit before we made our way into the beautiful city of Tel Aviv. Once there in the city, we had the opportunity to walk around Old Jaffa and learn about Tel Aviv's history and significance to Israel. Shortly afterwards, we got to the beach, where we swam and hung out for a few hours. The water was surprisingly war and the weather could not have been more perfect for it.

We checked into the Sea Net Hotel that night, got our new rooms,  and feasted on their complimentary dinner. Surprisingly enough, their buffet did NOT include hummus. Luckily, we all managed to survive one meal without it!Following dinner came the opportunity to explore Tel Aviv's night life. Some people got ice cream. Some got drinks. Some got both!

When we got back to the hotel, it was midnight, so the group recited a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday" for our very own Jenny Salkos!

Another day of Birthright in the books and a great time was had by all!