Wednesday, December 22
You would think that I would have no problem remembering what happened just a day ago, but with everything we are doing its difficult to remember what you have eaten and what you forgot in your room. Although I hope no one forgot anything today because we are currently leaving Kibbutz Ashdot, which has been our home for the past three nights, for the urban paradise that is Tel Aviv. A two hour bus ride that promises to be well worth it.
However, it's yesterday that I want to talk about, because to say that it was a full day would be an understatment.
We started our day in the ancient town of Tzfat (Sah-faht). After passing through Tiberias we found this cty in the mountains with stone buildings and alleyways where our guides promised us time to"get lost". First, we went to a centuries old synagogue where we talked about the incredible history of the place, including the torah scrolls they have from Northern Africa that are just as old as the place itself. It was beautiful to pass through the courtyard, through carved wooden doors, into the sanctuary with the bright blue bimah in the middle of the room and chandeliers in the cieling. We also learned about a special tree where you could have your name and get married within a year. We also learned about a chair in the synagogue that would help one reproduce. We never found the tree, but a few people sat in the baby chair by mistake and are still upset by the experience.
Afterwards we went to a candle store where they make ornate and gorgeous things out of wax. Some of the favorites where david holding the bloody head of a giant, Samson pushing over the columns of his palace, and an entire chess set. Mny took the time to get gifts for people at home. We also got to do a bit of shopping around the store too where we got good deals on things we loved and many thing we didn't need. Thankfully this was only the start of the shopping for the day. We needed to cut our shopping short so we could make our discussion.
To begin, nothing I can type here can do the experience justice. We met a man named Abraham in his art studio. He explained he was from Michigan and had moved to Tzfat 15 years ago after reading several books about Kabbalah and hearing his new calling. He explained to us that what he learned was that the purpose of life was to be totally "blissed out" and that we are so caught up in reality we cannot see it. He explained to us the power of our names (He explained his American name, Robert, was nice, but his Hebrew name Abraham had "Four thooouuuusand, years of history behind it"). He also explained his Kabbalah inspired art, which was very nice. Between his "Awwwwwsome"s and "Can you imaaagggine the history"s, we walked away a bit more high on life and all agreed that whatever Abraham was doing, obviously was working for him. Also, now every single person on this trip has an Abraham impression.
We then got an hour and a half to wander, shop and find something to eat. Until we finaly loaded the bus (after paying 1 shekel to use the bathroom!!!) and left the city. We all agreed another two hours still would not have been enough to see everything and walk in every shop. As one woman some of us met in a sandwich shop said, she was from Milwaukee originally, "Tzfat is a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit." We get what she means.
The bus took us 15 minutes away to the Christian/Arab town of Geesh where we started our hike. Quickly we got to the first spot, which were the ruins of a synagogue thousands of years old. Surrounded by mountains Eshar, our Israeli guide, discussed the history of the place and the town of Geesh where we started. Among the fallen columns and surrouned by some of the most breathtaking scenery we have ever seen, the history of the place felt like something you might be able to reach out and touch. Continuing our hike we climb muddy and rocky terrain to get to an area where the stream pooled slightly. While Eshar made our some very strong coffee, others took the opportunity to jump in a stream, including myself. It was incredible to be in this freezing water and see nothing but lush green mountains all around you. Again, words fail to adequetly describe a once in a lifetime experience. After we dried off, we continued a tough climb up the mountain. Everyone made it, but at breakfast this morning, the groaning from tired muscles was shared by many. We all agree that we are more than making up for the really great food we are eating because of Eshar who seems to live to see us sweat.
Thankfully the biggest part of our day was over. We loaded the bus and headed to our last stop, which was a trip to see the border between Israel and Lebanon. Although we were very cold, we listened to the history of conflict between the two countries. Thankfully for the last few years things have been quiet. Considering how beautiful the area is, We all hope that it contines as long as possible.
Finally, after a gas station bathroom break and snack buying, we made it back to the Kibbutz for dinner. After dinner we played a game where we had two tams and one person from each team crawled on either side of the blancket held by Judd and Mascha and whoever said the name of the other person first, when the blanket fell, took that person to there side. It helped out so much to learn the names of the 47 people on our trip. We had a lot of fun doing it and highlights included Adam surprising his opponent by appearing without a shirt and having to play rock, paper, scissors as a tie breaker. Many of us stayed after to play Catch Phrase, boys versus girls. It was hilarious and highly competitive. In the end the boys and girls were even and there was peace in the world. Then we tried teachign either other new games including the bah/sheep game, slapping game and Bob the Weasal. Then we listened to a jam session by our gaurd Dima.
It was an amazing day and we could not look forward to the rest of the trip more than we do now.
TEL AVIV OR BUST!!!
Danielle (Arlington Heights, IL)
