By Jonathon Cannon
The Days in Israel Keep getting better and better, and have far exceeded any expectation I could have had about this amazing place. Yesterday began with the 2 hours drive from our hotel on the Kinneret to the ancient and holy kabalistic town of Tzfat. The town was a built into the side of the mountain with endless stone staircases around buildings varying and growing levels. It had a truly unique feel with the ancient streets and buildings surrounding the area, most of it looking the same as it was when it was first built.
When we arrived we sat upon the steps of Tzfat and the rabbi gave an introduction to Kabbalah and how it has evolved and become more widespread over the years. The Rabbi mentioned how Tzfat is the place to be to study. After rabbi finished speaking we were taken to a small art shop where we met Avraham, an artist. He told us his story about how he was an American guy from Detroit who wasn’t very religious or spiritual but had a life changing epiphany after reading Jewish Meditation. Since he made Alliyah he has studied kabballah and paints various ideas and themes found in kaballah. He was eccentric to say the least, but really was connected to what he studied and definitely gave a new perspective on something many of us were very unfamiliar with.
From there we went to see a two ancient synagogues each with their own unique feel and amazing stories and history. Arzal’s synagogue had a hole in the bimah caused by gunfire during one of the wars, which has been there ever since. It was amazing to see firsthand how are religion has survived so much and continues to be a strong force today.
We then went to a Candle Factory filled with various hand painted candles in all different shapes and sizes, including some giant wax sculptures that were extremely detailed. After seeing a small presentation on how the candles are made and the different candles that they have, we had some time to purchase candles before we took a break for lunch.
When we were completely full from lunch we had some time to explore one of the small Shuks in the town, and got to enjoy some good old fashioned haggling.
Once we spent all our Shekels the guys and girls were separated for an activity. The Girls went to see a glass blowing show while the Guys went to the Mikvah. The Mikvah was certainly an experience, and one I don’t think any of us had ever experienced.
After the group was reunited we headed for Netanya for our next hotel. Following another two hour drive we had some time to relax eat dinner and prepare for the evening.
We were split into groups and just sat and talked about our experiences so far and all our perspective of Israel and the Israelis and how they feel about us, and us being in Israel. It’s amazing how considering most of us knew each other prior to the trip, these 8 Soldiers joined us and immediately became a part of Mayanot 68, it’s a real shame we only get the pleasure of their company for 5 days.
There was no better way to end our day then end up at a Club in Tel-Aviv, it was a great night and definitely one to remember.
It’s sad to think that we are almost halfway done with the trip, but we still have so much more time to make lifelong memories, and so many incredible places to visit, I cannot wait to see what we will be doing next for the trip!
The Days in Israel Keep getting better and better, and have far exceeded any expectation I could have had about this amazing place. Yesterday began with the 2 hours drive from our hotel on the Kinneret to the ancient and holy kabalistic town of Tzfat. The town was a built into the side of the mountain with endless stone staircases around buildings varying and growing levels. It had a truly unique feel with the ancient streets and buildings surrounding the area, most of it looking the same as it was when it was first built.
When we arrived we sat upon the steps of Tzfat and the rabbi gave an introduction to Kabbalah and how it has evolved and become more widespread over the years. The Rabbi mentioned how Tzfat is the place to be to study. After rabbi finished speaking we were taken to a small art shop where we met Avraham, an artist. He told us his story about how he was an American guy from Detroit who wasn’t very religious or spiritual but had a life changing epiphany after reading Jewish Meditation. Since he made Alliyah he has studied kabballah and paints various ideas and themes found in kaballah. He was eccentric to say the least, but really was connected to what he studied and definitely gave a new perspective on something many of us were very unfamiliar with.
From there we went to see a two ancient synagogues each with their own unique feel and amazing stories and history. Arzal’s synagogue had a hole in the bimah caused by gunfire during one of the wars, which has been there ever since. It was amazing to see firsthand how are religion has survived so much and continues to be a strong force today.
We then went to a Candle Factory filled with various hand painted candles in all different shapes and sizes, including some giant wax sculptures that were extremely detailed. After seeing a small presentation on how the candles are made and the different candles that they have, we had some time to purchase candles before we took a break for lunch.
When we were completely full from lunch we had some time to explore one of the small Shuks in the town, and got to enjoy some good old fashioned haggling.
Once we spent all our Shekels the guys and girls were separated for an activity. The Girls went to see a glass blowing show while the Guys went to the Mikvah. The Mikvah was certainly an experience, and one I don’t think any of us had ever experienced.
After the group was reunited we headed for Netanya for our next hotel. Following another two hour drive we had some time to relax eat dinner and prepare for the evening.
We were split into groups and just sat and talked about our experiences so far and all our perspective of Israel and the Israelis and how they feel about us, and us being in Israel. It’s amazing how considering most of us knew each other prior to the trip, these 8 Soldiers joined us and immediately became a part of Mayanot 68, it’s a real shame we only get the pleasure of their company for 5 days.
There was no better way to end our day then end up at a Club in Tel-Aviv, it was a great night and definitely one to remember.
It’s sad to think that we are almost halfway done with the trip, but we still have so much more time to make lifelong memories, and so many incredible places to visit, I cannot wait to see what we will be doing next for the trip!
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