By: Daniel Hains

Well, today was the day. Our completely awesome trip was coming to and end. Today was very bittersweet. To start our final day, we awoke from our night in the bedewin tents and we headed to the great hike at Masada and that was the granddaddy of all the hikes, if you ask me. 

After Masada and lunch, we headed over to a nature walk with a very refreshing waterfall and pond that we all swam in. Up next was the Dead Sea! It was so much fun getting all mudded up and floating in the water. It definitely was the best activity for last! 

As we all sat down for our last group dinner, over schnitzel and hummus (of course), it really hit me that we were leaving. In these past 10 days, we all went from 40 strangers to 40 best friends who cannot imagine life apart from one another. Saying goodbye to our friends who were staying behind and extending their trip and our tour guides, Aidel and Shai, was one of the hardest things I had to do. They are more than friends, they are family. 

At dinner, we decided that instead of saying "goodbye", we would say "see you soon". It's true though, we will see each other soon. We have school and Chabad and even social media to keep in touch with our Israeli soldiers. In my opinion, and speaking for the group, this trip was life changing and I was so honored to have met all of these funny, loving, supporting people who I call my friends.

By: Aharon Corseri 

We started off the day at the salad trail. I had no idea what to expect. Maybe salad? When our tour guide brought us into the tents that were set up as green houses I could see all kinds of plants growing everywhere. I never expected to end up eating so many of the products they were growing. Strawberries, carrots, spices such as basil, and even edible flowers. It was a real treat. 

Afterward we headed to a desert trail where we hiked down a beautiful path surrounded by mountains that looked like a picture in a painting. I was in awe at the beauty. I noticed some of my friends struggling so I took it upon myself to help the others. At some steep points in the hike I stopped and helped each person one by one cross the difficult terrain. It was a rewarding and satisfying experience being able to help my friends. 

Exhausted, our bus drove us to the Bedouin tents where we enjoyed traditional Bedouin hospitality and wonderful food that was sit down style. We were also able to ride camels which was one of the highlights of the trip for me. I never knew they were so big! The scenery was so beautiful during our camel ride that I could hardly believe it was real. Ending the day with a bond fire and 'smores was the perfect cherry on top. I’m so glad I got to have this experience and especially with such wonderful friends. I will never forget it.

By: Pam Hirsh

It was an exciting day in Tel Aviv. We started off our morning by visiting Allenby Beach where we all laid out, went in the water, and enjoyed the sun. We then headed over to Independence Hall, the place where Israel was officially declared a state. We were taught about what happened there and got a chance to watch an educational movie. It was so cool seeing the place that is one of the most important landmarks in Israel! 

From there, we went to Shuk Hakarmel & the  Nahalat Binyamin Market in which we enjoyed a leisurely stroll, shopping, and a good lunch. There were artists that were displaying their work at stands around the market as well which was a great experience to see because there were so many spectacular pieces. From there, we went to the city of Jaffa for a tour. Aidel lead us in walking around the city, teaching us what Jaffa actually is and the history, and letting us see the amazing view points. I know we all got such great pictures!

It was finally time to get back on the bus and drive south. We arrived at the Kibbutz Kramim that we were staying at, ate dinner, and then had a short session in which we all shared what our favorite experience has been so far on this trip. It was amazing hearing everyone’s opinions. We were told that we had to pack our belongings that we will need for the next few days in our backpacks so we quickly went to our rooms and packed before bed!

It was a great day!

By: Erin Garrison

Monday May 6th was such a jam packed day! To begin with, we went to the Armon Hanziv lookout which had amazing views of the old city and where we learned about the history of the old city of Jerusalem. We then headed over to the city of David which was full of amazing city views and was definitely full of steps and ramps. After climbing down the city's main mountain, we made it to the city's famous water tunnel (the shiloach). I was personally super scared to face my claustrophobia fear and walk so far under the ground with water up to our knees. With flashlights in tow we did a 40 minute hike and it ended up being a blast! 

After changing we went over to the Kotel (Western Wall) where we all put in messages for the wall. The most special part for me was the ability to finally get my Bat Mitvah with 3 other girls which even included candy being thrown and getting lifted in a chair! 

We then had lunch in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem and then went on a tour of the ancient city. Unfortunately the time finally came to say goodbye to our amazing soldiers which was very emotional for all of us since they were such a big part of our Troop 153 family. After dropping off the soldiers at the station we headed for Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv we headed out for a leisure night which was one of the most fun nights I had, dancing and joking around with everyone. Though this day was constantly busy it was such a good time!

By: Shayna Bender

It is now Sunday, May 11th, and we are now unfortunately half way through a trip that's available oncee in a lifetime.

After another amazing Israeli breakfast, it was time to start the long day ahead. The first stop on our itinerary was Israel's world renown Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. As we approached the museum, many of us were unsure as to what kind of experience we would have in such a special place and what we would actually see.

At the museum we were lucky enough to be led by a wonderful tour guide that gave us a better understanding of the Holocaust explaining the structure of the building to what each subsection meant in that time. As we walked through the museum, there were many moments of sadness and pain; however, the fact that we stood amongst our friends, both our peers and soldiers provided us with a feeling of comfort. In entirety, the museum itself was a special experience, but there was one section in the museum that truly allowed a majority of us to feel something, and this was the children's museum section. 

As we entered the children's museum, it was obvious that something was different. The lights were turned off and the only guiding lights in the room were little sparks of light. It seemed as if there were thousands upon thousands of lights in the room surrounding us. Meanwhile, there was a voice recording reading the names of various children who perished in the Holocaust. Each of us were told to focus on one child as we continued on our journey. I heard the name Yaakov, a boy of just 16. I am sure that each of us has gained something from what we experienced at Yad Vashem.

After Yad Vashem, we quickly grabbed lunch before heading to the military cemetery at Mt. Hertzl. We walked through the cemetery and viewed various grave sites, such as Yitchack Rabin: the first Prime Minister of Israel, and Chana Senesh: a famous paratrooper. It was an extra special experience at the cemetery because it is a military cemetery, and we were lucky enough to have eight incredible Israeli soldiers accompanying us on our journey, and each of these soldiers has a story of their own from their service.

At the end of the tour, we stopped at a special gravesite. This gravesite was the friend of one of our soldiers, Orel. Orel served in the same place in the army that his friend who perished, and it definitely put a pit in our stomachs as we listened to him speak about his friend. Prior to leaving, we sang the Hatikva in unity.

The next stop of the day was Shuk Machane Yehuda (the market). There, we were able to run around and purchase all things touristy, from candy to Tzahal shirts, and jewelry! After the Shuk, we returned to our hotel and we had dinner. Next, we had two people come and speak to our group about Gift of Life; we were able to sign up to be stem cell donors if we are ever needed.

The last part of out evening concluded with a speaker coming in to give us updates on Israel, to give us an understanding of what exactly is happening in Israel and it's bordering countries.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store :)

By: Jessica Wolff

Lighting candles for Shabbat is one Mitzvah that truly impacts me in my life. As our tour guide Aidel explained as the girls gathered around the Shabbat candles to light, lighting Shabbat candles allows each women an individual and special time to think, pray, and reflect on anything we desire. I cherish that special time for my own prayers, blessings, and thoughts while my eyes are covered after lighting. All of the girls were able to come together and enjoy this very special moment to bring in Shabbat. 

We then anxiously walked over to the Kotel, The Western Wall, and was greeted with the beautiful site that we've all been waiting for. On the girls side we were able to learn new songs, dance, sing, and pray together as one. We were even able to share our enthusiasm with girls from different colleges that are also on Taglit Birthright. As we heard the shouting of prayers and cheering of songs, it was then finally time to be able to go touch the Kotel and have our own personal moments. With my friends by my side, this was an incredible feeling like no other, we all shut our eyes and prayed, having our own personal connection with Hashem. 

After a long walk back to the hotel we enjoyed a nice dinner and afterwards we had an awesome activity where we exchanged gifts to our Chanukah Harry (Secret Santa) that we had bought presents for in Tzvat. Then we all spent the rest of the night at a Farbrengen with Rabbi Lipskier, bonding, talking, and creating memories that only started the amazing Shabbat we were going to have. Being able to wake up at 12 was definitely a Shabbat treat. 

We had a great lunch and then headed to an interesting activity. We were given a topic of either what has been the most important things that has kept the Jews alive for the past 2000 years or what will keep them alive in the future. We were given different papers that said different things such as: marrying a Jew, being a Zionist, studying the Torah, and more. As suspected, it did bring a lot of heated and intense discussions into the room, but everyone was respectful to each others opinions, and I personally loved hearing different ways of thinking. It allowed different people to talk about different feelings that they would not have before. 

We were finally able to get some fresh air and went on a great walk to a park. Laughter definitely filled the air as we played different games. As Shabbat was coming to an end, we had a great opportunity to participate in an amazing activity called "Stomp the Rabbi" where we were able to ask any questions we wanted to to Rabbi Lipskier. He answered all questions across the board and I truly learned a lot from all of the answers. We then prepared for the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum that we will be going to tomorrow. 

 As Shabbat ended, we had a beautiful Havdalah ceremony where we all wrapped our arms around our friends and swayed to the tune. It was really a great way for all of us to end our special day all together. Being able to spend Shabbat with all of my new and great friends on this amazing trip, being able to visit the Kotel, and really every detail made this day so amazing. I will without a doubt remember this Shabbat for the rest of my life!

By: Scott Koretsky

This morning we left Tiberius to head to the old city of Tzfat . In Zfat the boys and girls split up and went to the Kabbalah of water (Mikvah). For the boys, those who wanted were able to take a dip in the most famous Mikvah in the world. We then had a tour of the old city, learned about Kabbalah and went to the Ari's synagogue. 

Lunch in Tzfat was great and we had some time for shopping in the artist colony/market. After Tzfat we began our journey to Jerusalem where we will experience Shabbat at the Western Wall. We are all truly looking forward to shabbat at the Western Wall, its surely going to be an experience we will never forget!

By: Jessica Shevlin

As we got up and prepared for another day in Tiberias I couldn't wait to experience more of the land and people who are make up this city. After gearing up for the day, we got on the bus and welcomed the Israeli soldiers. It was incredible to have more people join us and help us learn more about being in the army as well as learn more about the lifestyle of typical Israelis. 

After welcoming them and hiking together we enjoyed the experience of the journey through the mountains of the Banyas Hike and see a unique waterfall. It was incredible to see another beautiful aspect of the land of Israel even through the unfortunate rain that lasted for the most part of the day. 

Following the hike we went to the Lebanon border of Misgav Am to talk about life in Israel and the different issues surrounding the land on the northern border of Israel. It was very interesting to hear from a strong Israeli and learn about the tensions of religion and warfare that still exist. 

We  then went to a working kibbutz. Being able to see the way people live and work together was very interesting and a unique experience. We were able to go on an exciting jeep tour in the community, which was so much fun. It gave us a chance to see the work and living conditions in the kibbutz. The highlight of the kibbutz for me was the spice market, where we saw the output of the agricultural work of the community, and see what these people produce for their citizens and other Israelis in the area. 

 Lastly, our tie in session was a great way to end the day. Sitting with trip members, soldiers and our group leader to discuss the days so far and what's to come gave me some great insight in the trip thus far from others, and continue to excite me for what is to come for the rest of the trip. Can't wait to get up tomorrow and head to Jerusalem!

By David Benaim

After our morning hike, we went to visit an olive oil factory. Here, we learned about a family business and how they've grown to make incredible tasting olive oil. They also make skin care products. We got the opportunity to wash out hands with their product. We were also able to sample various types of olive oils. After out our tour at the factory, we grabbed lunch at a loca plaza. The majority of us ate typical israeli food such as falafel.

Once we finished lunch, we drove over to visit the border of Syria. This was an incredible experience. We learned about the current situation there, and got the chance to take pictures in old military bunkers. At night time, we were able to go out in the city and enjoy a fun night out. This truly brought a great ending to out second day here in Israel.

By Cassidy Singer

It's only the Second day in Israel and I'm already swept off my feet from its magnificence. As I embarked on my epic adventure down the Mountain of Zevitan, I was captured by the beauty of the cliff's flourishing nature. Hiking down the mountain I felt like I was one with Israel, truly being a part of something bigger than myself. My path towards the bottom of the cliff was difficult, but at the same time very meaningful. Correlating with the history of events leading to today's Israel, I had a rough start to a very meaningful journey. 

Although it was hard to get to the very bottom and witness the wonders this hike had to offer, it very much paralleled inevitable adversity that greatness must always encounter. From stepping over stones the size of my body and sliding through cracks that the width of my being can just barely withstand, this obstacle not only tested my body physically but very much spiritually. To finally make it down the hike and witness the springs and waterfall first hand was an experience I'll never forget. 

This one meaningful trip out of many more to come has taught me that any feat you conquer there is always a blessing waiting from beyond. I hope that future Birthrighters go through the same obstacles I went through , yet embrace the same memorable experiences I have gained thus far.