By Jesse Rubens

Rise and shine over a kibbutz none of want to remember. But we were leaving all of that bug-infested nastiness behind us as we headed to the big city.

With the mixture of cobblestone and skyscrapers, Tel Aviv combines all the best of the Eastern and Western world. Our first pit stop was Independence Hall. Thankfully, this didn't involve anything too physically demanding because most of us were quite drained. We learned about the story of Zionism and the history of the establishment of the state of Israel. Then, we ventured into the city passing through, an art festival and a shuk. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it was a beautiful, cultural experience. The many colors, voices, and languages that can be seen and heard in the shuk are what gives it its distinct aura of magnificence.

Our next leg of the journey was Tel Aviv beach. There was so much life and excitement. Some of us relaxed in beach chairs, while others went into the ocean and swam to the rocks. About 80 meters into the water, there was a large collection of rocks. The Mayanot crew got some very cool pictures there.

Wrapping it up with some popsickles, it was J-city bound. A turn-up night in Ben Yehuda street, Yerushalayim was the perfect way to spend our last night out together. It has so incredible getting know these amazing people this past week and a half. We have all become one big, Jewish family-which is appropriate, because we have all gotten each other sick. All in all an amazing Day 9 on an incredible trip with some outstanding individuals.

BY: Ali Weiner

Today, after a long night in the Bedouin tents, we woke up at the crack of dawn (literally) to ride camels. We chose a partner and hopped on. The camels led us around the area of judean desert, and we got to watch the sun rise. It was a beautiful and unforgettable experience.

After this, we got to eat a delicious breakfast provided to us by the staff at the tents, which consisted of pita, eggs, and they even had Nutella! We then packed up and headed towards Massada. Upon our arrival, it was incredibly hot. So hot that they decided to close the route that we planned to take down the mountain.

Hiking up to massada was one of the hands down hardest things I have ever done. It wasn't because it was so intricate and complicated, but because of the dry heat. Cringing with every step, and Panting up to the top, we finally made it( it actually only took like 15 minutes). We were able to see the Dead Sea from the top of the mountain, and all of the surrounding land. It was beautiful. The best part of the whole thing, was being able to do our morning prayers in the holy synagogue. It made me feel so connected to my roots, and proud to be Jewish.

After taking the carts down the mountain, we got back on the bus and went to eingedi. Eingedi also consisted of another hot hike, but it ended with a beautiful fresh waterfall. The hot walk was worth it because we were able to go under the waterfall and relax in the ponds for a little bit. It was so refreshing.

We then got back onto the bus and drove to the Dead Sea. This was the best part of the day! It's just like a regular beach, except the amount of salt in the water is double so the second you sit down, you float! It is the coolest thing to just float around in the water without any effort. We also got to put the mud on our face, which made our skin so soft.

Our trip is quickly speeding by, but this has been one of my favorite days. I'm so proud of everyone for hiking up massada, and sticking it out. We did it together, and that's awesome. We are now on our way to the kibbutz near tel aviv, where we will sleep. Today was truly a great day.

By: Taylor Wolfe

Today was definitely a memorable day. We started off the morning by heading over to Mount Hertzel military cemetery, where we would hear the tragic stories of some of the heroes in the military who lost their lives, and to give the soldiers a chance to say a few words of their own. Everyone seemed so touched by the stories of the men who ended their lives, and willingly departed from their families, for the sake of many others.

We then had lunch in the old city of Jerusalem, and then headed over to the western wall one last time. We all got a chance to write a personal note, one of our hopes and dreams, to stick into the wall. It was then time to lighten up the mood! We had a few girls in the group who never had the chance to have a bat mitzvah, and now was their opportunity. What's more perfect than a bat mitzvah in Israel at the Western wall itself?! Each girl spoke for about a minute on why they wanted to have their bat mitzvah, and what it meant to them. Each speech ended in candy flying, singing, laughter, and chair lifting. Congrats to Natalia, Sarah, Alexa, Julie, and Carly!!

The depression continued... It was time to let the soldiers go. On the first day the Israeli soliders arrived, nobody knew what to expect from them because the thought of having soldiers join our adventure was quite intimidating to some people. In the end, we all realized that they are people just like us, and in such a short time we have all grown so close. With tears being shed, we exchanged a few last words with the soldiers and presented them the "Facebook profile" posters we had made them before we had even met, so they had something to remember us by. We dropped the soldiers at the bus stop, and said our last goodbyes, with the promise that we will all keep in touch. I think it's safe to say the soldiers not only are our heroes, but also became our friends.

To end the day, we left Jerusalem and drove to the desert, where we would spend the night. We were greeted with hot tea and cookies, followed by a "make your own shwarma" dinner. The fun continued when we got to have a dance party with 9 other birthright groups with a live band. Lastly, we ended our day by having a campfire and roasting marshmallows. We slept in a giant tent on sleeping bags and mattresses, which although it may have been a bit buggy, it was a great experience because we all did it together. Day 7 was for sure one for the books!

By: Deanna Shears

To be able to celebrate Shabbat in none other than the holy city of Jerusalem was a truly blessing. Me and many others in the group have never celebrated Shabbat in Jerusalem, or even celebrate Shabbat period. To experience this day at the Western Wall was emotional and definitely eye opening.

We began Shabbat by having all the ladies in the group do the Mitzvah of lighting the candles and saying the prayer at David's Tomb. After that, we all headed off to the historic and holy Western Wall. Boys and girls were separated, which was such a culture shock to must of us, but made the experience much more meaningful. I was able to pray on the wall and feel a connection with is something I have never experienced before. Soon after, the girls of our group (sorry I don't know about the boys side) were able to dance around and sing Shabbat songs which was a memory never to be forgotten.

Since it was Shabbat, our group decided to walk the way back to our hotel. Though we thought the walk would've been a disaster, I thought it was actually quite fun and a bonding experience with everyone in the group. To end the night we had a farbrengen.

The next morning was our first morning we were finally able to sleep in! HALLELUJAH! For the first part of the day we gathered for a talk and gift exchange which was very sweet! After we had free time where part of the group had a well deserved nap, and the other part ended out for a fun after noon at the hotel pool. A little while after, the group headed out to the park where we had a picnic and was able to ask the rabbi about any questions we had about Judaism.

To end tonight we went to Ben Yehuda where we walked around the lively city and got delicious dinner and did a little shopping. Overall Shabbat was yet another great day to our birthright trip.

Also it is our last night with our soldiers which is very sad considering how close we all became in such a small amount of time.

Looking forward to what tomorrow brings!

By: Julie Miller

Today, we had the privilege of meeting our soldiers. We met up with them before heading to the Chatzbani water hike. We did a quick ice breaker where each soldier told us a truth and a lie, while we figured out which was the truth. Before heading out, we had a large rock, paper, scissor shoot game (shout out to Taylor Wolfe - champion)!

Then, we ventured out into the Chatzbani water hike. Although some of fell behind, and some ended up sliding down the river knees first, the entire experience was one we will never forget.

After the water hike, we got a quick lunch at the nechemia mall, finding friends on other Birthright trips. The cafe was phenomenal, along with the falafel and other food!

After our quick, but yummy lunch, we headed to the Jordan river. With about six people on each raft, it felt like a scene from a pirate movie with everyone splashing each other and jumping into the water. It was truly amazing - I can't believe it's only day two as we've all fallen in love with what this country has to offer.

We ended the day hearing from an intelligent man who moved from America at the age of 21. He currently lives on Kibbutz Misgav Am, and explained the daily activities and his life over the last 40 years. He was a very opinionated man, with a lot of intelligence and stories.

Ending the most perfect day, we came back to the hotel and had a yummy dinner followed by a tie in session discussing our thoughts on the last two days and what we're looking forward to.

We really can't wait for the next eight days.

By: Marissa Marx

Our first day in Israel was a blast!

We quickly jumped (or should I say, fell) into the trip with climbing Jilabun stream. We had the privlege of seeing one of the tallest waterfalls in Israe. It's was truly a beautiful sight.

After our hike, we journeyed onto the olive oil factory in Katzrin. I don't think we have ever tasted olive oil quite like this. It was even unfiltered, which we hear is healthier!

Our group continued on to lunch and enjoyed shawarma, schnitzel and falafel. It was the first time for many, and let's just say we can't wait for the next several days.

But wait, the day doesn't end here... On a full stomach we traveled up to Mt. Bental - 3500 feet above sea level - looking out on the Syrian border.

Tonight we are exploring more of Tiberius with an evening out on the town. With the fun filled day that we've had today, we've had no time to be jet lagged. The next 8 days will be an experience of a life time. I, and my 39 new friends can barely wait!!!!

Oh did I mention that tomorrow 8 Israeli soldiers will be joining us??!!!