By Shane Aronson

Even though at this point we’re past Shabbat I’d like to start off by saying Shabbat Shalom.  This past Friday we came to Jerusalem and began to celebrate what I think I can say was one of the most unforgettable Shabbat’s that any of us have ever experienced in our lives.  We started off in a Kever David (David’s Tomb) where all the girls on the trip took the time to light Shabbos candles and we got to hear about the reasoning behind why the mitzvah of lighting the candles falls upon the women.  After lighting the candles and singing some Shabbat songs we took a walk through to old city to finally reach the wall.  Within in seconds of coming insight of the wall a feeling came me that I can’t explain.  Rabbi and Kuti took the men to one side of the wall and Merav took the women to the other and a Shabbat service that I don’t think anyone expected began.  You had groups of men standing all around, all engaged in a different part of the service.  Kuti was able to find two more Birthright trips that we joined and we started to pray while dancing in circles and singing at the top of lungs.  After we concluded the service we all took a moment to go up to the wall and say a small prayer of our own.  Once we were all done one of my friends came up to me and described his feeling at the wall better then I ever could, he said, “When I was at the wall I blacked out, it was only me and G-d.  There was no one else around but me and him.”  I don’t think I could have used any better words myself.  We then took a 45-minute walk back to the hotel and enjoyed a nice Shabbat dinner together.  

Saturday rolled around and for the first time this trip we were able to actually sleep past 9AM (which was much needed rest).  Everyone then came together for a nice lunch and then some games to get to know each other.  The first game we played had to do with all our different memories that we’ve either experienced on this trip itself or just throughout our Jewish lives.  If you agreed with the statement that was said you had to get up and run to find another seat before they were all taken, almost like an Israeli version of musical chairs.  We then split up into groups and were told that if we were stranded on an island what three things would we bring to remind us of our Jewish heritage.  After sharing all our ideas of what three things to bring each group came up with their top three options and then each group shared their things.  My group personally came up with bringing a Shofar to be able to blow on the high holidays and possibly to alert someone of where we were. Our second thing was a Star of David to remind us always of our heritage, and finally we all decided we would have to bring someone of the opposite sex that was Jewish of course to make sure that our Jewish lineage didn’t die out.  

Shabbos was finally coming to an end and it was time for the Havdalah service, which has always been one of my favorite services to take part in.  I used to be involved in an organization called USY and we always had a tradition that at the end of the service everyone gets extremely quiet and listen for the sizzle from the candle as we pour the wine over the flame.  Hoping for a long sizzle symbolizing a good week ahead of us.  I can say the sizzle that came from the candle was one longer then I had ever heard in all the times of celebrating the Havdalah service.  I don’t feel this was only luck but yet had to do with the fact that we were in the holy land and we’ve all truly come together as one big family over the past week.  This concluded our Shabbat in Israel and we were off to celebrate new years.

By Lexi Pomerance, Sydney Gould, & Carly Gorodetzky

This morning we woke up in Netanya to a freezing room and cold tile under our feet.  Tired from a fun night out in Tel Aviv, the only thing motivating us to get out of bed was our first visit to Jerusalem.  Jerusalem, a city we have been hearing and learning about for years, was finally becoming a reality.  After breakfast and loading up the bus, we headed toward Jerusalem to Castel Overlook.  Here we were able to see the entire city of Jerusalem.  We took pictures, made a toast, danced, and sang songs.  It was great to see that by the fifth day, we have all bonded and became comfortable with one another, just like a big family.  

After the look out, we took a short ride to the Machaneh Yehuda Market.  Never before in our lives have we seen such a sight.  It was almost out of a movie, with hustling people, chaotic vendors, and too much to take in all at once.  Each stand of fruit and vegetables looked fresher than the last and the pastries could be smelled from blocks away.  We had never been in such an environment before and it was quite an experience.  Over our lunches of falafel and schwarma, we talked about how different our lifestyle in America is from what we had seen.  Comparing our Publix food shopping to the Machaneh Yehuda Market is simply two different experiences.  Before we began our shopping, we each randomly picked a slip of paper with a name of someone on the trip and were told to keep it a secret.  This person would be our “Secret Hanukkah Harry” and we could get a small gift for them.  We began our journey through the crowded streets and shopped for goodies of all kinds.  After, we checked into our hotel that we will be staying at for the next three nights.  

It is now time to get ready for Shabbat, our first “real” Shabbat in Israel at the Kotel.  We just wanted to share our day with you, but now we must get off the computer!  We can’t wait for what tomorrow brings. (P.S. HI TO OUR MOM’S AND DAD’S WE MISS YOU!)

By Daniel Balva

This morning we woke up with a lot in store for us. After eating breakfast, we were off to hike Mount Arbel, which to say the least was incredible. We hiked doewn a cliff, saw ancient temple ruins from hundreds of years ago, and fit through narrow passageways, which was quite the accomplishment for many of us. 

After the hike, we drove to one of Israel’s holiest cities, Tzfat. Upon arriving, the boys split up from the girls and cleansed themselves in Tzfat’s mikvah, while the girls got to see firsthand the amazing work of the city’s best glassblowers. We then took a tour of two of the main temples in the city, and saw ancient books and torah scriptures. Knowing that our ancestors prayed in the very place where we were standing was mind blowing, and seeing these artifacts proved just that. The day didn’t stop there because there was still had plenty left for us to see! 

We walked through a candle store and were lucky enough to see some of the candles being made on the spot. After making sure that we saw just about every type of candle possible, we were given free time to enjoy the city’s food and check out all of the shops. With options ranging from falafel to shawarma and pargeeyot (baby chicken), there was no question that lunch was a success. Not to mention, bargaining with all of the storeowners on a full stomach came in handy when purchasing souvenirs for friends and family members.

Once our free time concluded, we met with a well-known Kabbalah artist, and learned the ins and outs of the mystical study, while seeing how the artist tied the study into his artwork. He really got us thinking about the holiness of the city we were in, and made us realize just how fortunate we really are to be here in Israel.

We made our way back to the bus when the lecture ended, and were on our way to our next location, Natanya. Sitting here now, we’re all checked into our new hotel, getting ready for a night out in Tel-Aviv. It’s crazy to think that in just one day alone we scaled a mountain and saw sacred ancient ruins, cleansed ourselves in a mikvah (which I’m sure many parents will be pleased with), toured one of Israel’s holiest cities, and learned about the study of Kabbalah.

In one single day, we accomplished more than we could imagine, which leaves me excited to see just what tomorrow brings. 

By Kelsey Kramer

As I’m woken from the sounds of buses outside our hotel room window my best friend Megan and I know the day is about to begin. We sluggishly crawl out of bed,(keep in mind not only our we still jetlagged, but we’re still on “college” time EEK) head downstairs, and enjoy a breakfast of various fruits, eggs in oil, and custards similar to American yogurt. We pile onto the bus in route to our first destination, the hike to Banyas. I must say, those bus rides are a really good time! Today we even introduced the idea of Laties’s, a Greek tradition at UCF where you sing and rhyme to entertain the bus.  Before we reach the Banyas we await the one part of the trip I’m sure every American boy and girl have been waiting for…. picking up the Israeli soldiers. The soldiers were young just like me. Most are anywhere from 20 to 22. They look like us, dress like us, and share most of our interests. 

When we reach the Banyas we are completely overwhelmed with natures beauty. As we hiked down the mountain trail, we are met with the scents of nature (some not so pleasant AH), the sounds of the fresh water stream below, and the laughs of enjoyment from our friends around us.  After our hike, we head over to a kibbutz. This is by far the most enjoyable aspect of the trip I have experienced so far. No No, I know the “partying”, the shopping, and the adventures are fun as well, but really hearing the natives speak about their passion of Israel made me reflect on why I embarked on birthright or Taglit in Hebrew in the first place. Not only did the speaker of the kibbutz’ s words touch my heart, the view was by far the most wonderful sight I have seen in my life (besides my family of course ☺). You could see for miles. Mountains covered in snow, small villages hopping with people, and rolling trees and grasses covering fields upon fields below. 

Next, we stopped for a quick snack at the local mall. Our tour guide informed us that our bags might be searched upon entrance into the shopping area. Isn’t that crazy! We never think in America that something as simple as going out to shop for a new pair of shoes could yield death by some sort of radical terrorist as it does in Israel.  We had lunch similar to McDonalds in the states, but boy let me say it was EXPENSIVE! Finally, we jumped back on the bus, and made our way to the Jeep tour. Now if you like roller coasters, and consider yourself a daredevil this was the thing for you! We drove Jeeps similar to four wheelers all throughout the mountaintop. We even drove within arms distance of about 50 or more cows freely roaming the fields.  

Lastly, upon arrive back at the hotel we gathered as a group where we participated in several games that Israelis play. One was to find a partner, place a balloon in between the two of you, and without hands try and pop the balloon. First one to pop the balloon wins! Now just take a guess at who won this game…bingo you guessed it, ME! 

All and all today was more than I could of ever asked for.

Hilary Shapiro and Michelle Railey
 We've been in Israel for just one day and we are already having the time of our lives. We are meeting some amazing people and experiencing things we couldn't do anywhere else.

This morning we woke up bright and early to visit the Golan Heights  we were unable to hike because the weather (it rained last week so the trails are muddy) but it didn't stop us from a seeing the spectacular view at Mitzpe Hashlom.

We then we visited the Golan Heights olive mill (www.capernaumvista.com). It was our first time to spend our shekels in the gift shop on natural oil products such as olive oil, body washes, lip balms and moisturizers. After we went to Mount Ben Tal overlooking the Syrian border and really got to see the beauty of Israel in the mountains we took lots of pictures we will have forever.  We took our first stop in the Golan village of Katzrin where we had our first falafel (of many) of the trip! Then we went to an environmental site where we learned about the migration of birds and their unique tracking system.

It's only been the first day and we have experienced so much. The staff is awesome and our group is getting along great. After talking about going on birthright we can't believe we are here and look forward to the rest of the trip!

In an hour we will heading out for dinner in a local Tiberius Cafe and a night on the town!

By Jeff Popluder

Boarding the plane in New York as Mayanot 57 the group was finally assembled, the vibe really amplified and the excitement building.  Getting ready for the eight-hour flight everyone was meeting each other and the icebreakers began. After a long flight of bonding and recharging our batteries, we finally landed in Austria a little more acquainted and definitely more excited to finally get to the Holy land. 

24 hours later and we’re driving through the streets of Israel viewing the scenery then arriving at our hotel in Tiberius we lit the Chanukah Candles and sat down to enjoy our first schnitzel and traditional roasted potatoes.  So far everyone has been extremely friendly and meshing very well. Although the 1st day of the trip is coming to an end and the itinerary has been discussed we all can’t wait for what’s planned ahead and what a great trip is awaiting us.