By Seth Iskowitz

Wow, what a trip! I can’t believe how much we actually did in only ten days. On our final day in Israel, we woke up at the usual early time and jetted to the old city of Yaffo for a tour. After our beautiful beach tour of Yaffo, we had free time to shop in the Yaffo shuk for last minute gifts for our families and friends. After scrambling to find gifts, we went to the Israeli Independence Hall to see the actual place where Israel became a Jewish homeland. We then went to Rabin Square where the former Prime Minister of Israel was shot.

After a crazy day filled with history, shopping, and fun, we went to the Mega Event in Jerusalem. This event consisted of 60 Birthright buses from around the world packed into an arena with VIPs such as the current Israeli Prime Minister, the president of Birthright, and some of the founders and donors of Birthright. Seeing thousands of Jewish students our age singing and dancing to popular Israeli music was incredible. The passion for Judaism in the arena was insane and everyone had a great time. 

As I sit on the floor of our hotel hallway in Jerusalem writing this final blog, a whirlwind of emotions cross my mind about how incredible this trip was. In only ten days we saw the entire country of Israel and made lifelong friends along the way. From hiking down mountains in the North to floating on top of the Dead Sea in the South and everything else in between, the memories we have made on this trip will definitely last a lifetime. These past ten days were hands down some of the best ten days of my life and I am extremely sad to leave Israel. This country is not only the Jewish homeland, but I can truly say that it is my homeland, and I hope that I can come back sometime soon. 

Liat Stilman,  Bryn Smith & Stefanie Halperin

You know it had to be a great day when we woke up on the floor of a freezing cold Bedouin tent to Merav screaming, “Mayanot 57, WAKE UP!” Quicker than we knew it we had already began our most eventful day yet on the trip.  At 5:50 am we were already out in the desert riding camels, which was definitely an interesting experience.  This is the first time throughout the trip we had truly felt we were in a foreign country. After our early wakeup call, we got a real taste for a true Bedouin breakfast including pita and fried egg.  It was definitely a breakfast that exceeded expectations. 
    As if we weren’t already tired enough we left our fellow Bedouins to really start our day at the Masada. The Masada was truly an amazing experience from the beginning. We hiked up the mountain and finally after many stairs we reached the top to see a breath taking view of the desert. We have always heard of the Masada before but who knew how much history it had to offer.  Up there on the top we got a little taste of the past and present by singing the Shema in the ancient temple as well as witnessing a scribe writing an new Torah scroll. Some of us were even lucky enough to contribute to that.   
    After seeing what there was to see we hopped into a cable car and rode it all the way to the bottom where everyone crazed over the first McDonald’s of the trip.  Don’t worry, it was kosher. From there, we arrived at Ein Gedi springs where the majority of us were brave enough to endure the cold water and even stand under the waterfall. After enjoying the most breathtaking views we hiked back down to the bus and were on our way to the Dead Sea.  
    The Dead Sea was one of the most invigorating experiences here in Israel.  For those who went in, they got to experience something that you can’t anywhere else in the whole world.  For those who didn’t go in, they got to experience one of the most hilarious moments of the trip, watching everyone else burn from the salt.       We finally made it back to Jerusalem and checked into our youth hostel for the night.  After our much-needed showers, we concluded our day by having a guest speaker talk about Israeli short films.  With our early start to the day we really got to experience every stereotypical “must-see” that Israel has to offer.  
    While our trip coming to an end, this has truly been an experience we will never forget.  Who knew you could get to know people so well in such a short period of time.  

P.S. Happy 21st Birthday Dustin!!

By Jay Basin

Bright and early we woke up with a quick breakfast. Soon enough the bus was packed and we were on the move once again. As quick as we had left the hotel, we soon arrived at Yad Vashem, A famous Holocaust Museum.

Everyone knows the story of the Holocaust but hearing a number is completely different from seeing it. We started the day off by watching the story of a Holocaust survivor. I couldn’t help but feel that at least through all the pain and suffering of the holocaust, at least some found love, as seen in his story, meeting his future wife while at Auschwitz.

The entire museum was astonishing and very humbling, especially knowing that we are all the product of the victory of the Jews in the Holocaust. We saw the shoes taken from the Jews at the concentration camps and couldn’t help but feel the essence of each individual that stood in them. At the end of the tour, we entered a circular room with shelves of books and a well in it. The books contained the names of all that perished in the Holocaust but in the well was a reflection of ourselves because we all carry Judaism into the future. Yad Vashem means “A Memorial and a Name” and it truly was.

After, we past through the memorial for the children lost in the Holocaust. I couldn’t help but feel grateful to know that I’m alive and have the ability to grow as a human being each and everyday. 

Before traveling into the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, we enjoyed some delicious falafel. While visiting their graves, we heard the stories of the fallen soldiers and I couldn’t help but feel fortunate to know that all Israeli soldiers put their lives on the line to protect Jews around the whole world. After getting to know the Israeli Soldiers on our trip it astounds me because they had some much in common with all of us, that it is amazing that people, not unlike ourselves, fight for our freedom and rights.

We then traveled south to experience some real Bedouin Hospitality. Huge metal plates of food with chicken, laffa, rice, olives, hummus and a lot more immediately greeted us. We then enjoyed some delicious, fresh, sweet tea and baklava for dessert. 

Learning about the Bedouin culture, we heard some live Bedouin music and enjoyed some fresh coffee. Soon after, we took a short walk to star gaze. This gave me time to reflect on how those lost in the Holocaust and those buried at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery gave up their lives so we could be happy, healthy and enjoy the land of Israel.

Our night ended beside a bon fire in which we reflected on our trip, huddled for warmth, and bonded over our past experiences.

By Josh Levine and Josh Yanover

After a long but fun night out on Ben Yehuda Street, we were off to the old city of Jerusalem. Upon our arrival, our first stop was at the gates of the city. We learned about the different settlements who have conquered Jerusalem in the past. It was amazing to see the stone structures that have withstood time and made this city what it is. After learning about the history of Jerusalem we went on a tour of the city itself. One of our stops was at the broad wall where we learned that archeologists discovered a wall that was built through houses. This discovery recognized that the Israelites were the first to settle in the land of Jerusalem. Next we were given some free time to eat, shop, and explore on our own. We bought gifts for our family and friends such as a Chamsa, Mizzussa, and other Israeli items.

Our next stop of the day was at the Kotel, which looked a little different from the sight we saw on Shabbat. As usual the boys and girls split up to their respective sides of the wall. Boys were given the opportunity to put on Tifilin and everybody was able to pray and deliver notes to the wall for themselves, as well as their families. Everyone seemed to have a special connection with Judaism that can only happen at this holy ground.  In addition to praying at the wall, eight members of our trip who had not previously had a bar/ bat mitzvah were given the opportunity to have one. We sang, danced, and lifted our friends in a chair in the air to celebrate their becoming of an adult.

The southern excavations were next up on our list for sights of the day. There we were able to see first hand how each successive empire settled and added on to the previous empire’s establishment. It was exciting to be able to stand on holy ground upon which thousands of years of history have existed. Unfortunately at the end of our tour of the excavations it was time to say goodbye to our new Israeli friends. They all expressed how much fun they had with each and every one of us, and how similar their lives are with ours. There were many hugs, tears shed, and personal Israeli Army items exchanged between us. It was very hard to see them go, but we all know we have eight new friends for life.

When we arrived at the hotel we had a preparation activity for Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. At the activity we talked about how different pictures and quotes represented the holocaust to each and every one of us. To end the night, we had a presentation from Neil Lazarus who talked about the political issues occurring in Israel today. It is amazing to hear about the danger around the state of Israel, yet we still feel so safe. We had an exhausting day and we are getting ready for the next one. Josh’s out!

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.