Day 13 - Travel to Jerusalem for Tisha Bav, Mt. Herzl

Tisha Bav program on the rooftop.

The father of a fallen soldier shares his story.

At the grave of Michael Levine.

Today we traveled back to Jerusalem for Tisha Bav. We visited the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetary and reflected upon the many brave soldiers who have given their lives to protect the Jewish State and the Jewish People. At night, we had a Tisha Bav program, run by Rabbi Black, on a rooftop in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Day 12 - Class, Jordan River, and Raft Building

The boys strategical conversation on how to build their raft

The girls building their raft!

We started off the day with class. After, we went rafting in the Jordan River! Then, we built and rode our own custom built rafts on the shore of the Kinneret. It was an incredibly fun and unique day! At night, we stayed over at the beautiful Hispin Guest House in the Golan Heights. The view on the drive up was breathtaking!

Day 11- Tevaria

After Shabbat, we went to Tevaria. We enjoyed a boat ride, had a bongo class, and enjoyed the local shops and pizza.

Day 10 - Tsfat and Friday Night

In front of the Safed Candle store. It was so crowded in Tsfat that we had to wait outside before we could get in!

The boys help unload the bus!

The mystical and mysterious city of Tsfat was an incredible experience. On the way to Tsfat, we stopped off in Meron to pray and reflect at the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Throughout the city of Tsfat, we met many other groups that are also touring Israel. We saw visited the ancient synagogue of the Ari, the Safed Candle Factory, and shopped in the Artist Colony. For Shabbat, the girls went to an all girls minyan, and had an incredible time dancing and singing as they greeted the Shabbat Queen. The boys went to an outdoor Carlebach style minyan, which was full of dancing and joyful singing. Both experiences were rated as incredibly unique to Tsfat, and were enjoyed by all! We got back to the hotel and had an incredible Shabbat meal, and continued to sing Shabbat songs and tell stories late into the night.

Day 9 - Class and Bonfire on the Beach

Today we had a full day of class. At night, we unwound with a beautiful bonfire on the beach. We roasted potatoes, ate snacks, and sang songs. Rabbi Black joined us and led us in song and story. It was a great night!

Day 8 - Hike in Nachal Ksiv, Rosh Hanikrah, Class

Today we started out with a beautiful hike in Nachal Ksiv. We descended and ascended the mountains and enjoyed the breathtaking view. After lunch, we went to Rosh Hanikrah and took the cable cars down to the grotto. It was incredible to see how the water, over hundreds of years, has hollowed out the rock. After, we went back to Achziv and had class. At night, we relaxed on the grounds of field school. Tomorrow, we look forward to Tsfat!

Day 7- Bar Kochba Caves, Kfar Kedem, Tziporri

Today we crawled through the ancient Bar Kochba Caves- it was incredible! Crawling on our hands and knees with only the light of a flashlight, the networks of caves opened up into large caverns, hewn out from inside the rock. Then, at Kfar Kedem, we traveled back to the time of the Mishna. We dressed up in ancient garb, baked pita, and even rode donkeys! Afterwards, we visited the archeological site of Tziporri. We are at Achziv Field School, which is steps from the Mediterranean Sea!