Day 16 - Independence Hall, Azriely Towers

Crowded ride up to the top of the Towers.

Today we revisited the founding of modern Israel at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv. We sat in the very room from where David Ben Gurion declared the independence of the state in 1948! After, went to the top of the Azriely Towers for an incredible panoramic view of Tel Aviv. After, we departed for the free weekend.

Day 15 - Budakan, Beach, Ein Hod Artist Colony, and Deaf Museum

Grand Master Dashi shows us techniques

Zack takes on the Master

Ein Hod

At the beach

In the morning we received martial arts training in Judo from a seasoned Master (whose name still remains a mystery). It was fun to learn different self defense techniques, including how to fall, break a grip, and turning your opponents strength against them. After lunch, we went to Ein Hod Artist Colony to view the unique galleries there. After, we went to the beach is Caeseria to play soccer and get our feet wet. Later that evening, we experienced the Deaf Museum in Holon, where we were guided through a unique experience, and were given special headphone to simulate what it is like to be deaf. We were led through different exhibits by a deaf guide, and forced to interact as if we ourselves were deaf. It was a humbling and eye opening experience.

Day 14 - Tisha Bav

On Tisha Bav we went to the Holocaust Museum, Yad VaShem. This was an extremely powerful and meaningful program. We learned about the history that led up to the Holocaust, and about the intricate events that occurred during this terrible time in our history. After the tour, we split up to discuss the Kinnot, and watched the life story of one holocaust survivor and learned about his life and love story. As the fast ended later that evening, we felt like we had all gained tremendously from the events of the day.

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.