Shabbat at Keturah

After snorkeling we traveled back to Kibbutz Keturah to get ready for Shabbat. It was so much fun dressing up with my Kellman family and new friends from Perelman. The Friday services were so nice. The members of the Kibbutz all gathered in the synagogue and were happy to be together. We got to see how prayers are done on the kibbutz. We concluded our amazing day with Kibbutz Keturah jeopardy.

Shabbat was pure fun. We woke up to go to tefillah with the lovely members of Kibbutz Keturah. Services were great. I even got to open the Ark with Carly! The members were all very welcoming and included us as much as possible in their service. After services and Kiddush we met with member to discuss the way the Kibbutz works. After we learned about the different committees we were split up into three groups. Each group was a different committee with a different dilemma. We got to discuss and attempt to resolve the issues like the members of the kibbutz committee would. It was cool to hear how the other groups resolved their issues and what really happened. Most of the groups got the same results as the Kibbutz.

After lunch we got to either play sports or relax. While walking to go play soccer, I played with a local kibbutz dog who was just wandering around. I was inspired when I noticed the dog only had three legs, but was still able to run and play with the other dogs. I did not get his name because there was no owner with him, but he reminded me a lot of my dogs Lulu and Waldo. Little did I know that by befriending this dog I would have a new shadow for the rest of the day. After playing with the dog I went and played soccer with the Perelman kids until Kellman kids started to arrive. It was so much fun playing with everyone. After soccer I went with the others to get ready for dinner and Havdallah.

We ended our day with a night hike through the rock village, where people built structures with the big and small rocks. During the hike we stopped to reflect on our trip and were asked to think of our favorite, most meaningful part of the trip.   It was altogether an unforgettable day.

--Olivia Deutsch

Eilat

Hi to all the families of KBA! Today was a magnificent day, filled with new activities I have not tried before. The first stop we made was climbing a mountain near Eilat. When we got to the top, we were able to see Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, all at the same time. The walk was tiring, but it was definitely worth it, after seeing the beautiful view at the top. We individually prayed at the top of the mountain. It was meaningful to me personally because each of us got to choose where we wanted to pray. After that, we snorkeled in the Red Sea. It was an awesome adventure for me because I never did it before. It was a gorgeous experience because we could see the coral and the pretty fish. I had an exquisite day today, and wish to soon return to my new home, Israel, as soon as possible. -Gabriella Rose, Friday, April 19 

Friday, April 19
Today was so exciting! We started off our day with a hike to the top of Har Tzfachot. Although the hike to the top was hard it was worth every step. The view from the top of the mountain was breath-taking. At the top we could see four different countries at the same time Israel (of course), Egypt, Jordan, and we could also see a tiny bit of Syria. On top of the mountain we had tefillot. The actual feeling of praying at such an amazing place was like know other. I felt closer to G-D while praying on the top of Har Tzfachot than I usually feel. The moment is one I will never forget.
On top of that we then got to go down to the beach to snorkel and swim in Eilat. The water was crystal clear. At first I was a little scared about the idea of swimming with the different fish, but when I got into the water that fear completely vanished. We saw beautiful fish and coral. The people showed us coral that was more than 4000 years old!  Next up - Shabbat at Kibbutz Ketura... 
- Olivia Deutsch

Masada 'n More

Today we woke up at 4:30am to climb Masada. The climb up via the Roman ramp wasn't too hard. At the top, there was a bar mitzvah (which we sort of "crashed"!).  The family was from Johannesburg, South Africa and appreciated sharing the ruach.  We toured Masada where we learned about the Jews who lived there after fleeing the Romans and eventually killed themselves rather than be captured. We also met a Torah scribe (sofer), who was writing a Sephardic Torah. The hike down Masada was actually a lot harder, probably because the sun was beating down on us. Even though we woke up early to climb Masada, it was super fun. We can't wait for snorkeling in Eilat.
--Shira Resnick

Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut

Today (4/15/13) was Yom HaZikaron. Yom HaZikaron is Israel's rememberence day for soliders who died in wars or people who have died in terrorist attacks. We started the day by going to Yad Lekashish, an art workshop where older immigrants work. In the workshop there were a few immigrants from Iran who spoke Farsi, like I (sort of) do. I got to say "hi" to them in Farsi, which was cool. The art the elderly created was beautiful. The colors were gorgeous and the ceramics were perfectly done.
After Yad Lekashish, we went to the Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. On the way to Yad Vashem the siren for remembering the soldiers went off. It was very interesting to see everyone and everything stop for a minute and stand in silence. At Yad Vashem we were given a tour. The Kellman Brown kids were very proud of themselves because they knew most of what the tour guide was telling them (yay us!).
After Yad Vashem, we went to Har Herzl, which is the national cemetery for heroes and soldiers. We each got to light a memorial candle for a soldier of our choice.
The transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom HaAtzmaut was very fast - only 60 seconds. To celebrate for Yom HaAtzmaut we went to Ben Yehuda street. It was crowded but really fun. There were shaving cream fights and bands playing everywhere. I had an amazing time today, and am looking forward to the rest of the week!
--Shira Resnick

We were in Jerusalem for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut. Yom HaZikarom was an emotional day that has an impact on everyone in Israel as it did for me. We attended a ceremony at a kibbutz honoring soldiers who died defending our homeland. A siren was sounded and everyone all over the nation stopped to remember the soldiers. For me, the siren was intense and overwhelming. I realized just how terrible it is to lose loved ones who were fighting for Israel.
We saw a movie about American Michael Levin, who died in Lebanon fighting for the IDF, and we went to Har Herzl, Israel's national cemetery, to visit the graves of fallen IDF soldiers.
Later that night, Israel's 65th birthday celebration began. We celebrated on Ben Yehudah street, which was so much fun.  Spending Yom Haatzmaut in Israel makes me so proud. Israel is an amazing country and I am proud to be here. - Gabi Meltzer

Shabbat in Jerusalem

On Friday, April 12th, we arrived in Jerusalem. It was my first time there, and it was a great experience to see the place that we had been learning about for such a long time. It was great to walk through the Old City and pray in a place where we could see the Kotel. When we returned to the Old City on Sunday, April 14th, we saw the Kotel for the second time. We had prayed at the Kotel a little bit on Friday, and we had put our notes in, but this time it was less crowded and we could spend more time there. I think that the first time we went was more meaningful because it was Shabbat and there were so many other people there that were praying, too. We placed people's hopes and wishes in the Kotel.
In the old city on Sunday, we went into the tunnels. At first I was terrified, but it turned out to be really fun, and it was cool to see the original arches that held up the Temple. It was also very cool to walk on the same street that people in the time of King David walked on to get to the Temple. It was really awesome to get the chance to experience these places.
--Melanie Raush

Shavua tov!  Heading to Ben-Yehuda after Havdallah

On Friday Afternoon a little before Shabbat, we went to the Shuk. The Shuk was so busy with people doing last minute shopping for Shabbat. It was so crowded that I could barely walk without banging into people.  While shopping I found every kind of food you could imagine. The two best foods were the different kinds of fruits not found in America and the Marzipan rugelach.  After Shabbat we went to Ben Yahudah street. There were so many stores. Some sold food, or shirts, or kippot. It was interesting to find what was there.

--Aliza Bromberg Gaber

On Shabbat morning we got the choice to attend various synagogues.  There were multiple  choices.  They were all nice and creative in their own ways. I went to a Modern Orthodox one located in an old bomb shelter, which felt very safe. Towards the end of the service a young boy sang beautifully, it was a perfect ending to a peaceful service.  After praying we walked to a park to have a snack.  It was a little cold, but it was so nice, quiet and peaceful.  I enjoyed the quiet, it was very relaxing.

Then we talked to a guy named Ismael who came from Darfur.  He was able to get into Israel because of Yemin Orde (which you read about from our visit there on Tuesday).  He moved from refugee camp to refugee camp all throughout Africa.  He told us about his studies and religion.  He ended up knowing eight languages - it was a lot to know. 
In the evening we got to meet some Israeli teens.  My group spoke with a British guy, and he was awesome.  All the teens were dancers and singers.  Some of them danced for us, and they were very good.  Afterwards we did Havdallah and walked to Ben Yehuda street, where we shopped and had really good ice cream.  This day was packed with fun and exciting things; I had fun but was so tired out.  I can't wait for an another amazing day.
--Carly Epstein

Action packed day . . . topped off with chocolate

Today was non-stop fun - from visiting the Golan heights where we looked out on actual major battlefields from the Yom Kippur War to river rafting on the Jordan River. On Mt. Bentel we were able to hear inspiring stories about the soldiers who fought for Israel during the war. We learned a lot about Israel's and Syria's relationship. Then we went to a chocolate factory where we learned the history of chocolate and we were able to make our own chocolate. It was extremely fun making it even though, sadly, I was not able to eat it because I'm allergic. Next we went river rafting on the Jordan River. It was insanely fun racing with our new Perelman friends (we "won", even though it was our girls against their boys!). We had a great time splashing around in the warm sun. I am so excited for another great day, especially because we will be going to Jerusalem tomorrow! YAY!!!

--Olivia Deutsch 

Today was an action packed day. We woke up and began our day by taking a trip up to Mt. Bental, which overlooked Syria and a battlefield from the Yom Kippur War. There was even a bunker there which we got to explore and experience what being in a bunker feels like. We heard a lot about Israel's situation with Syria, discussing our relations and past history.

We then went to a chocolate making seminar where we toured a local chocolate factory and made our own chocolate. I heard it was delicious and I was tempted to try it but I'm allergic to dairy! After lunch, we had the BEST time rafting in the Jordan River. I got soaked from everyone splashing each other! After falling in the water and laughing non-stop, we headed back to the hotel and did some activities reflecting on our trip so far. I am SO excited to head to Jerusalem tomorrow!
--Gabbi Meltzer

Kibbutz, Kineret and Kabbalah (and more!)

Today, we met soldiers from the IDF. We met some soldiers who guard the border between Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. We also met and had dinner with soldiers from a different unit and talked with them to learn what they do. I felt honored that I was able to meet the men and women who guard and keep Israel safe. We also took a Jeep ride through the Golan Heights.

In Tzfat, we learned about Kabbalah. We learned about rabbis important in the development of Jewish laws as well as Jewish mysticism: Rabbi Yossef Karo (who created the Shulchan Aruch) and  Rabbi Isaac Luria (who developed Kabbalah).

I'm looking forward to learn more that Israel has to teach.

--Josh Weinstein

 

 

 

Today we went to Tzfat which is one of the holiest cities known for Kabbalah and its old and beautiful synagogues. After visiting many of the ancient synagogues, we had free time to shop and eat lunch. It was so much fun spending time with both my school friends and my new Saligman friends.

Later, we met young men and women of the IDF and got to spend time with them. We ate dinner with soldiers on the shores of the Kinneret. They told me how they feel when fighting for their country, and what their best and worst memories were from the army. I learned a lot from them. The atmosphere was beautiful as we ate on the water with all of our friends.

Today was a great day, I LOVE Israel!          --Gabriella Rose



Caesaria

Today we went to Caesarea, the ruins of a magnificent city which was built by King Herod, who ruled the Jewish people. He was the king at the time of the second Temple. Caserea is beautiful and lies right by the ocean. At Caserea, there is a huge stage, where all the best musicians and singers from Israel perform. We got the chance to perform the song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rea Jepson.

 We also went to Yemin Orde. Yemin Orde is a community that helps children from all over the world that immigrate to Israel. It is very productive, and helps so many people through its boarding school. It is so interesting to hear the stories of the people who lived there, it was fun to meet the children, and the weather was perfect. I can't wait for the rest of the trip. I have no doubts that it will be as fun as it was today.

--Shira Resnick

Science Connections at Weizman Technology Park

Our first day was tiring, but very eventful.  My favorite part of the day was going to the Weizman Institute of Technology garden. The garden was more a giant playground than a garden. One thing that was cool was the connection between what we have learned in science and the simple machines that made up the playground.  My favorite activity there was a human hamster wheel (which watered a garden below). I am very excited for the rest of the trip!  - Aliza Bromberg Gaber

"Planting our Roots"

Today was a long, but fun day.  We started off by planting trees, so we would have our roots in Israel.  While waiting I looked at the view, which was so perfect you could stare at it all day and never get bored.  It was one of the most beautiful things you will see.  It was the beginning of our journey in our home land.  Then we herded sheep (as a hands-on example of leadership). It was fun, but I wouldn't touch the sheep, and the babies were very cute.  We eventually got all the sheep back.  This was only the first day and already we were having a lot of fun.  I can't wait for the rest of the trip.  - Carly Epstein    

Hi everyone!! We arrived in Israel yesterday, tired but so thrilled to be in Israel. We started off our trip by visiting a biblical nature reserve. There, we planted trees on a hill, planting our roots in our homeland Israel. We then did an activity during which we herded sheep together - a good leadership activity. The part of my day that most stood out to me was partaking in a Yom HaShoah ceremony. In Israel, a siren is sounded throughout the country and everyone stops what they are doing to take two minutes to remember those who died from the terrors of the Holocaust. I found it unbelievable how a whole country just stopped altogether to remember what happened in the Holocaust. This amazed me, it was so special and proved to me just how much the Jewish people in Israel really care for every Jew. I am so excited to experience the rest of this exciting journey. I will write more soon!!

--Gabbi Meltzer