By Gina Kohr Today, we come full circle as 24 individuals on our way home excited to share unique experiences with loved ones, community members, and coworkers. The past 10 days we have walked many miles and traveled many destinations and eaten so much food that I don’t know when I will ever be hungry… read more »
By Jon Liss At breakfast, we learned that Israeli forces had assassinated a well known terrorist in Gaza. Then rocket attacks began into southern Israel and parts of Tel Aviv. Fortunately, as of this writing, there haven’t been any significant injuries in Israel, but some buildings have been hit. Iron Dome has been about 90%… read more »
By Kim Soderberg “Journey to the wilderness…”, is how our itinerary description for this day begins. We wake up in an oasis. You know, like the ones you see in the cartoons amid the desolation of the desert. This green, lush beautiful place full of wildlife. An oasis. The Kibbutz Ein Gedi. We have one… read more »
By Lise Levin I thought this morning about friendship. Friendships of longstanding and new ones. The real joy of sharing this experience of Israel with dear friends and of watching how my JCC friends care for each other. From Patty keeping a laser focus on us so we wouldn’t be swallowed by the mob at… read more »
By Bruce Bushwick Shortly after our plane landed in Ben Gurion airport, our guide explained that we are in a uniquely Jewish space— in language (modern Hebrew), with food (kosher restaurants are everywhere), in official holidays, and in religion. I would also add that in Israel, we are in Jewish time, with the week separated… read more »
By Andi Liss Friday morning – Far-enough into our trip that the effects of traveling so far have worn off. The drive to mass consume at every meal has lessened. The balance between drinking enough water and timing of the visits to the “shirutim” (bathroom in Hebrew – very important lesson from our first day)… read more »
By Melissa Plotkin Today, our morning started from a new hotel in Haifa. We went to Mt. Carmel and the Baha’i World Center. The gardens were picturesque and provided a wonderful view of Haifa from the bay to the top of the mountain. Our guide at the Baha’i World Center shared that the gardens have… read more »
By Dani Fessler We left Tel Aviv today and headed North, with a chance to experience Israel’s diversity – especially diversity of communities. We opened this morning with an early morning walk along the Tel Aviv promenade and beach. Beautiful shiny day and clear blue sky welcomed us today and 85°F. A morning meditation with… read more »
By Emma Nowak Like the United States, Israel is a country of immigrants. However, instead of looking for a new start, it is like the people of Israel have returned home. Today, we explored the city of Tel Aviv and learned the story of its creation. 110 years ago Tel Aviv was just sand dunes,… read more »
By Rabbi Marshal Klaven I’m embarrassed to say that I cannot recall precisely how many times I’ve been to Israel. The best I can do is say that nearly 25 years ago I began a love affair with this country that continues to this day. But, as with all loves, the journey of the heart… read more »