Live Trip Updates – August 6, 2014

Every day we will post live trip updates. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

TL-30-410: The group started the day with a hike through Nahal Alexander.  They then had some time to relax on the beaches of Netanya.  Following a closing dinner and wrap up session, they will head to the airport for their return flight to the U.S. We’ll miss you!

TL-30-411 and TL-30-412: After leaving the Bedouin  tents earlier today, the group conquered a challenging hike through nearby Ein Ovdat and visited the grave of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister and one of the most influential founding fathers of the nation. They also visited a community farm where they learned about greener methods of farming in Israel, and sampled delicious locally grown herbs and produce. They’re spending the night in the Mediterranean city of Netanya, and enjoyed a fun night out on the town.

TL-30-413: The group woke early this morning and were welcomed by a wonderful Bedouin breakfast after sleeping in the Bedouin tents. After leaving the tents, the group conquered a unique canyon hike through nearby Nahal Havarim, and visited the grave of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister and one of the most influential founding fathers of the nation. In the evening they headed north and returned to Jerusalem, where they’ll be staying for the remainder of the trip.

TL-30-414 and TL-30-415: This group visited the grave of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister and one of the most influential founding fathers of the nation. They also visited a community farm where they learned about greener methods of farming in Israel, and sampled delicious locally grown herbs and produce. Following this visit, they headed down to Jerusalem where they prepared for their visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial tomorrow.

TL-30-416: This Jewish Federation of Atlanta group began the day in the mystical city of Tzfat. This is the city where Kabbalah originated. They heard from a Kabbalistic artist named Avraham, walked around the old city, learned about the Gilad Shalit situation, and enjoyed lunch and shopping! After Tzfat, they talked about the current Gaza situation (there has now been a cease fire for the past 36 hours!) while enjoying an incredible view of Lebanon. They then enjoyed some water activities in the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias where they swam and went tubing while being pulled by boats. The group is eagerly anticipating tomorrow, when they will be meeting the group of Israelis who will be traveling with them for the next several days. Check out some photos from today …

TL-30-417 and TL-30-418: The group started their first full day of touring with a beautiful hike up Mount Merion. This was followed by a visit to mystical Tzfat where they learned about the birth of the kabbalah movement. After some shopping in the artist colony in Tzfat, the group headed back to Tiberias, beautiful city overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where they will be spending the night.

TL-30-419 and TL-30-791: The group’s schedule was  jam packed today exploring Tzfat, a beautiful northern city and the birthplace of Jewish mysticism. In Tzfat, the group learned about Kabbalah, an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought within Judaism. They also toured the city’s historic synagogues, witnessed presentations by mystic and glass-blowing artists, and toured the city’s local art scene. The trip to Tzfat was followed by fun water sports in the Kinneret Lake.

TL-30-420 and TL-30-422:  The trip really got started today, beginning with a visit to the beautiful Gadot and Mount Bental lookouts, followed by a challenging hike up Nahal Zavitan. The group spent the afternoon banana boating, tubing and playing games in the Kinneret, the largest freshwater lake in Israel.

Want to see Tuesday’s updates? Read the updates from August 5 here!