Time to Head Home – Update From Israel #Bus234

Thank you to Group TL-31-234 trip leaders, Leora and Ari for their update from Israel! Participant, Matthew Newman, also provides a beautiful reflection on his Birthright experience.

Yesterday we visited the beautiful city of Tzfat, the center of Jewish mysticism and spirituality. We explored the artist galleries and synagogues, learned a little bit about Kabbalah and visited Ascend, where we discussed contemporary issues in Israeli and Jewish society. We also said farewell to our Israeli friends who has been traveling with us for the past 5 days.

ClevelandToday was our last day in Israel. We spent the day in Tel Aviv where we experienced some pretty wild weather! Despite the rain and wind, we visited Independence Hall where David Ben Gurion declared the independence of the state of Israel in 1948. We then visited Rabin Square in the center of Tel Aviv where Yitzchak Rabin was murdered. From there we experienced the craziness of Israel’s largest mall and then headed to Tel Aviv University’s Diaspora Museum. Tonight we are headed to the airport where we will say goodbye to Israel and head home to the U.S. — until next time! –Leora and Ari

“Birthright reinforced my passion for Jewish communal work. In addition to Judaism’s role in my professional life, this trip has shown me the importance of incorporating Judaism into my own personal and social community as well. This trip has motivated me to encourage others to become engaged in the Jewish community in whatever way they feel comfortable.” -Matthew Newman