TL-46-354/1082 Update 4
What a busy week! Can you believe it’s only been 5 days?!? We began Friday like every other day- with a tasty Middle Eastern breakfast. We were then joined by our Israeli friends (six Israelis in the army/post-army to join, mingle, and learn with our Americans). We did ice breakers to get to know each other (Americans to deepen their knowledge of each other, Israelis to begin their journey with our crew). We had a geopolitical seminar with Neil Lazarus and were able to ask questions concerning the Israeli-Arab conflict and learn about historical events that have led to this conflict, as well as ask questions that folks had. Thank you Neil for your insight and sharing your knowledge. After this we got to explore the Machane Yehuda market – experiencing the colorful open-air marketplace and seeing how most of Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat- the shopping and food were amazing, and we felt the energy as many prepared to welcome Shabbat. We then drove to Tel Aviv to enjoy some time relaxing and unwinding on the beach. Thankfully no one was sunburned and we had a good time playing frisbee, jamming to music, and many just laying and catching those ZZZ’s (it’s a busy trip- I don’t blame those who took the time to rest in the sun). We returned to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat where we lit candles, did the blessings for grape juice (I know- it wasn’t wine- but we enjoyed it nevertheless) and bread, then enjoyed a festive Shabbat dinner. Although there was some discussion regarding the avocados – most of the group likes the seasoning and some didn’t care for it (it was a big discussion at our table- thank you Nicolo for starting this – what became somewhat of a debate- discussion- we love you for it 🙂 ). After dinner we met to sing songs, dance, and play some more ice breakers. After that we enjoyed improv games lead by Hal and the participants were all so talented and shared 45 minutes of laughter and memories. This was followed by more snacks and bonding (charades, whose line is it anyway, hanging at the hotel bar, card games, and deep conversations regarding Shabbat).
Saturday came and we had the option to sleep in (which many took since it has been a busy week). Breakfast was between 6-9am (most strolled in closer to 8:30) and we heard how many had the best night of rest so far! Yay!! There was an optional synagogue and museum tour that most went on. Now we are enjoying lunch which will be followed by Shabbat and Jewish identity programming. After that we will enjoy dinner, a Havdallah ceremony, and will explore the Kotel- reflection at the western wall and tour of the Jewish sector. Tomorrow is another busy day- so I hope folks get a good night’s rest tonight as well, we still have heaps more to see and experience and we are only halfway through the trip! Let the good times continue to roll. Gratitude we get to share this time together in Israel with #bus354 and #bus1082. Thank you birthright!
With gratitude,
Hal & Lexi
North American Staff
