TL-BR-52-1215 Update 1
From Jet Lag to Jeep Tours: Our First Days
We landed in Israel bright and early at 5:00 AM on Wednesday—and didn’t waste a second. After a quick change and some much-needed coffee, we kicked things off with a peaceful stroll through the Hanadiv Gardens. Soon after we were exploring the historic streets of Zichron Yaakov, where we had our first taste of Israeli cuisine over lunch. That afternoon, we made our way up north to Tiberias, where a cozy dinner at our hotel and a quick icebreaker game helped us wind down before crashing into bed.
Day two started with a splash—literally. We hiked through the refreshing waters of Ein Tina, soaked from head to toe but grinning the whole time. From there, we took in panoramic views at the Gadot Lookout before heading to Qatsrin, where we grabbed lunch on our own and had a bit of time to explore. The afternoon brought one of the most memorable moments so far: a rugged jeep tour along the Syrian border. As we bounced along dirt trails, we learned about the Druze community in Syria and their complex story. The ride ended with sweet, cold watermelon that tasted like pure magic.
As if that weren’t enough, we then made our way to the Sea of Galilee for some adrenaline-pumping banana boating. Sun-soaked and smiling, we returned to the hotel for dinner and an early night which we definitley needed. Friday morning, we headed to the mystical city of Tzfat, where the day began with a soulful challah baking workshop at Ascent. We wandered through the artist alleyways and synagogues of Tzfat, stopping to meet the inspiring mystical artist Abraham before continuing on to the Amiad Winery for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting and good vibes.
We wrapped up the week with a meaningful and joyful Shabbat experience. After prepping for the evening, we welcomed in Shabbat as a group and unplugged, connected, and present. Our Shabbat dinner was filled with singing, laughter, and incredible food. But the night didn’t end there. What started with a few low-key games which quickly turned into a laugh-until-you-cry kind of evening, setting the tone for the strong bonds already forming among us. If the first few days are any indication, this is going to be one unforgettable journey.
Carly, Bar & Sarah