July 10, 2012

Group 4 went to a memorial dedicated to a helicopter crash on the border of Lebanon. Then they enjoyed a pleasant and fun water hike in Nachal Snir followed by a pizza lunch and an awesome time kayaking in the Jordan River! They returned to their base to enjoy a fun BBQ and pool party. In the evening the group had an “army night” where they learned about the tactics of the Israel Defense Forces.

July 10, 2012

This morning group 3 had a creative shacharit. They took pictures of certain things they saw in the nature around them and then related it to a prayer in the morning services – everyone enjoyed the meaningful experience. Then they headed to a school in Beit Shemesh which serves a socially-economic deprived area, and did a wonderful job painting their their gymnasium. Afterwards, they went to Hazekah Hill where they learned about the battle of David and Goliath. In the evening they continued their Haevent rehearsal followed by an activity called “Night of a thousand stars” where everyone was required to dress up as a character for the evening. Then they received a scene and had to act it out in their character; everyone had a fantastic time playing someone else!

July 10, 2012

Group 2 continued with gadna today. They worked on field exercises such as learning how to camouflage by painting their faces, walking carefully through the field, and more! They also got to experience field meals consisting of canned tuna and corn. In the evening they participated in discussions about army values and guns.

July 10, 2012

Group 8 landed early this morning in Israel! They went to Mount Scopus overlook for a welcome ceremony where they did a l’chaim and said the sh’hecheyanu blessing. Then they came to the Fuchsberg center, their base for the next few evenings, to daven shacharit, eat breakfast and go nap for a few hours before eating lunch. Then, they broke up into groups and did a fun scavenger hunt on Ben Yehuda Street followed by Haevent practice. In the evening, after they had dinner, David Levy, the new director of teen learning (USY directory), studied with them. Everyone is looking forward to the rest of their wonderful summer in Israel!

July 10, 2012

The group started their day in the Negev this morning with a visit to Ben Gurion’s home and grave in Sde Boker. They learned about his dream to make the desert as green as possible by planting as many trees as possible. Then they had lunch and headed to Ein Ovdat followed by a visit to the Bedouin tent where they are spending the evening. They had an amazing time riding on camels and learning about the Bedouin traditions. They got to experience Bedouin food for dinner and enjoyed interacting with the Bedouin.

July 10, 2012

July 9, 2012

After a wonderful Shabbat in Atlanta, learner’s services minyan on Sunday followed by puppet making, Bus E headed from Atlanta to Orlando today. The lengthy drive allowed for some great bonding and bus games. In addition to bus fun, the Wheelniks chanced to stop at the Butterfly Rainforest, a 6,400-square-foot screened, outdoor enclosure with subtropical plants and hundreds of living butterflies. The group got some beautiful shots with some beautiful creatures. Once they finally make it to Orlando, the group will be hosted Ohev Shalom for some highly anticipated home hospitality. Bus E can’t wait to explore the great state of Florida this week!