Israel Pilgrimage,
Group #1

*The pictures below are links; clicking on them will take you to a larger version of that picture.

Sunday, July 2nd:
Group 1 spent the day with Danny Siegel for their Tzedaka Day! In the morning, the group heard from Phyllis who began an organization that forms support groups for men and women who have lost their girlfriends and boyfriends in terrorist attacks in Israel. The group was very moved by this talk and by the work that this organization does. In the afternoon they went to Shalva, an institute in Jerusalem for Special Needs children. The USYers visited and played games with the children, who were thrilled to have such lively guests. Upon returning to the Fuchsberg Center, Danny Siegel spoke to the group about the different tzedaka projects that they can do in their own communities back in North America. At night the group participated in an activity prepared for them by the Israeli madrichim, and packed for the next week in the South.

    

    

    

    

    

    

Monday, July 3rd:
Group 1 left Jerusalem this morning and headed to Beer Sheva where they enjoyed a delicious lunch at Kosher Burger King! From there they went to Sde Boker, former home of David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel. They walked inside his home and visited his grave and his wife Paula's grave. From there they did the Ein Ovdat hike and saw part of the beautiful natural wonders of Israel. In the evening they enjoyed a great dinner in the Beduin tent at Mamshit, where they will spend the night, complete with a bonfire and smores!

    

    

Tuesday, July 4th:
Group 1 woke up in the Beduin tent this morning, davened, and went on a camel ride through the area! What a great way to start the day! From there they drove to Kibbutz Ketura, home of their Israeli madricha Avigail. She gave them a tour, her father spoke to the group, they ate lunch and the group went swimming. From there they drove to the famous Kibbutz Yotvata, producer of the finest dairy products in Israel. The group had a chance to buy some snacks, before the drive down to Eilat. Tonight, they checked into their youth hostel, ate dinner, and had some time to walk on the boardwalk.

    

    

    

    

Wednesday, July 5th:
Group 1 spent a fun and relaxing day in Eilat! They began at the underwater observatory where they saw sharks, tortoises, and an assortment of fish, as well as a view of the gorgeous Red Sea (which is in fact blue). They then got a taste of the water as they went snorkeling in small groups, and learned about the coral reef found right off the shore of Eilat. After lunch at the Halleluyah Restaurant, they had some free time to relax, shower, and sleep. After dinner on the boardwalk, they will go on a Disco Boat Ride on the sea where they will dance and enjoy a pretty view of the coast along with Group 11.

Thursday, July 6th:
Group 1 departed Eilat this morning and stopped at Park Timna where they saw a riveting movie on the area. They hiked through Solomon's Pillars to see some ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and the site where an ancient Egyptian temple once stood. From there, they began their Outdoor Desert Experience. They cooked dinner themselves, learned about surviving in the desert, and slept outside under the gorgeous Negev stars.

Friday, July 7th:
Group 1 woke up in the desert this morning and climbed up a small mountain to watch the sunrise and then daven Shacharit in front of the beautiful sight. They ate breakfast outside, cleaned up the campsite where they had slept, and drove to a cliff overlooking the great Machtesh Ramon to go repelling. Although some of the pilgrims were apprehensive about climbing down a mountain, the view and the support of their friends encouraged most of them to go. They climbed in their harnesses, and their guide explained the safe way to repel, or “snappelling” in Hebrew. They then drove to Arad to prepare for Shabbat. They made Shabbat-o-grams and decorations, and then welcomed in Shabbat in the beautiful Negev.