Israel Pilgrimage,
Group #2

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

Sunday, July 2nd:
Group 2 left Jerusalem this morning and headed north. Their first stop was the Usfia Druze Village, where they were hosted by a Druze community and ate a delicious kosher lunch. It is in fact one of the food highlights of the summer. They heard an explanation about the Druze religion and were interested in this small community with unique rules. They had time to shop in the neighboring market and everyone enjoyed the authentic clothes, drums, and pottery. This afternoon they hiked in Nachal Kelach, and got their first views of the gorgeous northern part of Israel. Tonight they drove to the Masorti (Conservative) kibbutz Hanaton, which will be their home for the next week, along with Group 6. They ate dinner, settled into their rooms and had some fun activities.

    

    

    

    

    

Monday, July 3rd:
Group 2 woke up in Hanaton this morning, packed their lunches, and headed to do a beautiful water hike in Ein Tina. From there they went to Kibbutz El Rom where the visited the Oz 77 monument on the very battlefield where the tanks clashed in 1973, and view a short film about the heroic Oz 77 Tank Brigade which fought against overwhelming odds to successfully defend the Golan during the Yom Kippur War. They also had fun cherry picking! This afternoon they went to an overlook from Har Bental where they learned about the importance of the Golan Heights for Israel. Tonight they went to Tiberias for dinner and some free time, before returning to Hanaton.

    

Tuesday, July 4th:
Group 2 departed Hanaton this morning and went to Rosh Hanikra, where they enjoyed the beautiful grottos created from the constant contact between the rock and the sea for thousands of years. From there they went to an Air Force Base, courtesy of an invitation by one of the Tzahal members who they met in Krakow. In the afternoon they visited the cemetery where Ilan Ramon and Moshe Dayan are buried, and learned about two of Israel's many heroes. They stopped at a mall for some hanging out time, and then visited their tour guide's house! This evening they returned to Hanaton for dinner, had a drum circle, and a dance party for July 4! Happy Independence Day!

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Wednesday, July 5th:
Group 2 began their day on a cable car that took up to the top of the Manara, a cliff that overlooks the Golan and Hula Valley. They had an explanation of the area and time to look around and take pictures. Afterwards, they went to Kibbutz Neot Mordechai, home of the Naot shoe factory. They group had a great time trying on and buying beautiful shoes. After lunch, they went on a water hike at Nahal Snir, which they enjoyed very much. There is nothing like cool water on a hot day in the North.  This evening, they were joined by Group 6 back at Hanaton for a BBQ, swim party, and a program on the Israeli map.

    

Thursday, July 6th:
Group 2 spent the day around the Kinneret. They hiked down the Arbel, a fortress from the Second Temple Period. They then cooled off from the hot day with a swim in the Kinneret! In the afternoon, the group rode donkeys and each had a turn to drive and ride. They dressed up like ancient donkey drivers and learned about the history of Kfar Kedem. They then returned to Hanaton for a night of rest and relaxation.

    

    

    

    

    

    

Friday, July 7th:
Group 2 began their day in Tzfat where they had a tour of the synagogues and learned about this mystical city where Lecha Dodi was written. They then had time to shop in the famous candle factory and in the artists’ colony. They then went on a hike at Nachal Amud, which led them down to a spring. They will drive back to Hanaton this afternoon, to prepare for Shabbat. The group is excited to be in this beautiful and relaxing location where they will rest for the upcoming week. Shabbat Shalom!