Israel Pilgrimage,
Group #4

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

Sunday, July 9th:
After a nice Shabbat in Jerusalem, Group 4 packed up last night and departed very early this morning for Massada. They climbed the mountain and they did Shacharit as the sun was rising over the Judean Hills and then learned about life under Roman rule. After breakfast, the group drove to Ein Gedi, where they took a small hike to a waterfall and were able to cool off in the strong heat. They floated in the Dead Sea, and experienced the great mud that is supposed to make the skin soft. From there they drove to the Bedouin Tent in Mamshit, where they will experience Bedouin hospitality complete with coffee, tea, and delicious food.

Monday, July 10th:
Group 4 woke up in the Beduin Tent this morning and went on a camel ride to start the day! From there they drove 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. They then drove down to Eilat, the southern tip of the country. They will eat dinner in the Eilat Youth Hostel and have some free time on the boardwalk.

Tuesday, July 11th:
Group 4 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 the guys and girls had their own special bonding activities. The group then got to go to the Eilat Stone Factory in the afternoon. After dinner on the boardwalk, they went on a Disco Boat Ride on the sea where they danced and enjoyed a pretty view of the coast.

Wednesday, July 12th:
Group 4 left Eilat this morning and drove to Kibbutz Ketura, where they participated in a seminar on Zionism and the kibbutz movement. After lunch and swimming, they drove to Tel Aviv where they will tour tomorrow. Tonight the group went to the Mediterranean shore with Group 3!

Thursday, July 13th:
Group 4 spent the day touring Tel Aviv and its surrounding area. They first went to Old Jaffa where they went on the wishing bridge. From there they did some shopping in the Shuk HaPishpushim. They then visited the Hall of Independence where they learned about the settling of Tel Aviv as a city, and sat in the very room in which David Ben Gurion declared Israel an independent state. They then went to Kikar Rabin, the place where Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin gave his last speech and was assassinated in 1995. They did a ceremony in the square and discussed the impact that this first assassination in Israel had on her people. They spent some time on the famous Dizingoff Street and then headed back to their hotel to do a program on the establishment of a Hebrew City/State.

Friday, July 14th:
Group 4 spent the morning in Tel Aviv and then headed to Park Alona. Due to the current situation, the group's itinerary has been altered but they are continuing to have a great time! In Park Alona they went on a walk through an ancient Roman shaft under the ground. This aqueduct was used to bring fresh water to the ancient city of Caesaria.  They then drove to the beautiful and secluded Poriyah Youth Hostel where they prepared for Shabbat. The group is looking forward a relaxing Shabbat together. Shabbat Shalom!