Summer 2011
Wednesday, July 20th
Today the group started with Shvil Hasalat (the salad trail) – a fascinating tour of a large Organic farm, which contains a giant vegetable garden divided by beautiful furrows. Then headed back to Mitzpe Ramon and began their 24 hour outdoor desert experience. They went repelling down the side of a cliff, and encouraged each other to challenge themselves. This evening they went on a short hike, prepared their own dinner, and went stargazing before going to sleep under the stars.
Wednesday, July 20th
The group spent their day learning about Mitzvah and Tikun Olam work with Danny Siegel. They met with an organization supporting girlfriends of fallen soldiers and then split up into three groups that went to different places in Jerusalem. One group met the Rabbanit Kapach, a mitzvah hero who has a storage place of used cloths for the needy. Another group went to a hospital and volunteered with children. The third group walked around the center of the city and learned about the different ways in which one can help the needy in a big city. After dinner they heard Neil Lazarus give a fascinating lecture on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and then the group went out for a fun and relaxing night out on the town.
Wednesday, July 20th
Today the group returned to Eilat Street in Kiryat Shemona where there are volunteering this week. They weeded the garden so that it can be planted soon. Today they also hiked the Dan River- the largest tributary of the Jordan river, whose source is located at the base of Mount Hermon. They then went to an overlook from Har Bental where they learned about the importance of the Golan Heights for Israel. They headed back to Tel Chai for dinner and an I.D.F. group activity prepared by their staff.
Wednesday, July 20th
Group 2 began their day with a water hike in Nahal Snir. Then they headed to Kibbutz El Rom and visited the “Oz 77” monument on the very battlefield where the tanks clashed in 1973. There they viewed 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. This afternoon they went to an overlook from Har Bental where they learned about the importance of the Golan Heights for Israel. Group 2 then headed to Tveria were they ate dinner and had free time to shop and walk around.
Wednesday, July 20th
Today the group began their day at sunrise in the desert. They davened Shacharit separately, each finding their own space among the sand dunes and rocks. Later they learned to navigate their way through the desert. Once they concluded their Desert experience, they drove back to Jerusalem. The kids had some free time to rest and after dinner they all enjoyed playing drama games, which gave them a chance to reflect on their journey in a fun and active way.
Tuesday, July 19th
Today Bus G made their way up to Denali National Park. On the way the visited the Iditarod Headquarters where they learned about this famous race and saw some of the puppies who will one day compete. The group then stopped off for mincha and learned more about today’s fast day. Next, the group saw an Alaskan memorial to American POWs. Bus G then visited the Denali educational center and learned about the park before finishing the day with an Israel program involving Israeli dancing.
Tuesday, July 19th
This morning Bus E had a later wake up and davened a special shacharit for the fast. The group then drove to Charleston. On the way they stopped at the Fort Sumter memorial and learned about the history of the area. Next, the group went to see a 4-D movie of Dora the Explorer. The wheelniks then visited the Aquarium and saw all sorts of unique fish from the area. After returning to their hotel, Bus E had dinner, free time and an evening program.
