Live Trip Updates – August 29, 2014

Every day we will post live trip updates. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

TL-30-437: The group began today with a breathtaking view of all of Jerusalem from atop the Haas Promenade. After taking in the views, the group made their way inside the Old City. They visited the Davidson Center to learn about the southern Wall excavations and then toured the city’s streets. Eventually they made their way to the Kotel, or Western Wall, to place a note of personal prayer in the Wall’s cracks. Afterwards, they headed to Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open air market, for shopping and exploring. At the end of the day, they returned to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. They welcomed in the Sabbath with a candle lighting ceremony, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner. Here is the group in Jerusalem.

TL-30-713: Today the group had a very powerful day in Jerusalem. They started by visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial, followed by a tour of Har Herzl National Memorial and Military Cemetery. It was a very meaningful and emotional day for the entire group. In the late afternoon, the group headed back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. They welcomed in Shabbat with a candle lighting ceremony and Shabbat dinner, followed by a fun evening Oneg at the hotel.

TL-30-438: Today, the group spent the day in the Old City of Jerusalem. They began the day by welcoming several Israeli peers into their group who will stay with them for the next few days of the trip. They walked the City of David tunnel tour below the Old City, then walked the streets of the Old City, learning about the its amazing history. Next, they visited the Kotel, or Western Wall, and each participant got to put a note of personal prayer in the cracks of the Wall’s stones. Afterwards, they traveled to Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open air market. At the end of the day they returned to the hotel to prepare and welcome in Shabbat. They finished the day with a Shabbat dinner and evening Oneg. This great picture was taken in Mahane Yehuda before Shabbat.

TL-30-440: The group started today with a visit to the excavation sites of ancient Tzippori. Then, they traveled to another northern city, Haifa, where they saw an incredible view of the city and the Mediterranean Coast from atop the Stella Maris lookout. Afterwards, the group headed to Jerusalem where they will spend the weekend. Once in Jerusalem, they met several Israeli peers who will be joining the group over the next few days as part of the mifgash program and played some icebreaker games. Then, as one large group, they visited Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open air market. In the evening, the group traveled to their hotel to prepare for Shabbat. They welcomed in the Sabbath with Kabbalat Shabbat and enjoyed a festive Shabbat dinner. Here are two members of the group in the north.

TL-30-441: The group began their day with a visit to Beit She’arim National Park, an archeological site in Israel’s northeast. Then, they traveled to Haifa, where they visited the Stella Maris lookout for a beautiful view of the entire city from above. Afterward, the group drove to Jerusalem for the next part of their trip. Once in Jerusalem, they were introduced to a handful of Israeli peers who will join their trip for the next few days as part of the mifgash program. Together, the group visited Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open air market, to explore and shop for local treats. Then, they headed to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. They welcomed in Shabbat and feasted on a delicious Shabbat dinner.

TL-30-443: The group began today touring the mystic city of Tzfat. They explored the city, visited several historic synagogues, shopped in the stores of local artists, and had free time for lunch. Then, they headed back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. The group welcomed in Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat and then enjoyed a festive Shabbos dinner. They finished the night with group activities and games. These pictures are from the group’s time in Tzfat.

TL-30-444: Today the group began their day in the city of Tzfat. They toured the beautiful, mystic city, which lies in Israel’s northern mountains, and learned about its history. They had free time to explore the shops of local artists and taste local cuisine. Afterward, they went back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. They enjoyed a festive Shabbat dinner and finished the night with a fun Oneg.

Want to see Thursday’s updates? Read the updates from August 28th here!