Live Trip Updates – July 18, 2014

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

TL-30-400: Today, the group began with a tour of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum. After an emotional good-bye with their Israeli peers, the group visited the awesome Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open-air market. For Shabbat, the group had a potluck dinner and a gift exchange at the Kotel, or Western Wall, and enjoyed a peaceful walk back to the Jerusalem Gold Hotel, where they will be sleeping for the remainder of the tour.

TL-30-401: In the morning, the group visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum. After an emotional good-bye with their Israeli peers, the group visited Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open-air market. The group held a gift exchange at the Kotel, or Western Wall, and enjoyed a potluck dinner to celebrate Shabbat. Later, they enjoyed a peaceful walk back to their hotel.

TL-30-402: The group was joined by Israeli peers today. Together, they made their way to Jerusalem where they explored Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open-air market. In the afternoon, they prepared for Shabbat and then enjoyed a festive Shabbat dinner with their Israeli peers.Check out a photo from today:

July 17 - Tiberias

TL-30-403: Today, the group’s day began by touring the city of Tzfat, a beautiful northern city and birthplace of Jewish mysticism. They had free time to walk around, looking at the artwork of the city’s many local artists and tasting local Israeli cuisine, and then participated in a fascinating group activity discussing Israeli current events. The group said they really loved the city overall and gave great feedback from the activity. After Tzfat, the group stopped at a supermarket to pick up a few treats for the Shabbat weekend. They made their first purchases of Israeli snacks, like bomba and bissli, and Israeli chocolate, testing out many new foods. The group then returned to their hotel, where they spent time hanging out and preparing for Shabbat. The group welcomed in Shabbat with a nice candle lighting ceremony, where American staffers Sheree and Mark led the group in a meaningful discussion on what Shabbat means to them. They enjoyed a delicious Shabbat dinner and have been finishing the evening with different games and bonding activities.

TL-30-892: Today, the group began their day in the beautiful and mystic city of Tzfat. We have been receiving daily updates from the group’s staffers, Riana and Ethan. Here is what they had to say about today’s activities: “We had a great first day in the north. We spent the day in Tiberias and then visiting mivkahs and having free time in Tzfat. Some of the boys in the group even went back to the mikvah during their free time for a second dip! Tonight we are going to do a nice Shabbat at the hotel and a nice day tomorrow in Tiberias. Participants do not seem worried about the situation here and we keep encouraging them to update their families by phone or email. They seem happy and are bonding.” Upon their return from Tzfat, the group spent time at the hotel resting by the pool and getting washed up for a lovely Shabbat service and dinner. They welcomed in Shabbat outside on the hotel lawn, singing songs and saying the prayers over the Shabbat candles. Check out some photos from today:

Tzfat 3 Tiberias 2

Want to see Thursday’s updates? Read the updates from July 17 here!