Live Trip Updates – July 23, 2014

By Batya | July 23, 2014 |

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

TL-30-402: The group hiked one of Israel’s most beautiful canyons – the Ein Ovdat hike through a canyon in the Negev. Later the group visited Sde Boker, the gravesite of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion. They will be spending the night in Netanya instead of Tel Aviv. Check out some photos from today (Ein Ovdat Hike) and yesterday (camel trek through the Negev desert) …

TL-30-403: Today, the group spent their last day in the desert. They started the morning with a beautiful hike up the Ein Ovdat canyons. Many felt proud of themselves for making it all the way to the top of the canyon. Then, they visited Sde Boker, a desert outpost and the gravesite of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion. After a great day, the group departed for the southern city of Eilat. They will spend tonight in Eilat.

TL-30-404 and TL-30-405: These groups had a jam-packed schedule exploring Tzfat, a beautiful northern city and the birthplace of Jewish mysticism. The groups learned about Kabbalah, an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought within Judaism. They also toured the city’s historic synagogues, witnessed presentations by mystic and glass-blowing artists, and toured the city’s local art scene. The group enjoyed a relaxing evening at their hotel in Tiberias where they will be spending the night. Check out this photo of TL-30-404:

TL-30-406: This group visited Tzfat, a beautiful northern city and the birthplace of Jewish mysticism. They began with a small canyon hike on part of the Israel National Trail right outside of the city. After the hike, the group learned about Kabbalah, an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought within Judaism. They also toured the city’s historic synagogues, witnessed presentations by mystic and glass-blowing artists, and toured the city’s local art scene. The group enjoyed a relaxing evening at their hotel in Tiberias, where they will be spending the night.

TL-30-407: This Israel by Bike group spent the morning exploring Tzfat, a beautiful northern city and the birthplace of Jewish mysticism. They began their morning with a small canyon hike on part of the Israel National Trail right outside of the city. After the hike, the group learned about Kabbalah, an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought within Judaism. They also toured the city’s historic synagogues, witnessed presentations by mystic and glass-blowing artists, and toured the city’s local art scene. In the afternoon, the group enjoyed playing water sports in the Kinneret. The Kinneret, or Sea of Galilee, is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The group spent the afternoon banana boating, tubing and playing games in the water. In the evening, the group prepared for the arrival of the Israeli peers who will be joining the tour on Thursday morning. The addition of the Israeli peers will give the participants a great opportunity to learn about Israeli culture through people their own age. The group will be spending the night in Tiberias. Check out some photos from yesterday …

TL-30-892: Today, the group spent their last day in the desert. They visited Sde Boker, a desert outpost with a breathtaking view and the grave of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion. Then, they visited Naot Farm, a local desert farm. Here the group played with some animals and tasted some organic cheeses. After a great day, the group departed for Jerusalem, for the next part of their trip. Upon arrival, the group attend a fascinating political seminar by Sheldon Shulman on the current situation in Israel. The students loved the presentation and discussions with Sheldon and felt very enlightened. Tonight, some of the group members, with the help of staffers Riana and Ethan, also worked to prepare songs and prayers for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs scheduled to take place this weekend during their visit to the Kotel, or Western Wall. Nine participants from the group will become Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Check out some photos from today (Naot Farm and Sde Boker) and yesterday (camel trek through the Negev Desert) …