Live Trip Updates – July 25, 2014

By Batya | July 25, 2014 |

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

TL-30-403: The group traveled to Har Herzl National Memorial, Israel’s military cemetery. This was a very powerful visit for the group, made even more meaningful by a visit to the grave site of a recently fallen solder. The visit sparked a thoughtful group discussion about the current conflict and what it means to live in Israel. In the afternoon, they took a trip to Mahane Yehuda, one of Jerusalem’s largest open air markets. Here the group was able to explore, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, taste delicious, local, fresh foods. They joined hundreds of other Israelis at the market, as they made their final purchases in preparation for Shabbat. For the evening, they enjoyed a delicious Shabbat dinner at their hotel.

TL-30-404: This Los Angeles community group visited Har Herzl National Memorial, Israel’s military cemetery. This was a very powerful visit for the group, made even more meaningful by a visit to the grave site of a recently fallen solder. The visit sparked a thoughtful group discussion about the current conflict and what it means to live in Israel. After Har Herzl, the group visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum and memorial. In the afternoon, they took a trip to Mahane Yehuda, one of Jerusalem’s largest open air markets. Here the group was able to explore, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, taste delicious, local, fresh foods. They joined hundreds of other Israelis at the market, as they made their final purchases in preparation for Shabbat. In the evening, the group welcomed in the Sabbath with a Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony at the Kotel, or Western Wall, and enjoyed a reflective walk back to their hotel. Check out these pictures from today…

TL-30-405: Today, the group’s staff described their day as emotional and wonderful. The group traveled to Har Herzl National Memorial, Israel’s military cemetery. This was a very powerful visit for the group, made even more meaningful by a visit to the grave site of a recently fallen solder. The visit sparked a thoughtful group discussion about the current conflict and what it means to live in Israel. After Har Herzl, the group visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum and memorial. In the afternoon, they took a trip to Mahane Yehuda, one of Jerusalem’s largest open air markets. Here the group was able to explore, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, taste delicious, local, fresh foods. They joined hundreds of other Israelis at the market, as they made their final purchases in preparation for Shabbat. For the evening, they enjoyed a delicious Shabbos dinner at their hotel.

TL-30-406: The group started out today on a more serious note with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Jerusalem. This significant site showed the group the difficult history of the Jews but also represented the pride and promise of the Jewish people and Israel today. Then, the group traveled to Har Herzl National Memorial, Israel’s military cemetery. This was a very powerful visit for the group, made even more meaningful by a visit to the grave site of a recently fallen solder. The visit sparked a thoughtful group discussion about the current conflict and what it means to live in Israel. In the afternoon, they took a trip to Mahane Yehuda, one of Jerusalem’s largest open air markets. Here the group was able to explore, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, taste delicious, local, fresh foods. They joined hundreds of other Israelis at the market, as they made their final purchases in preparation for Shabbat. The group headed back to the hotel afterwards to enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner at their hotel.

TL-30-407: This Israel by Bike group had a great day in Jerusalem. They started the day with a bike ride through the Sataf, a beautiful trail in the Jerusalem Hills. In the afternoon, they took a trip to Mahane Yehuda, one of Jerusalem’s largest open air markets. Here the group was able to explore, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, taste delicious, local fresh foods. They joined hundreds of other Israelis at the market making their final purchases in preparation for Shabbat. In the evening, the group headed to the Kotel, where they participated in a Kabbalat Shabbat service to welcome in Shabbat. The group was very excited to be in the Old City at such a significant time of the week. They headed back to the hotel afterwards to enjoy a festive Shabbos dinner, followed by some group activities and games.

TL-30-408 & TL-30-409: These groups spent the day exploring Tzfat, a beautiful northern city and the birthplace of Jewish mysticism. The participants 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 celebrated Kabbalat Shabbat and enjoyed a festive Shabbat dinner at their hotel in Tiberias where they will be spending the night.

TL-30-892: The group is currently in Jerusalem, enjoying their time in Israel’s holiest city. This afternoon, the group had a meaningful B’nai Mitzvah ceremony for nine of the American members. These participants have been practicing their Hebrew prayers and songs for the past few days in preparation of the big event. It was an incredibly touching experience for the entire group. The group also spent time in Mahane Yehuda, one of Jerusalem’s largest open air markets. Here the group was able to explore, shop for souvenirs, and most importantly, taste delicious local, fresh foods. The group also had the difficult task today of saying goodbye to the Israeli peers who have been part of the group for the past few days. The group has grown incredibly close to the Israelis and were very sad to see such a great part of the trip come to an end. In the evening, the group traveled to the Old City and experienced the Kotel, or Western Wall, for the first time. They did a Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Kotel to welcome in Shabbat, adding to their incredibly inspirational day. At the Kotel, the group received time for individual reflection and the chance to place a note of personal prayer in the cracks of the wall’s ancient stones. The group then enjoyed a festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel , followed by some time to hang out, and play fun games and activities.