Update from Israel #Bus641

Shalom!

We’re in the Holy Land! It has been almost 2 days and it feels like we’ve gone through so much. Our group of 37 participants met us, the two American staff members, at LAX to start our 17 hour trek. We got our trip started before ever entering Israel–at the airport, we all became acquainted and played a few ice breakers. After a pit stop in Toronto, we finally landed at Ben Gurion Airport, named after Israel’s first Prime Minister and one of its founding fathers, in Tel Aviv on Monday morning.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by our tour guide, Miryam, and our guard/medic, Omri. We exchanged money, got our phones, and drove straight to Caesaria, an ancient port city originally built by King Herod. After we drove North to Tiberius, where we stayed over the weekend. On Friday we went on an amazing hike on Mt. Hermon, followed by a visit to Tzfat, the holy city and home to Jewish mysticism, also know as Kabbalah.

At our hotel in Tiberius, we had a restful and meaningful Shabbat, having discussion about Jewish identity and just hanging out and resting. Tonight we are headed to a New Years celebration here in the North. Tomorrow we head to Mt. Bental to views the border of Israel, Syria, and Jordan. It is beautiful.

We’re staying safe and having a great time. We look forward to sharing more with you as we continue to adventure and discover.

B’Ahava,
Matt and Amy