Birthright came to a close. As I sat in Miami looking around at the world around me, as well as looking into the mirror at the new me that had emerged from this journey, I added to my resolve to create a better me. When looking at my peers on this trip, I found that I have a lot to
The second and final Shabbat of Birthright was spent in a Kibbutz not far from Jerusalem. By this time, I was coming to the realization that my trip was coming to a conclusion, and that real life was just around the corner. I spent much of the day reflecting what I had learned. Spent other parts preparing myself for the
Day 8 marked an infinitely more lighthearted day than the darkness that lurked all around the day before. We explored two different places that reminded us that where there seems to be nothing but emptiness and death, life lurks not far away. Ein Gedi was our first stop. Situated in the middle of a vast desert, it does not
The number 7 is seen as divine in Judaism, but I did not feel so as this day completed. This would soon to prove to be the heaviest and darkest day of the entire Birthright Experience. As we headed back to Jerusalem, our destination was the Holocaust Museum, and even an ironic interruption of travel due to a police escort
Day 6 I found myself heading to a place I had long wished to see. The City of Jerusalem beckoned, and I finally came. First I got a chance to explore the Old City. The place was steeped in cultures of the many nations that had risen and fallen within the area of the City. All it really takes is
Day 5 began at the Bedouin Tents, but we did not stay there long. Before the sun had even risen, we were on our way to the next destination. The mountaintop of Masada. Looking for a personal challenge, I ran up the mountain with a backpack that I intentionally put weight inside of. Adding to the challenge was that the
Day Four began right where the day before left off; In the middle of Tel Aviv. After touring the buildings where the modern state of Israel and finding much excitement in the Gay Pride Flags hoisted all over the City, I turned my attention to the second part of this day in Tel Aviv. I had gotten a chance to
In contrast to the relaxing mood of day 2, day 3 was fast paced and hectic. After leaving our hotel, we headed to Zfat, which I soon discovered is one of the holiest cities in Israel. Among countless historical places, this city was where the first Rabbi taught all his disciples for the same of saving Judaism. Another incredible artifact
I have written about keeping the Shabbat before on my blog, but when in Israel, the day of rest takes on a whole new meaning. In the United States, Friday night through Saturday night is considered the weekend, which for many is still a work day. In Israel, the entire country basically shuts down. All the shops close. All business
Today I spent my first true day in Israel. Already seeing how amazing the country is, I was still not prepared for the splendor of the north. First I went Banyas and got very close to the Lebenon border. The waterfall was a spectacular sight as was the gorge created by the river that eventually becomes part of the Jordan