LYA Israel Experience 2025

Bravery

Leadership

Connection to People

These are all values that one sees coming alive at Ammunition Hill, the site of a strategic battle that took place during the Six Day War. 182 Israeli soldiers died during this war and 36 of them fell at Ammunition Hill. As its name states this hill was home for ammunition. On the top was a British outpost that in 1948 was taken over by the Jordanians.

This strategic area would be needed in order to remove the Old City of Yerushalayim from Jordanian hands. The Six Day War did not begin as a war with Jordan. As a matter of fact, Israel asked Jordan not to get involved. Thankfully, (yes) they did allowing Israel to attack them. With Jordan in the war, the IDF realized conditions were good to allow them to unify Yerushalayim. In order to do that Ammunition Hill had to be conquered.

The battle began at 2:30 a.m. As we wandered through the bunkers on the hill, Nitzan shared the heroic battle through a famous song composed to tell the story. We heard of the bravery of the soldiers who gave up their lives for their people and country. We heard of the heroism of Eitan, who did not hesitate when ordered to get out of the bunker and shoot at their Jordanian attackers.

As the sun rose 5 hours later the hill was in our hands, paving the way for the IDF to enter the Old City. We’ve no doubt you’ve seen the amazing photos and footage of the soldiers entering the Wall and praying there. Please remember that it was the miraculous battle and G-d’s miracles at Ammunition Hill that allowed this to happen.  

As we ran in and out of bunkers we thought of the dedication that the soldiers had to the Jewish nation. Would we have had the courage to do what needed to be done? At Ammunition Hill there is a special ropes course and zip line run by a man named Yakov. It was here that our group recognized that we all have within us the ability to push ourselves to the limit. As we all took risks and overcame challenges, we realized that tests can be overcome with the assistance of our friends and a positive outlook.

We ended our tour with a special visit from Alon Wald, marketing manager and event coordinator at Ammunition Hill. Alon visited Longmeadow last year and is a dear friend of Dr. Ros Barron. When Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky met him and told him that G-d willing our trip would be visiting, Mr. Wald told Rabbi Kosofsky to contact him when our group arrived in Israel.

Alon Wald shared his own personal connection to Ammunition Hill. His father, Rami, was one of the 36 soldiers who gave their life during that battle. Alon Wald was 10 months at that time. He told the students how it was not until he began to attend school that he realized that he had no father, like all of his friends.

Through the assistance of his mother and his adopted “fathers” Mr. Wald recognized that his father loved him as well as his country. He spoke about bravery and that at times we all have with-in us the same bravery that pushes us to do for others, for our country and the Jewish nation. Alon Wald emphasized to our group that we are brave.

You came to Israel while there is a war going on. Your bravery will continue as you go back home. You will all carry this bravery into your homes, school and community. You belong to the Jewish people and are all a great part of our story.

This was an amazing way to end an amazing trip. Thank you, Israel for bringing out the best in us.

We ended our trip visiting our Mama Rochel. How fitting it is. Rochel was buried by Yakov on the side of the road in Beit Lechem. As the midrash states, Rochel continues to pray for her children. When the Temple was being destroyed the souls of Avrohom, Yitzchak, Yakov and Moshe all pleaded to Hashem on Israel’s behalf. Hashem would not listen to them. When Rochel, our mother, approached, she asked Hashem not to be jealous of His nation, just as she was not jealous of her sister, Leah before she married Yakov. G-d listened to Rochel and told her not to cry because her children will return to their land.

When one approaches Kever Rochel it is like driving through a fortress. The government built a buffer of tall walls to allow visitors to safely pray at this site. While this is wonderful, it does ruin the affect of being buried at the side of the road.

Before entering we took advantage of being at our mother’s grave site and said a prayer for the hostages release and the safety of the IDF soldiers protecting our land. It was very meaningful to have time to daven here. In the women’s section there is a beautiful parochet made from the gown on Nava Applebaum. Nava and her father, Dr. Applebaum were murdered in 2003 during a suicide bombing at a café. They were enjoying a cup of coffee together on the night before what was supposed to be Nava’s wedding . The family turned the gown into a curtain that now hangs in Rochel’s grave.

At the grave site there is always hot drinks and refreshments provided by local women. The food provides the feeling of going to your mother’s home and always being welcomed with hot food.

May all of our prayers be answered.  

We got off to an earlier start and made the over 2 hour drive down to the desert. Yes, the desert is hot, but it is also windy. We were prepped for our climb with a good night’s sleep and lots of water. We were excited!!!

Due to the heat we did not walk up the snake path, but entered Masada the same way the Romans did. While this walk up was a bit shorter, it was still challenging. We are all proud of the fact that we were all successful in completing the climb.

The word Masada comes from the Hebrew word for fortress. This was exactly what King Herod set out to build for himself. His fortress was built with 2 palaces, cisterns, bath houses and lots of food. It is hard to imagine how the workers and probably overworked slaves carried up supplies. We saw intricate frescos with different colors that showed that Herod spared no expense. We saw store houses large enough to hold food for years.

Now, why would anyone in their right mind build a luxury fortress in the desert? Well, if you know anything about Herod, you’d know he was a paranoid king. He made lots of enemies among the Jewish people. His plan was to escape and be safe on Masada. Ironic isn’t it that not only did Herod die a natural death in 4 bce, but it appears that he himself never even lived on Masada.

Fast forward to the year 70. The 2^nd Temple has been destroyed and a group of about 900 Jews, men, women and children, escape Yerushalayim and make their way to Masada. They knew there was an abandoned fortress. Imagine their surprise as they find food, water and place to live. Archeologists have found 9 mikvaot and a shul on Masada. These Jews were clearly living a Jewish life.

As the story goes, the Romans found out and sent 8 units of soldiers to capture the fortress. That amount to 16,000 soldiers. If you know the history, all the Jews except a woman and her children die. We pause the story here to share a most amazing person that can be found on Masada.

Masada is actually the 2^nd most visited site in Israel after the Kotel. The site wanted to add a component of Judaism and decided that they would hire a Rabbi to run bar and bat mitzva. This would enhance the site, as well as provide extra income. The Rabbi they hired is a Chabad Shliach of the Dead Sea, Rabbi Shimshon Israeli. In addition to adding the bar and bat mitzva component, he is a sofer and asked to be able to write Torah scrolls as well. The site was worried that that might be too much Judaism. Rabbi Israeli asked for them to try it for a month. Well, feedback is amazing and he is still there.

As we visited the shul at Masada, the Rabbi asked us our names and wrote letters in our honor. He then finished the Masada story for us. This is not the one you are expecting to hear. He told our group that the Roman Emperor wanted to know the secret of how to make balsam oil that was used in the temple. This was a secret recipe known only to Jews living in this area. When the Romans found out that Jews were there, the Caesar instructed to take them all alive.

Back to those 16,000 troops. They were hot and tired in the desert. It was a huge embarrassment to them that 900 Jews were on a mountain throwing down water on them. According to this Rabbi, he feels that after the Romans managed to build the ramp and enter Masada, they were so angry and upset that they massacred the Jews.

But what of that famous story of suicide? Well, the account we have is from Josephus Flavius, a Jew turned Roman traitor. While his accounts for the most part are accepted, his account of Masada sounds very close to another incident that occurred up North. Rabbi Israeli feels that the Roman generals decided not to tell Caesar what really happened as to not anger him. It was simply safer for them to say the Jews committed suicide. They all just wanted to go home. Considering the amount of Jewish archeological life found, this does make some sense. These Jews wanted to live as Jews.

An amazing tale of Jewish will to survive. This seems to be a theme we keep on stumbling upon. Thank G-d!

It is unbelievable to imagine living through a siege and the heroism needed to get supplies past the enemy. It was off to Sha’ar Hagai Museum, a place dedicated to those who broke through the siege to bring much needed supplies to the Old City in 1948. The story is told through the eyes of the actual men and women who risked their lives on a daily basis. Their message is one of doing what was needed and they are not heroes. After hearing their story, we might not agree.

Here are their voices:

We knew our goal

The people needed supplies

There were many wounded and dead

Our friends were being killed

We did what we had to do

Each night until the ceasefire was called, convoys of trucks, busses and cars would attempt to get supplies to the Old City and passed the Arab fighters shooting at them. 80 tons of food, water, medicine and supplies was needed daily. That amounts to 30 trucks. Regular people led these convoys. Many of them were young people aged 16.

Their mission was one of helping the people in the Old City. Many did not make it home. Many convoys were successful and others were not. The museum is very interactive and walks you through the decision-making dilemmas. What to do when communication is broken, how to get Morse code messages out and what supplies are important. No answer is correct as no situation is the same.

At one point we are sitting in an armored car and listening to one of hundreds of stories of bravery told through the eyes of an 18-year-old woman.

We wore no helmets. Thoughts went through my head. I hope I’ll make it. We sang at times to keep calm. Other times the silence was deafening and we kept our thoughts to ourselves. We were on our way to family that has been cut off for 3 months. We smelled the sweat and tension and fear. There are 2 trucks already on fire. Rafi is shot. I do what I can to try and save him. Blood is pouring out. I do what I can, but I know he is gone. The tears fall silently. We make it!! People kiss us, cry and bless us!!

Night after night this scene would repeat itself. Many of these Jews were Holocaust survivors who sacrificed themselves for their country and did not return. The British would tell the Jews this was a lost cause and to give it up. Eventually a few men in jeeps one night discover another entry to the Old City on the Burma Road. 13 jeeps are able to successfully reach the Old City. It is a miracle.

It is in places like Sha’ar Hagai situated on the road where these convoys took off, that one realizes the miracles that G-d does for His nation. It is here that we appreciate the bravery of the country and know that as Jews we will always do what needs to be done to protect our people. Am Yisroel Chai.

Dialogue with the Dark is always a highlight of the trip. Students spend over an hour in simulated darkness. They need to ride on a boat, cross the street, shop in a market and buy a snack while not seeing. Their tour guide is blind or vision impaired. Listen to what they have to say upon finishing this “eye opening” experience.

Esther Raskin – I knew that one can’t see but, I did not think about day to day activities and did not think about that perspectives I feel more confident now.

Esther Cowen – It is crazy to understand what people go through. I give Galit, our guide, so much credit for raising children and going about her life like everyone else. I appreciate people that take time to help others and understand what they are going through.

Elana Stiefel – I felt weird. I did not know where I was going and my eyes were open. Every place was a new experience, even things I already knew how to do.

Ora Attias– I felt I was doing something I’ve thought about, but never experienced. I appreciate my eyes – I did not know if I would fall or get hit by a car. I felt I knew what things would look like.

Shaina Skoglund– These people never experience the world the way I do. I appreciate the world the way I experience it. It did not feel scary since I had images and could picture them. Blind people need to figure it out on their own. Some rooms felt different and it was hard to make decisions.

Rochel Wolvovsky – I had to learn everything before I could do it. There were interesting feelings. I appreciate that I can trust my next step

Nitzan Ovadia – It surprised me how our senses are so sharp. Crossing the street made me scared even though I know how to do it.

Shmuly Gottlieb – It was strange feeling things in my hands especially food – all the apples felt different and you can’t always tell what it is.

Schneur Helfen– It was interesting and I kept my eyes open. It was weird seeing black and the sensation of darkness. Feeling allowed me to picture what it is since I can see.  I went on the bike since I could imagine myself on a bike

Meir Cohen – It was very different  and I appreciate my sight.

Ben Stein -I felt vulnerable and then became more confident. My first instinct was to touch things. I appreciate my ability to see -seeing nothing is scary.

Chanan Gesin – It was an eye-opening experience. It was challenging to move in what I thought was a hallway and I imagined things that weren’t there. I closed and opened my eyes – and there was no difference.

We already had a glimpse into the Southern Wall Excavations when we left the City of David. We walked along an ancient road that was discovered. Pilgrims would walk on this road toward the Temple when they came. On this road was a market place where one could buy goats, sheep, oil and flour. We pictured ourselves on our way. It was amazing to think that we were walking on the same road that our great, great ancestors walked on.

The Southern Wall Excavations are located on the corner of the walls. One can see ancient mikvaot were Jews would purify themselves before going up the steps. The ancient mikvah had two sets of steps. One way to walk in and another way to walk out. We saw an archway that existed during the 2^nd temple. It is called Davidson’s arch in honor of the British archeologist that found it. This arch was part of a walkway for people to enter. Now, as one sits outside the southern wall one can see large broken stones from the 2^nd Temple era.

It was here that a Chohain would blow the trumpet each Friday to alert the city that it was time for Shabbat. A special stone was found engraved with the words that told about this trumpeter. Today in Yerushalayim there are 2 sirens that you hear before Shabbat. As we walked to the Kotel we heard them on Friday night.

We sat on the steps outside the Chulda gate, named for one of the prophetess from the First temple Era. The steps are designed in a special manner. They are not like the 135 steps we climbed in Tzefat. The steps are designed to be short and then long. This was one cannot run up the steps like we did in Tzefat. When one approaches the temple, it should be with thought and patience.

In life all that we see is not all always the reality. This statement is 100% accurate when one looks at the Western Wall. This wall is part of the outer walls of the 2^nd Temple that was enlarged under Herod’s day more than 100 years prior to its destruction. In reality much of these walls are still in existence, however each kingdom that ruled over Israel built on top of it resulting in only some of the wall being exposed.

Our fellow travelers were able to walk almost the entire length of the Western Wall which is over 1 mile long. We were walking underground, which meant we were able to get out of the amazing Yerushalayim heat.

We began our tour looking at a replica of the Temple mount. The mountain of Moriah holds much significance from the beginning of time. It is here that Hashem took dirt with which to create Adam. It is here that the famous story of the Binding of Isaac took place. When Dovid became king he bought the threshing floor of Aravnah the Jebusite, paving the way for his son, Shlomo to build the First Temple. Following the 70-year exile, the 2^nd Temple was built under the leadership of Ezra and Nechemiah following the miracle of Purim. The 2^nd Temple was not as fancy and beautiful as the first, as the people were very poor.

Now, we enter 2^nd Temple Era and the reign of King Herod about 100 years before the destruction. Herod decides to enlarge the Temple to twice its size. Please remember that the Temple is built on a hill, so before he could enlarge the structure, he needed to enlarge the base. Imagine building a huge sandbox. First, he made the 4 walls and then filled it with dirt. Now the Temple was ready to be re-built. It was cool to be able to see figures and 3-D models that showed the change in the mountain.

After the destruction of the 2^nd Temple many different rulers took over: Romans, Byzantium, Muslims. Each ruling party did not put time and effort into cleaning and rebuilding. Rather, they just built on top of ruins. So the wall became covered in layers of homes and buildings.

After Israel was able to reclaim Yerushalayim in 1967, the wall one saw was actually very small. Now Israel exposed more of the wall and created the large plaza which we see now. Still, much of the wall is covered and we were able to walk the length of it. We were constantly reminded that above our heads were homes and businesses.

As we walked we came as close as one can to the Holy of Holies. Many people gave us notes and we placed them in the spot. We also took advantage to daven here. We continued walking and came to an aqueduct that while it is underground now, it provided water to the Temple.  We saw how large the stones are that were used and watched a film to show how using pulleys and animals, workers were able to move the stones without cranes and trucks.

This was an amazing experience that was a great Segway for our final prayer time at the Wall for this trip. Mincha was very inspiring.

Sunday was a high-volume day full of Dovid and his legacy that continues to live on. After davening and breakfast it was off to the Old City. Busses are not allowed in the Old City, so Yakov left us off and in we went. Walking to the Old City is amazing as one is able to actually walk on the walls. Gates in those times were designed not only to keep people out, but to allow the residents a good form of protection. Soldiers were able to stand at the top of gates and shoot out. In addition, you will notice that one does not enter a gate straight. There is always a turn. That would slow down the enemy’s chariot as they came riding in. If you look up at the gates there are holes, that were great for pouring out hot oil down on the enemies.

The gates of the Old City that we see now were built under the rule of the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent during the years 1535-1542. As you can imagine, it was a huge job. Since there were no google maps then, the architects built the walls around what they assumed was the original Old City. Oops, they left out a very important piece, The City of David. This was not to Suleiman’s liking, so off went their heads. (No Union representatives yet to plead their cause.)

We entered through the Tzion gate. Before we entered we noticed many bullet holes around the gates entrance. These are from the War of Independence when Jordan captured the Old City. We calculated that we were now entering through a gate and walls that are over 500 years old.

Our first stop was to daven at the grave of King Dovid. Now, interesting the Navi says that King Dovid was buried in the City of Dovid. If you recall, we wrote that the Old City Walls now left out the City of David. How then can Dovid’s grave be in the Old City? Excellent question that will not be answered in its fullest. At some point Jews began to pray at a site in the Old City marking it for Dovid. Since it is a place full of heart-felt prayer, that alone offers a level of holiness and we still treat it as if it could be Dovid’s grave site. With this idea in mind, our trip Cohen, Meir remained outside.

It was very meaningful o recite Tehilim here surrounded by dividers with special chapters of Tehilim. Dovid was the sweet singer of Israel and now we were able to sing these beautiful chapters in the place were Dovid ruled our great nation.

Then it was a really, really short walk to enter the City of David. This place is an archeological dream now. They are constantly finding new items. We highly recommend visiting this place often, as it is constantly changing. Interesting though, it was not a given. The famous archeologist, Eilat Mazar, knew that there were treasures hidden here and in 2005 began to find them.

Eilat Mazar first began in the Old City, but was we told you before the City of David was left out. She eventually went outside the walls and after many years of hard work found a seal called a bul from the days of Tzidkiyahu, the King during the First Temple’s destruction. After that the City of David continued to be a treasure of archeological remains.

We walked through remains of places and homes dating back to King Dovid and beyond. There is even a bathroom showing ancient indoor plumbing. Near some structures burnt wood was found dating back to the First Temple time period. This matches the words of the Navi that speak of how the city was burned down. As mazar and her team continued to dig, they found 51 seals with names of ministers found in the Navi. Tanach comes alive here.

One important element that a city needs is water. The Old City under the days of Dovid received its water from the Gichon Spring in the Kidron Valley. This is where King Shlomo was anointed. During the rule of King Chizkiyahu, the Assyrians were threatening to come and attack Yerushalayim. Sanchareiv, their king had already exiled the 10 tribes. In order to prepare for this attack, Chizkiyahu knew that water would be a huge issue.

In the book of Devarim, one can read that Chizkiyahu ordered his men to begin at 2 areas under the city and dig tunnels in order to revert the Gichon water supply to flow under the city. It was truly a miracle that the 2 groups starting each on opposite ends met each other without the use of modern technology. Another miracle occurred which you can read about in the book of Kings II. The day after Sanchereiv and his army surrounded the city, all of their soldiers died.

It was into these tunnels that our fellow travelers entered. With only head lamps to see, it was amazing to walk through natural flowing water that still works today. At times the water reached higher than our knees. Yes, we got wet, but we were prepared. While this water no longer serves the city, it definitely serves as a reminder of the miracles that Hashem continues to perform for His nation.

Shabbat in Yerushalayim actually begins with a visit to the shuk. The sights, smells and sounds of the shuk lend to the atmosphere that Shabbat is coming. Our Fellow Travelers spent time in the shuk shopping for candy for Shabbat as well as souvenirs. It was fun to walk around and hear all the people wishing each other a Shabbat Shalom.

The walk to the Kotel was about 30 minutes from the hotel. After the girls lit candles, we began our walk to the wall. It is amazing to walk through the streets and notice that all of the shops are shut down and everyone is dressed in their Shabbat finest.

Nothing can compare to Friday night at the Kotel. The place was packed with people from all over the world. It is an amazing experience. There were so many Jews coming together to pray, sing and even dance. On the women’s side, we met up with Ora’s classmates from New Orleans who are also on an Israel trip from their school.  

Dinner back at the hotel was beautiful. We had a special guest, Yehuda Attias. Yehuda is a lone soldier in the Golani Brigade. It was nice to catch up with Yehuda and have him spend time with his sister.

We were so excited to know that we could sleep in on Shabbat. We woke up at 7:15 a.m.! After a quick breakfast, we walked back to the Kotel. By the time we arrived at 9:00 a.m. the plaza was not full. Most people were already back at home, since they daven much earlier. Our group joined a minyan and Meir Cohen did a great job with the priestly blessing. This is a treat since in the diaspora the priestly blessing is only recited on Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot. It was nice to have time to daven at the Wall for a longer length of time. The girls took advantage and davened as close to the Wall as possible.

Back at the hotel we enjoyed another delicious meal and then we enjoyed a long rest time. Some of us took naps, others read or played games This is the only free time we have had this entire trip.

In the late afternoon, Nitzan took us on a walk. We went into Nachalot, which was one of the early communities to move outside the Old City. It was interesting to see how the homes were structured. Homes were built with a courtyard in the middle and all homes had their doors open into the courtyard. This gave the families the same feel as if they had a wall around them. In the late 1800s it was still a scary thought to leave the protection of the walled city.

Each new community had their own water source. In two courtyards we saw 2 such wells. Nitzan told us that early communities also shared ovens in the courtyard. It was too smokey and dangerous to have ovens in their homes. Sometimes food was mixed up. A Sephardic family member might take the Ashkenazi gefilte fish that was not so spicy. The Ashkenazi family might end up with the too spicy Sephardic fish.

We went by the home of Rabbi Arye Levin, who was known during the British Mandate as being a rabbi of the prisoners. Everyday Rabbi Levine would walk to the British prisons and visit with Jews who had been arrested under the British Mandate. He cared about people and had a wonderful reputation. The street has been named for him and Nitzan showed us a stamp that was made in his honor.

After our tour, we walked to one of the biggest parks we have every seen. There we met Mickey Katzburg and his wife Idit and daughter, Hadas. They walked over an hour from their home to come spend Shabbat afternoon with our group. We enjoyed snacks in the park and then took advantage of the park. There was one of the largest climbing structures we have ever seen at a park. We had lots of fun. We told our Israeli friends that back in the states, one would have to pay to go on these structures. No park in our neighborhoods have this type of structures. The girls played soccer with 2 very friendly Israeli children, Yael and Yehuda, who shared their ball.

Mincha, Pirkei Avot and Ma’ariv were davened at a brand new Mayanot building. This building is the home of their men’s yeshiva. Rabbi Shemtov and Rabbi Vichnin, were very welcoming to our group. The rabbis were excited to see Shneur Helfen, whose father Rabbi Tuvia Helfen, studied in Mayanot. Schneur received an Aliya.

Back at the hotel we quickly got our money and went around the corner to spend time on Ben Yehuda. Of course, we bought more souvenirs. It was fun to eat at Pizza Hut.

Our day began with davening and then packing the bus. Then it was off to a beautiful breakfast and filling our water bottles. We are making sure to remain hydrated. Our jeep drivers Tzvika and Omri picked us up at the hotel. There is nothing that can compare to jeeping through the Galil. The scenery is breathtaking. You can clearly see how the mountains make up the landscape. On our ride we saw almost all of the fruit of the seven species: olive trees, pomegranates and date trees. In addition, we saw corn fields, leche and avocado trees.

We took a stop at a crater that was created when a volcano. Imagine our surprise to find out we were standing on the volcano. B”H it is dormant now. Tzvika showed us the black rocks that are remnants of this eruption. Knowing that the 3^rd grade just completed a unit on volcanoes, we took some home as souvenirs. We hope they will make it through the airport.  

Our 2^nd stop was an ancient shul in Arbel. Arbel is the home of a famous Tana, Nitai Ha’Arbeli. He is best known for his Mishna in the 1^st chapter of Pirkei Avos #7. Stay away from a bad neighbor, do not stick with a wicked person and do not forget there is consequence.

It was clear to see from the ancient ruins how much thought and money went into the construction of this shul. The shul was used after the destruction of the 2^nd Temple era and we wonder if Nitai Ha’Arbeli davened in the place where we stood. We used our imagination to piece back the shul from the ruins.

The synagogue was renovated for people to enjoy and learn from by the family of Max Steinberg. Max had visited Israel on a Birthright tour and was so inspired that he made Aliya and joined the IDF as a lone soldier. Sadly, Max died in Gaza in 2014. His family dedicated the ancient shul in Arbel in his memory.

Next stop was the Kineret, the Sea of the Galilee. The Kineret receives its name from the word Kinor (violin). Now, as we looked at the beautiful water we all agreed that we could not see a violin. Tzvika told us that the name comes from a sentence in the Gemara that says that its fruits are as sweet as the sound of a violin.

Tradition says that the well of Miriam is also located in the Kineret. Its location is unknown. One thing though is there are many springs in the Kineret, so perhaps one of those springs is the well.  When the Holy Ari lived in Tzefat, he had a student Rabbi Chaim Vital, who was frustrated that he could not retain all of the Ari’s learning. The Arizal took his student to the Kineret and rode in a boat to a specific location. When they reached the destination the Arizal had his student drink 3 cups of water. After drinking the water, Rabbi Chaim of Vital was a changed person. Perhaps this was the well of Miriam.

The jeep ride was so fun, we were sad when it ended. Driving through the Galil was an amazing learning experience.

The Lavi Hotel that we first stayed at in is a very special place. The hotel has very nice accommodations, the food was amazing and the service wonderful. This hotel is part of Kibbutz Lavi on which it is located. Kibbutz Lavi began in 1949 with Jews from Britain. Some of the 1^st members were children who had been on the Kindertransport and saved from the Holocaust.

As with all kibbutzim, when the 1^st members came they found lots and lots of rocks. Their first job was to clear them. The kibbutz began with farming and animals. In the early days of tourism in Israel, there were few hotels in the Galil. Since Kibbutz Lavi had many English speakers, many tourists came for information and looking for lodging. The kibbutz recognized that there was a need for the hotel. LYA has stayed for a few trips at Kibbutz Lavi and have seen how the hotel has grown in size.

Our Fellow Travelers enjoyed a tour with Elis Kaplan, Baltimore born, but member of the Kibbutz since 1968. Elis met his Israeli wife while she was in the army and they raised their family on the Kibbutz. Elis has a degree in agriculture and began working on Kibbutz landscaping. He then moved to work in the orchards. He grew pears, wine grapes, avocadoes and olives. He told the students that Kibbutz Lavi has 300 milk cows and 30,000 chickens. They do sell the eggs, but not for food. The eggs are sold to another kibbutz, who then hatch the chicks for more chickens.

Elis spent the last 32 years working in Kibbutz Lavi’s furniture factory. If you would like to see their beautiful furniture, please visit B’nai Torah were their furniture is from the Kibbutz and see Elis’s hard work. Elis told the students that on the Kibbutz everyone works until the age of 70. At 60 one works less hours. In reality a kibbutznik never stops, they do volunteer. Children work a few times a week and in the summer.

We sat in Kibbutz Lavi’s beautiful shul and saw that the shul has been renovated to accommodate their growth. One way that many kibbutzim are retaining and encouraging new families to move is through privatization. At this moment Kibbutz Lavi is beginning this process. Elis did tell us that when there are major decisions to be made all members do have a vote.

We really enjoyed meeting Elis and getting a glimpse into kibbutz life.

Have you ever been river rafting? Can you say that you went river rafting on the Jordan River? The Jordan River is an important water source in Israel. The Jordan River is fed by three streams: Hazbani, Banias and Dan. Interesting when you take the first 3 letters of the streams in Hebrew it spells Chabad.

 We apologize that we have very very few photos, since we were warned it would be a wet and wild ride. We can attest that part was true. All devices were left on the bus. After hearing the safety guidelines, and putting on our life jackets it was off for loading.

 We were 4 to a raft and we slid into the water and let’s just say it was a bit of a wet drop. Now, it was challenging to learn how to row. Each raft had only 2 oars. We want to compliment our travelers on their skills and team work. The water was actually pretty calm, since the tide is a bit lower as winter is over. Sounds like a nice calm ride. Right?

 Actually, there were a few school groups and all the rafts were in the water at the same time. Imagine bumper cars in the water. When you were not bumping into other rafts, we got stuck on the sides of the river. It was nice to be able to assist other rafts and be assisted by strangers. All in all it was one of the highlights of the trip.

 Tzefat is a city of miracles and mystics. These miracles were around from the 15^th century all the way until today. We will begin our visit with a modern miracle. Our bus driver Yakov shared a personal story. One of his sons had been married for many years before being blessed with children. A rebetzin they knew told the couple to visit the graves of holy men. The couple went to the grave of R’ Meir Ba’al Hanes and the Arizal, which is located in Tzefat. During one visit to the Arizal’s grave, Yakov’s son prayed that if they were blessed with a son, they would name him after the Arizal. Exactly 9 months later Ari Meir was born.  

There are 4 holy cities in Israel and each one corresponds with one of the 4 elements of the world.

Yerushalayim = Fire corresponding to the Temple offerings

Tevarya = Water corresponding to the Kineret

Chevron = Earth corresponding to the holy graves of the patriarchs and matriarchs

Tzefat = Wind corresponding to the holy atmosphere

 The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe would say that weekdays in Tzefat feel like the holiness of Shabbat. There is just something special in the air. Our 1^st stop was walking through a narrow path. There used to be a woman lovingly known as Savta Yocheved, who lived at the top of this path. Each day she put out a table with biscuits and 2 cups of tea. One was to serve Moshiach when he would arrive as it was traditionally believed that Moshiach will come through a narrow path. Narrow, because the road to Moshiach is one that makes us work on ourselves and sometimes we feel that we are in a narrow pathway. Savta Yocheved is just one citizen of Tzefat from whom we can learn and see how the atmosphere there encourages people to go the extra mile for Torah and mitzvot.

 As we sat outside the Arizal shul, Rabbi Kosofsky shared with our fellow travelers foundational concepts of Kaballah and Chassidus. Everything in this world is created by Hashem. There was no raw material when Hashem created the world. Hashem created it with Light of Hashem called אור אין סוף , the infinite light. This light gave off existence and what we see is not the real essence. It is a light of Hashem that makes things exist. Without this light, creation would not be. This is the main idea of the Zohar, written by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (where we began our day). This is what the Holy Arizal spread in Tzefat. This is the Achdut , Unity of Creation. When we say

שמע ישראל ה' אלקנו ה' אחד Hear O’ Israel G-d is our G-d, G-d is One We are reflecting on the unity of creation.

אחד numerically equals 13. Yes, do you remember that number from Meron. It now shows unity and love. What amazing connections we are learning.

 Even though the Arizal only lived in Tzefat for a short time, his Kabbalistic teachings live on. He taught that the entire week leads to Shabbat and when we take in Shabbat we should take it in earlier. That is why we begin davening Kabalat Shabbat a bit earlier on Friday. It was the Arizal who would take his students to the apple fields each Friday evening to sing and dance. It was his student who Rabbi Shlomo Alkibitz, who composed Lecha Dodi.

 We entered the Arizal Shul, which itself has its own miraculous story. During the War of Independence, a grenade was thrown outside and the shrapnel flew into the shul. Miraculously it hit the bima as the men were bending during davening and no one was hurt. Yet another amazing Tzefat story.

 Next shul we visited was the Kosov shul. Notice the similarity to Kosofsky. This shul began with people from the town of Kosov in Europe. This is the shul where after hearing the Rabbi teach about the show bread, a congregant would put challah in the aron for G-d. Each Friday the poor shames, would find the bread and think G-d miraculously sent him food. This exchange went on for weeks. The giver feeling happy and the recipient feeling happy, until one day the rabbi saw what was going on.

 This rabbi was not happy and did not react in a nice manner. The Arizal sent him a message that Hashem had received so much joy from this gift and now the rabbi stopped it. The Arizal’s message rings true today. Our job in this world is to elevate the physical to help others. That is part of partnering with Hashem in creation.

 Next shul was the Abuhav Shul from Toledo, Spain. Yes, you heard that right. Tradition says that this shul flew over from Spain. After the expulsion Rabbi Abuhav had moved with many Jews to Tzefat. After he died he appeared in a dream to many of his students in Tzefat with a message of woe about his now desecrated shul in Toledo. The next morning when the students all met, low and behold an amazing site met their eyes. The shul from Spain had arrived on its own. This is one of the beautiful stories that could only happen in Tzefat.

 By now our travelers were very hungry. They heard there was delicious shawarma in Tzefat. All they had to do was climb 135 steps. Believe us when we say every bite was worth it.