Lastly, Emek Tzurim was super interesting because we always see archaeological digs, but to actually be apart of one was really cool.

We also visited an artist who conveys themes from the Kabbalah through his art. I bought one of his paintings that really spoke to me and I hope that when I look at it I’m always reminded to give to others and not take from them.

This feeling was overwhelming, and I felt an abundance of gratitude for my Jewish identity.

If I realize the consistent small miracles in my life, I can find a deeper appreciation and meaning in life.

But God is a קול דממה דקה. God is present in the little moments in life, like the birth of a child or a very special moment with your friends.

The view and trail at Sataf was absolutely incredible.

Today we traveled to Sataf. We learned about how this village survived the notoriously bad time of the Shoftim. Compared to most of the other structures from this time, the archaeology in the Sataf is still completely intact.

My favorite part of this Tiyul was gaining a better understanding of how difficult the lives of the citizens of Sderot must be at times. I have never been able to, and still can not, grasp at how brave they all must be to continue their lives along the Gaza border despite the constant danger and fear, my heart goes out to them all.

Last night in my hotel room, I decided to write a letter to my grandma Judith who passed away before I was born, two months after my mom returned from HSI. Putting that letter in the wall was the closest I’ve ever felt to her, and I’m so incredibly grateful to have experienced that feeling. All of these Tanakh verses that can seem so far away have led me to this very spot in my life.

This picture is of the Old City of Jerusalem built into what it is during the times of Kings David & Solomon. We learned about the history of modern Israel and the song Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.

Today we went to the Kinneret and went to the first Kibbutz and to the grave of Rachel, a famous poet from the Chalutzim. This tiyul was very inspiring because I was able to learn about the first people that came to Israel with a vision, and now we are in Israel to show that their work was not for nothing. A moment on this Tiyul that was very meaningful was describing the land around the Kinneret then reading what it used to look like.

On Tuesday, September 3rd 2019, we traveled to Har Gilboa, to descend its rocky face and discuss the history of the Judges and Saul and their respective periods. The picture above is from near the top of Mount Gilboa, or as I think about it, approximately 45 minutes before it gets difficult.

On our tiyul to the Negev on July 23rd, we started off the day with a seemingly easy hike with some pretty pools. We then continued this hike past the water, and it turned into something much harder than before. The hike was Masada-like: extremely steep stairs and even some ladders. I personally loved the hike itself. It was a beautiful area and the hike was both fun and challenging. However, the scorching sun made it almost unbearable. I could barely make it to the end and I got so tired.

On July 9, I volunteered with Save a Child’s Heart. This was a life changing experience that I will always remember.

I think that the most impactful part of this tiyul for me was actually seeing the place where Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated.

This weekend, our dorm celebrated Shabbat in Jerusalem. This truly was like a Jewish awakening for me and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. Starting with going to the Shuk during the Friday Rush and getting a taste of Jerusalem and all the yummy food, to interacting with all the other people of different backgrounds who were rushing to get everything they needed to prepare their Shabbos meals.

On June 26 I helped volunteer with Leket. Leket is the biggest organization in Israel that helps feed the poor. They ask different places such as grocery stores, restaurants, and even the army to give the extra food they have to them that would otherwise go in the trash.

June 25th, 2019, we started our day off in Sataf. Sataf is a modeled town during the times of Shaul and David. Located on the mountains of Jerusalem. This trip helped us focus on the day-to-day life during ancient times. We learned about the several agricultural laws as well as the water system this terrace style village used.

This location was the well in which women would go to get water in order to in their village. This serves as drink, one of the four main necessities for new settlers, along with dine, defense, and drive. This well also served as a meeting place in which men often found their wives.

This was such a fun tiyul! On Tuesday, the first day of the tiyul, we started the day by driving to Tel Facher and learned about the amazing Eli Kohen. We learned about how much of an inspiration and incredible person Eli was.