Hi everyone! This week was very different from the previous ones we have encountered (spiritually). Our first tiyul of the week started off near the location of the Bar Kochba revolt. Our first stop was at this beautiful park, which had many caves we could explore in. after hours of cave spelunking, we headed back on the bus and went the location of the revolt. Our group ate lunch and walked to the ametheater of where these events took place in and learned more about the history of the location. Our adventures of that tiyul came to an end and we headed back to Hod Hasharon.

Core classes and general studies seemed very long this past week, but I knew it would all be over shortly because we were spending the weekend in Tzfat. Thursday, the day of this overnight trip came around and I couldn’t have been more excited. I had heard so many amazing things about the city and couldn’t wait to experience it on my own for the first time. Our first stop on this trip was to some of the ruins from Crusades. Our class tried to reenact how the two enemies fought and the strategies they used when defending or attacking in the castle. It was interesting to learn about how strategically the castle was built in order to defend itself.

Our next stop was to hot springs at the bottom of the Tzfat mountain. I was very excited to swim in them because I had no idea what to expect but heard hot springs in general were fun. We got off the bus and were immediately hit with the scent of rotten eggs (the sulfur). I still had an open mind about the springs and tried to ignore the scent as much as I could. We all ate lunch and went right to the springs. There were three different pools ranging in different temperatures. I was only able to stay in the hottest one for a couple minutes it was so hot. My friends and I tried our best to rinse the scent off our bodies and got back on the bus ready for the next stop.

We arrived in Tzfat, the moment I had been waiting for all day. Lisa, my core teacher explained some of the teachings of Kabalah to us and why Tzfat is such a holy city. After our lesson we had DOTS and then went to the hotel we were staying at. I was excited to get some sleep, knowing that Friday was going to be full of learning and touring the city.

I woke up ready to learn, and we started class very early in the morning. Many of the shops on the artist street were just opening when we finished class and I was so excited to look at all of the artwork there. We toured the city and a synagogue and learned about the spiritual aspect of Tzfat and why many Jews move to live there. The rest of the day was fun because I shopped and got to explore a city where I had never been before. We went back to the hotel and prepared for Shabbat.

It was time to light the candles and everyone was dressed ready for temple. I was excited to sit in an orthodox Friday night service and really see what how men and women interacted during a separated service. It was very eye-opening because even though men and women were separated, the women still managed to have an amazing time. We danced and sang the whole time, having just as much fun as the men. The service came to an end, we walked back to the temple and ate Shabbat dinner as one big group.

This was one of the best trips so far – I say that after every one – but I find another reason why I love Israel so much everyday I am here. I can’t wait for the adventures to come and love reflecting on the past weeks I’ve been here.