This week has been full of powerful learning, deep reflection, and inspiring adventures.

In class, we explored Jewish life in Enlightenment-era Europe and the birth of modern Zionism. Students worked in small groups to create presentations on some of the movement's formative thinkers: Theodor Herzl's political Zionism and activism, Ahad Ha'am's cultural-literary vision, A.D. Gordon’s spiritual-labor approach, and Rav Kook’s mystical Religious Zionism.

On Monday, we visited Yad Vashem – Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum – where we were honored to be guided by the father of our amazing madrich (counselor), Nitzan.

On Wednesday, we headed south to the Negev for a journey through dreams, ideals, and determination. At Beta Israel, an Ethiopian Jewish cultural center, we heard the story of Geula, who crossed the Sudanese desert on foot as a young girl on her way to Jerusalem. We roasted and drank fresh Ethiopian coffee, built with mud, and shared a traditional meal of injera and stew.

We continued on to Kibbutz Revivim, where we learned about the ideals of Labor Zionism and how a generation of young pioneers helped shape Israeli identity and culture in the state's early days. We ended the day at the breathtaking desert lookout above the graves of David and Paula Ben-Gurion and took time to imagine our own dreams and aspirations for life in Israel.

On Thursday, we explored Tel Aviv – Israel’s first Hebrew city – through its history, architecture, and food.
From here, we’re heading into a relaxing and open Shabbat in a home hospitality setting, giving us time to rest, recharge, and prepare for an exciting week ahead.

Next week, we’ll celebrate the Shavuot holiday with late-night learning and meaningful experiences in Jerusalem. The learning, the friendships, and the beauty and power of the land continue to inspire us every day.