This Week: Yam L'Yam

This week was one of the most memorable and physically challenging experiences of the program – the long-awaited Yam L’Yam hike, crossing the country from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. 

We kicked things off with a special opening ceremony on the shores of the Mediterranean. With high spirits and great weather, we began our first day hiking through the beautiful Keziv River, stopping along the way for lunch and a refreshing swim in a natural spring. We ended the day with a steep climb to our campsite in the hills of the Upper Galilee, exhausted but proud. 

Day 2 was even more intense — and equally rewarding. Some students opted for an early morning extension along the Upper Keziv River, adding 8 kilometers to their day! Later, the full group reunited for a climb to the summit of Mount Meron, Israel’s second-highest peak, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the north. By late afternoon, we descended through stunning scenery to our campsite above Nahal Amud, just beneath Tzfat. Spirits remained high, and the group was energized and strong. 

On Day 3, we explored the dramatic Amud River Canyon. We started the day with the historic British police station that once protected the area’s water sources and played a key role in 1948. From there, we descended to the cool waters of the stream, where we took a well-earned dip. The rest of the day was spent hiking along the winding riverbed, crossing the stream multiple times, climbing above it at points, and singing, laughing, and encouraging one another through the final stretches. After days of hiking, the excitement for the final leg of the trek — reaching the Kinneret — was palpable. 

Now, as we head into our final Shabbat together on the program, we are full of gratitude for the land, the journey, and the friendships that have carried us from sea to sea.