Mt. Hertzl

After a night of shananigans on Ben Yehuda street and getting a much needed sleep in, Bus 966 headed out to Mt. Hertzel at 9am. We arrived at the cemetary, stepping off the bus to feel the cold Jerusalem air blowing down the backs of our necks, an erie atmosphere surrounded the group. We walked up the stone steps, to the grave of a young american boy named Michael Leveine, from Philidelphia. A young jewish boy who dreamed of serving in the IDF as a paratrooper, and made that dream come true. Although his life was
was short, his story was powerful and very emotional. The group stood around his grave as Audrey told his story, not a word was said from our typically loud group. As we moved up through the cemetary hearing different stories about young soldiers, the sight of seeing the ages of the deceased soldiers really made you contemplate life. Seeing so many gravestones with people of the similar age to us, makes your heart sink. Knowing that you are the same age as many of the deceased soldiers and that we could easily be in the same place as them, if we were Israeli. But our soldiers in our trip explained that although it is scary to think about dying, they are proud to serve their country and feel that it is honor to serve in the IDF.

The Old City

After today's wake up call for 5:45am, we headed out to the Western Wall.  When we first got there, 13 participants got Bar and Bat Mitzvahed.  Each person said a prayer, while one of the Israeli's read from the Torah.  After the prayers, the Bar Mitzvah's wrote a speech to say in front of the group about why they wanted to be Bar or Bat Mitzvahed. After the ceremony, we went inside the Davidson Center to learn more about the wall and Jerusalem.  Once the presentations was over, the girls put on their long skirts and went
outside to the wall.  Everyone went to pray at the wall.  After that, we left and went to the Old City. We all got some shopping done, and then went back to the hotel. We split into two groups for a lecture about Judiasm. After the interesting speakers, we got ready for our first night out.  We ate dinner, heard another very interesting and insightful speaker, then got back on the bus and went to Ben Yahuda Street. We all got free time to do what we wanted.  There was a lot of shopping and bars all down the street. It was a long, but very fun day in Israel!!!!!

Tel Aviv and the Taglit-Birthright Israel Chanukah party!

On our way to Jerusalem we stopped in Tel Aviv to learn more about its significance to the state of
Israel. In Tel Aviv we made a stop in Rabin Square to see the memorial of Yitzach Rabin. Despite the rainy weather outside we toured around the beautiful memorial and learned about his contributions to the state of Israel. The next stop on our journey was to Independence Hall. This was a small, simple, white building which made a very large impact on the state of Israel. This is where hundred of people met to watch Israel finally gain its independence and become a state. It was an extremely uplifting experience, especially when we all sang the Hatikvah together. After Independence Hall we all got some much needed rest during the bus ride to Jerusalem where we would be spending the final days of the trip. In the mid afternoon we went to a Chanukkah party with all of the Taglit-Birthright trips currently in Israel. We got the opporunity to hear from the Adelson's for whom without their generous donations to Birthright, Bus 966 would not have been able to make our amazing trip. At the end of this party we got to hear a concert from an Irsaeli singer which was a fun way for all of us to get to know each other more and have a great night!

A Shabbat to Remember

Each week, we take time to reconnect, relax, and reflect on our week giving Shabbat an
elevated meaning. Looking back we cherish the memories that were created along this journey in our home land of Israel. From watching the sun rise at Masada to soaking in the salt in the Dead Sea, from riding camels transporting us back in time to connecting with the natives of Israel, these experiences have permitted us to have a clear understanding of a place that we can soon call home. By opening our mind to multiple
cultures in one country, we have seen the people of Israel share a common goal of survival of the country. The start of Shabbat was welcomed with conservative and reform services accomodating the needs of our spiritualality. Singing songs, while bringing back numerous memories from camps, helped us all unite and allowed relationships to thrive during our birthright experience. Following services, we were embraced with a delectable feast of true middle eastern cusine with flavors that will forever be our own "taste of Israel".Following our Shabbat feast, we participated in games and birthday festivities for those celebrating. Happy Birthday Heidi and Josh! Sleeping in Saturday morning was greatly appreciated. Those planning on having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah began preparation, while others attended a session on love, sex, and relationships in Judaism with Esther. Numerous myths were addressed, as well as  new topics. To get a taste and glimpse of the day in the life of an Israeli soldier, they taught moves from krav maga, shooting stances, and forms of
self defense. To conclude Shabbat, we actively participated in Ask Big Questions and came
together for Havdallah. This Shabbat in Israel not only helped us to connect to our homeland, but helped us 46 participants to become a family. This is one Shabbat we will never forget!

Until next time, Shalom from Israel!
-Rebbie (Rivkah) Ginsberg and Nina (Noa) Azoury

Ask BIG Questions: Who are YOU responsible for?

The past couple of days we have discussed our meaning of our Bus and thus how our bus differs from the other birthright trips. We are a part of an "ask big questions" portion of Taglit-Birthright Israel. We had our first discussion of "ask big questions" and discussed who WE feel responsible for. The answers to this wordly question differed immensly. Some said that they were more opt to be responsible for their family members, jobs etc. others posed the idea of being responsible for Israel, our country. And, some even stated they thought that they were responsbible for the jewish faith. We later spread into small groups. The groups discussed and even spoke in more philosophical terms, saying is it our "moral obligation" to be responsible for Israel or to give money to the jewish people. Most though said they were and were so happy being Jewish and proud that doing so would be no problem. In all, the more questions regarding civic engagement and our responsibilities were enlightening. Everyone had a new perspective, and it shed new light on the meaning of our trip. Ultimately, it made us rethink our reasoning for being conected to Israel.

~Mara Richman

Masada and the Dead Sea

4:30am. Most of us were already awake in the Bedouin tent on this early morning. After a groggy start we drank some warm tea and ate some cookies provided by the Bedouin’s. We drove the bumpy road to Masada in the pitch black darkness and arrived before the sun came up.  The sky got lighter as we climbed the Roman Ramp, and the landscape around us slowly became illuminated.  The hazy desert slowly filled with color as we ascended Masada.  Once on top, we heard some of Masada’s history as the sun rose.  We toured the baths and saw the synagogue, full of people praying in Hebrew, a beautiful sound.  After walking around, and hearing more stories we witnessed the naming ceremony for our bus.  Several of our group received Hebrew names they had chosen. I was struck by silence atop Masada and often turned my ears away from the group to experience the calm grace of the mountain. After a short regrouping at the water fountain we started down the backside on the Snake Trail. The windy rocky trail gave amazing views of the Dead Sea and the valley below the mountain. Some of us were scared; others enjoyed the concentrated walk down Masada. Each step required an extraordinary amount of intent and I couldn’t help think about the euphoric state that one would experience upon the top of the mountain after they climbed this side.

After a short bus ride to the Dead Sea, we got to indulge and relax in the sun and salty water at the beach.  Floating in the water was surreal, and many of us slathered on the special black mud of the Dead Sea to purify and treat our skin. We were told that many come from all over to treat their skin there and that several insurance companies in Israel provide time for people to treat themselves to the restorative healing qualities of the Dead Sea. We relaxed waterside and did as we pleased: eating, tanning, and enjoying our time outside of the bus. Shortly thereafter we drove to Arad were we relaxed and prepared for Shabbat.

~Jason Maze

Jenna, Yoav, Daniel, Jared before the Bedouin Hospitality

Rebbe, Jill, Nina and Devon on top of Masada

Bus 966 on top of Masada

Micah floating in the Dead Sea

Some of Bus 966 enjoying the mud of the Dead Sea

Heidi, Brittany and Carly covered in Dead Sea Mud!

Live From Tiberias: "The Diva Chronicles"

Greetings from Tiberias!

Early this morning we got on the bus and headed to one of the four holy cities in Israel, Tzfat. Immediately we noticed that the culture was different there; the men were fully dressed in synagogue attire, long beard and hair, and for a city, it was very quiet.  We learned how the city came about and toured the Ashkenazi Ari Synagogue. We spent our morning walking around the ancient city taking in its wonderful view and history that it had to offer. Surprisingly, the group was most excited about having the chance to have free time and eat lunch on our own. Consuming delicious schwarma, falafel, and gelato seemed to be the most popular way to spend our free time. As our shekels were depleting (thanks Mom & Dad!) and our stomachs were aching, it was worth it after climbing a plethora amount of stairs to reach one of the highest points in the highest city in Israel.

On our way to Dalton Winery we stopped at some historical areas and did some shopping. Many winding roads later, 46 thirsty college students stepped off the bus at the Dalton Winery. We learned how the wine was made and stored, viewed the room where they aged the wine, and of course had a little taste ourselves.  Most of the shekels you provided us went towards purchasing the fabulous bottles of red and white wine to bring home to share with you!

As if we didn’t spend enough money in Tzfat or at the winery, we had the privilege of stopping in downtown Tiberias to experience the culture and spend quality time with one another. Some of us bought jewelry, got henna tattoos, or Fedoras…or almost paid $4 USD for a small McDonalds fry (YES! It costs that much here, #firstworldproblems).

We ended our day with the lighting of the second Hanukkah candle at an ancient burial site. As we stood in a circle, we recited the Hanukkah prayers, and reflected the long and exhausting day we had.

We had the opportunity today to sign up to be bar/bat mitzvah or get a Hebrew name on Saturday during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. 13 of us signed up to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, with different reasons ranging from never having one to just wanting to all have the “Israel experience”.

Later in the evening, we had dinner and had rest time to prepare for our hike to Mount Masada and to start drinking gallons of water for the hike on Friday. We are very excited to swim in the Dead Sea, ride camels, and sleep in a big tent together in the next few days (departing from our Wifi Internet on the bus/lobby will be the hardest part for some.). The last part of our night concluded with the “Ask Big Questions” where we talked about what “responsibility” means to us. We answered the question, “For whom are you responsible for?” We would tell you what we answered…but what happens with Bus 966, stays with Bus 966.

So as we pack up our 80 articles of clothing, preparing for the scorching heat, possible rain showers, Dead Sea swimming, and cave crawling; we send our love from Northern Israel, and look forward to blogging to you again from the South.

Divas, out, #Bus966problems

By: Joshua Douglas Finn & Rachel Shea Rosenberg

(l to r) Josh F., Josh T., Jessica, Lizzy, Rachel in Tzfat

(l to r) Michael T., Josh F., Noah S., Jacob G. in Tzfat



Wine Tasting with (l to r) Heidi, Jenna, Yoav, Alana, Max T., Max. M. Mike M. Carly and Brittany



Our First Day!!!!

 Today was a great day. We began our experience by having a traditional Israeli breakfast. There was challah bagels, eggs, and even on the more traditional side some cheeses that were rather Israeli typical food. Most of us were unsure of how to adjust to the situation of the food, but they ended up taking it with glory. The day progressed and we progressed north to the Golan Heights. We were each assigned jeep rides! We loved our Israeli drivers. WE saw a memorial to those killed during the 1967 War. We were astonished by the great views of the freshwater Kinneret or Sea of Galillee. Then we headed to a hike, with amazing views. We saw a waterfall and also a “rock bunny” We were all in awe. After we headed to the next moment on our trip. We were stopped by a Israeli military unit moving a cannon across the street, a true Israeli experience!  We began driving to the mount Bental, where you can see the different views of Syria and other countries. IT was amazing!! WE ended the day lighting the menorah in Tiberias.  We got jelly donuts (sufganiot) too! I am thoroughly enjoying this trip. WE have a great group. Tomorrow’s trip will be phenomenal as well.

~Mara Richman



post Jeep ride through the Goaln Heights! (r to l) Jacob, Jeep driver, Devon, Rebbe, Nina, Jill and Josh K.

(from l to r) Micah, Gabe, Blake, Alex, Dan, Mara, Jeep driver, Dan and Miriam post Jeep ride

Bus 966 in the Golan Heights!

Pictures from our layover in Ukraine!

Mara, Miriam and Max reading Cosmo!

Max M. and Mike

Rachel and Lizzy relaxing