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
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| (l to r) Josh F., Josh T., Jessica, Lizzy, Rachel in Tzfat |
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| (l to r) Michael T., Josh F., Noah S., Jacob G. in Tzfat |
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| Wine Tasting with (l to r) Heidi, Jenna, Yoav, Alana, Max T., Max. M. Mike M. Carly and Brittany |
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