Day 9 - Wednesday, May 16th

After an entertaining, but sleepless night spent in a Bedouin village, we woke up to travel to a more modern Bedouin village. Although there are some Bedouins that still live in the traditional manner, most have modernized and moved into permanent towns. We met a woman who told us about the women’s rights movement among the Bedouin women and the many ways in which they are now improving their own situations through education and work. After we left, we went to easily one of the coolest places we’ve been so far. We went to an archaeological dig site where the Edomites lived 2000 years ago. When we went down into the caverns, we dug and found pieces of clay and glass that hadn’t been seen in two millennia. These pieces were from the time of the Maccabees and we got to bring some home! Hope your kid got you one! The last place we stopped on the dig site was an unexcavated cave that we had to squeeze all the way through. We crawled, we crab walked, we shimmied and I’m pretty sure we lowered ourselves down through an ancient outhouse (it smelled fine though). The whole place was lit by candles and would have made for some great pictures, if only Sam could have brought his awesome camera in. You’ll just have to take our word for it. We ended our night in Ashkelon at the hotel, where the Israelis threw us an Israeli birthday party as a going away present. We’ve had a great time here, but we can’t wait to see you all again!

-From Casey and the rest of Bus 990!

Day 8 - Tuesday, May 15th

It is 5:30 am: bags are packed, backpacks are filled with clothes for the upcoming day, and climbing Masada was on the horizon. 6 o’clock rolled around, it was time to join Aharon on the bus for the drive down to Masada. Soon the bus became silent, as everyone quickly took advantage of this two hour bus ride to nap. Then Masada was in sight. We awoke to the vision of mountains and desert, ready to climb a part of history. All 52 of us headed off the bus, lathered on sunscreen, filled up water bottles, and we were on our way. It is a great accomplishment to say that after numerous water breaks, hundreds of stairs and switchbacks, we made it up as a whole Taglit group. Together we enjoyed the view of Masada, the history, the stories, and the once in a lifetime experience. Not only did we reach the top of Masada, but we learned history. We learned what happened to the Jewish people while they were on top of Masada, what they ate and how they received food, about the water baths and synagogues, and lastly how our Jewish people lived. While on top of Masada members of our group participated in getting a new Hebrew name; each one screaming their name off the top of the mountain awaiting the response of their echo. Lastly, each member of our trip was given a letter written by their parents. This allowed people to look up, look out, be alone, and realize where they were in the world. After leaving Masada we headed to the Dead Sea. Everyone quickly changed out of their sweaty hiking clothes and covered themselves in black mud. For many of us this was the first time we sat back, floated, and looked out to the wonderful view around us. Covered in mud and salty water, the 52 of us continued to create memories. We continued to experience the history and viewpoints of the world we have heard so much about. Then it was time to head to the Bedowin tents. First, we were greeted by people of the Bedowin tents, and then it was time to ride camels. Each one of us split into groups of two, picked a camel, and began the journey. Each one of us looking out into the desert at the sunrise while naming various camels: Sebastian, Sabrina, etc. This was an experience that  allowed all 52 of us to enjoy something that cannot be found anywhere else. Lastly, after one of the longest and most rewarding days of the trip, it was time to explore the Bedowin tents. At the Bedowin tents we participated in a group drum circle, shopping at the market, and a desert spirituality program. A group of us who chose to participate in the desert spirituality walked quietly out into the desert night, arriving in an area that was dark and only light up by the night sky. Here we sat alone, looking up at the night stars, realizing the journey the past 8 days has taken us on. Right there in that very place was where history for thousands of years happened, and for us it was a chance to us to talk to “GOD.” Everyone screamed out questions, anything they wanted to ask, anything that was on their mind. And finally after climbing Masada, taking a swim in the Dead Sea, riding camels, experiencing the Bedowin tents, and looking up at the night stars day 8 had come to a close.

Becca Fishman

I've been told that this is the first blog entry since day 2, so I have quite the challenge in front of me to cover all that has
happened since then.

The beter question might be to ask what HAVEN'T we done in the past week. We've visited the Kotel,
conquered Masada, rafted down the Jordan River, ridden camels, spent a night at a Bedouin camp and floated in the dead sea.
Many of us became B'nai Mitzvot, some for the first time, this past Shabbat in Jerusalem. We explored Tel Aviv as well as much of
Jerusalem, both new and old. We've eaten, shopped, bartered, and then eaten some more. Finally, we've met and bonded with 8 awesome
Israeli soldiers, who represent the bright future the state of Israel has.

As I sit in our hotel in Ashkelon on the last night of this trip writingt this blog, I've realized there is no way I can
possibly convey how amazing this experience has been for all of us. People who were total strangers barely a week ago I now
count among my closest friends.

For all of those reading who have children, siblings, relatives, or friends who are on Bus #989, my best advice would be to
ask questions when we all return. Ask about the lion dog on the Kibbutz, being thanked by Dirk, trying to find Sarah, and our
collective inability to count to 40. Ask about the night in the Negev desert, our beloved tour guide Muki, and all the hours
we should've slept but were way too eager to remain in each other's company, knowing how quickly these 10 days would pass.
Ask about the places we've visited, what we've learned and relearned, the friends we made and the moments we will never forget.

It has not even begun to sink in that this adventure is all but over, and it may not be a for a few weeks or months that I truly
realize the profundity of the last 10 days. One thing is crystal clear: I've formed an incredible bond with the state of
Israel, and I know that even though I depart tomorrow morning, it will not be long before I return to my homeland.

Until later,
Max Lowe
Bus #989 - Taglit Birthright Israel

Day 7 - Monday, May 14th

Today, my mind and heart took in Israel’s history and legacy.  When Bus 990 visited Mount Hertzl, we paid our respects to the fallen soldiers of the IDF, Israel Defense Force and to past prime ministers such as Yitzhak Rabin, my respect and passion for Israel and its astounding history only made me love this country more. After that, we headed on over to Tel Aviv, to the Independence Hall where on May 14th, 1948, Israel was declared an independent state. I can definitely admit being right in front of the podium where David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, signed the Israel’s Declaration of Independence only has me awed at the power line of previous leader we have had in the past. Finally, we went to Jaffa, an outdoor, with ton of vendors who were loud and vying for our attention. But its their job, what can I say? Overall, an amazing day with a group of amazing people in an absolutely amazing country.

Love Liz Faeder and the BUS 990 CREW

Day 6 - Sunday, May 13th

Hello my fellow bloggers,

Sunday was the special day of Yad Vashem. Not only was it special, but also I think it was safe to say that every one of us on bus990 felt even more of a connection to Judaism. I, myself, was not only emotional the entire tour, but it also was a life changing event for me. Waking up at 8 am has still been a struggle; safe to say I have made it late to most of the planned activities for this trip. But, what I really am trying to say is- how could I have complained for this after having the sensation walking out of the last exhibit we went through? The indescribable emotions after Yad Vashem were feelings I know I will never have again. After having a grandmother that survived the Holocaust, I had even a stronger admiration for my hero. When seeing the visuals and hearing the truth of the Holocaust, this reality continued to be a dream that I cannot visualize. When the tour was complete, which by the way we had an amazing guide, we had lunch at the museum. For me, I was not a fan (Israeli food is not my forte), but being with everyone was what I truly was looking forward to doing.  After Yad Vashem, bus 990 took our way to Ben Yahuda Street where we shopped until we dropped. We were all very excited and ready to complete our memorable day by eating and getting gifts for our family members. The street was so lively and full of shops and amazing restaurants! I can truly say that this trip so far has been not only a life-changing event, but also more of a memory I will cherish forever. Good night everyone, and keep reading our amazing blogs because I can say for sure my parents are extremely jealous!

Shalom,

Sarah Flam

Day 5 - Saturday, May 12th

No one can tell you what to expect before coming on birthright. It’s not something that can be described or covered in an informative meeting. I remember walking into Hillel for the first meeting three weeks before leaving. Faces swirled around me; some recognizable, others foreign and new, but all sharing the same feelings as me I’m sure. This is something you have to live for yourself. Even as I write these words down, they stand only as symbols, as markers of more lucid experiences. I had heard testimony from friends describing birthright as something indescribable, something that you have to live for yourself.

I was skeptical of the impact that it would have. How could I just take someone’s word that this gift would have such an impact on my life? It’s like trying to explain to another person how good a piece of pizza from that place down the street is. You don’t taste that piece of pizza through the words of a friend; you taste it for yourself and then make your own opinions. Just like this simple analogy, birthright is very much a visceral and internal experience that must be lived in order to understand it.

Yesterday marked an important step in my understanding of my Jewish heritage. Having my Bar Mitzvah in Israel was a culmination of the feelings and emotions that I have had in these few short days. I stood before old friends and new friends expressing these thoughts in a way I never thought possible.

I sat in my striped hotel room chair with emancipator playing quietly on my iPod, staring into the heart of Jerusalem seeking inspiration for my speech. Remembering the silent chills and warm touch of the Western Wall I began writing down what was in my heart. I remembered this feeling before, but not like this. The afternoon glow blanketing the Holy city awoke words in my head, which quickly made their way from pen to paper.

Writing then is a lot like the moments I have experienced so far in Israel. They came without warning. I expected nothing because there was no way to know what to expect. I suppose in the most simple terms what I am trying to say is that Israel holds different meaning for each individual. For me it has been about discovering what it means to me to be Jewish as well as what it means to make decisions based upon the heart. Everything I have done here has been a shared yet individual experience filled with some of the happiest moments I can remember. I know that I will make the most of the time left here in Israel and will hold these memories being made for as long as I live.  

Sam Mikalonis, and the Bus 990 Crew

Ending the B'nai Mitzvah ceremony under the Chupah

Its not a celebration unless someones is lifted on a chair

Posing at the Mamila outdoor strip mall

Being silly outside of Migdal David

Day 4 - Friday, May 11th

Shalom Parents and Friends!

Friday morning started with an early breakfast and what we thought would be a two hour bus ride to Jerusalem. Everyone was so excite to get to the city after learning so much about Kibutz life all day long yesterday! Unfortunately, in “bus time” that is twice as long as we are usually told… So after a very, very, long bus ride we finally got into the city of Jerusalem. Our first stop was at the Tower of David in the heart of the city. We climbed to the top of the tower and heard the history of old Jerusalem versus the new side. We were all amazed by the beautiful view of the city from the top of the tower! We met up with our friends from MSU on the other Hillel bus and said the shehechiyanu prayer to welcome us to Jerusalem for the first time. It felt really good to finally be here in this holy city! After that we visited the Kotel (Western Wall). Seeing other Jewish people praying for themselves, their families, and others at the western wall and taking part in it myself was a very emotional and eye opening experience for me. I could really see how important this spot was for Jewish people all over the world for over 2,000 years. We then checked into the Rimonim Hotel in Jerusalem where we celebrated Shabbat with many other birthright groups. We stood outside to hear the traditional siren that they set off to alarm the city of Jerusalem that shabbat has begun. It was interesting because we found out that many people stand outside and wait to hear the siren and then begin their Shabbat traditions. To me this siren really shows the strong connection between all the Jewish people in Jerusalem. That evening we lit candles together said prayers, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. During the Oneg, we learned how cute everyone was as a child, celebrated the birthdays on the trip, and tried various Israeli snacks. The first day in Jerusalem was so great, we can’t wait to relax for the rest of Shabbat and learn so much more about the history of the city!

Lyz Sandler and the rest of bus 990

A group shot at the Western Wall

Enjoying the view at Migdal David

Personal prayer at the Kotel (Western Wall)

A different perspective of the Kotel

Day 3 - Thursday, May 10th

Shalom

The second morning began with a familiar 7:30 wake up call. Leon (my Israeli roommate) woke me up by telling me, "you have quite a talent, you’re snoring was so loud my ear plugs didn't even work!" After another egg breakfast we were off to the mountain town of Zefat. We began by visiting two ancient synagogues. They were far different than any other synagogue I've ever seen, one having three arks. After the synagogues we had some free time to do a little, as the ladies like to say, SHOPPPINGGG!! I bought an Omri Casspi Maccabi Tel-Aviv jersey (which I just found out is two sizes too small). After free time we walked up a staircase comparable to the stairs from the Rocky movies. After Zefat we visited Kebutz Yifat. Half of us split up and visited Kebutz Ramat David. There we learned about the history of Israeli pioneers and saw how a functioning Kebutz works. After Yifat we were off to Kebutz Hanaton. There we did some team building exercises and talked about our goals as Jewish people. We ended our day celebrating today’s Jewish holiday, Lag B'Omer, with a falafel dinner and a bonfire. Around the bonfire we banged drums and sang and danced. It was a great day and tomorrow we are off to Jerusalem, it's going to be great! 

Make it a great day,

Matt Marks and the Bus 990 Crew

Touring the synagogues of Zefat

A little break during our synagogue tour

Enjoying a Drum Circle at Kebutz Hanaton

More Drum Circle FUN around the fire

Day 2 - Wednesday, May 9th

The first morning arrived with my Israeli roommate clapping his hands to wake us up. It was 7:35 in the morning and we had to be ready for breakfast in ten minutes. The first thing he said in his Israeli accent was, “You know you are the loudest snorer I have ever heard in my entire life!” After a breakfast of eggs and bread we boarded the bus to Tel Dan. Tel Dan is on the tip of the ‘thumb’ of Israel overlooking the Israel-Lebanon border. We hiked on a path that took us over rivers and arrived at the site of some ancient ruins from biblical times. After Tel Dan we arrived at Golan Heights. There we learned about the Israeli-Syrian Border Conflict and got to voyage into the tunnels of the bunker. We learned that if Syria decided to attack Israel again the Golan Heights would be ready with drafted soldiers in roughly 36 hours. After Golan Heights we stopped for lunch where I had a falafel pita sandwich. After lunch we had a brief stop at a memorial for those who lost their lives in some of Israel’s major wars. Then we traveled to the Jordan River where we rafted down and then zip lined into the water! After a lovely dinner we had a great group discussion about Jewish values. This place is awesome and I am absolutely exhausted back at the Kibbutz. Had I been back in East Lansing right now I would just be sitting down to lunch…it’s time for bed!!

Say hi to my mother for me,

Matt Marks & The Bus 990 Crew

Striking a pose while learning about the history of Tal Dan

Taking in the scenery at the top of Mt. Bental in the Golan Heights 

Some casual rafting down the Mighty Jordan

Mentally preparing for some Zip Lining!

Zip Lining into the Mighty Jordan

Day One:
After ten and a half teasing hours on the plane, bus 989 arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel. Following the plane ride, we made our way to Caesara for breakfast on the beach. We heard interesting stories about the reasoning behind why Israeli's were not allowed to go to the circus, and saw an amazing ancient theatre. Every Israeli celebritiy dies to perform at the theatere on the Caesarea beach. After breakfast at the beach, our tour guide, Muki, introduced us to the village and let us roam the city for lunch and shopping on our own. Recollecting at the bus, we rode to the Kibbutz to make our way into our rooms and settle in to our rooms for the next few days.We had time to relax and organize our rooms before dinner. We then did some fun orientation games in order to get to know our fellow group members and break the ice to end the night.

Day Two:
It all started with a hike. Israel's highest mountain, Mt. Meron, brought rocky and tree stump covered paths for the crew to travel across. A couple group team bonding games were played as we made our way through the heat. The views consisted of mountains on top of mountains. Even Israel's neighbor Syria could be seen from one point. Heading into the village, we went to a synagogue and experienced a sauna heat packed group of Israli's swaying flags and dancing. Next, we followed the cobblestone pathway to the glass blower. Watching her as she told her unique story of life and showed us how she makes her pomegranate glass holdings. Continuing, we made our way down several flights of stairs to work on taking trash to a dumpster from a bomb shelter. In order to do this, every person lined up where we passed the trash from person to person down to the dumpster. A nice Israli lady offered us pretzels as we jammed on the grass to some guitar. After helping out the community we went back into the village and visited a synagogue. At this point the tour guide told a historic story about a bomb hitting the temple and cracking it. Despite the bombing, luckily, no one got hurt. Next, we witnessed some candle making where one of the group members received two candles twisted together for her upcoming birthday. There was every animal imagined displayed as wax, along with Noahs arc and even the simple duck. The adventure packed day was continued with some wandering and shopping for lunch. Hopping back into the bus, we went into the beatiful and industrialized town we've been to yet, Tiberias. In Tiberias we did some shopping and caught a little dinner before ending our night.

Day 1 - Tuesday, May 8th

Greetings from Israel Parents:

After two long flights and spending over a day traveling we are all safe and sound at the kibbutz. On our way from the airport to the kibbutz we stopped at an Aqueduct and it was truly amazing. This was our first stop on the trip and right away we all felt at home. Tonight we are all very exhausted but incredibly excited about kayaking in the Jordan River tomorrow. We are all getting along famously and can’t wait to get the trip under way. Felix and Sam are great trip leaders and we couldn’t be happier, and tired. We can’t wait to tell you about our day tomorrow but for now we need some sleep. Miss you all.

Best,

Marc & The Bus 990 crew.  

A warm welcome to the Holy Land

Touring the Aqueducts of Cizaria 

Getting a crash course on the biblical history of Israel