Day 4 - Wednesday, December  19th

Hello!!! My name is Evan Adelsberg and I will be leading you on the adventure that was our 2^nd full day in Israel but 3^rd day in Israel but 4^th day of the trip. I am not quite sure and neither is anybody else. We have lost track of our days already because we are actually having a lot of fun and don’t seem to care what day it is.

So we started with a 7:00am call time for breakfast and were startled when they were serving pasta with mushrooms in the morning. Yay 7:00am! We then departed to change the dynamics of our family (yeah, we call ourselves that…kinda our thing).

We got 6 soldiers to join us on our birthright trip, three males and three females, all from different parts of the IDF. Some of them speak English better than others, but they want to learn and were very excited to meet us. On Tuesday night (I guess I am starting to remember), the group got their names and what they do in the IDF. We had to draw what we think they looked like and ask them a few questions. After they got on the bus, we interviewed them and then showed them their drawings. The only accurate drawing was the turkey hand (remember when we did those in kindergarten) with the semi-automatic gun.

We then started heading to Tzavat. Tzavat is one of the holiest cities in Israel. It was definitely something a lot of us haven’t seen before. There were orthodox Jews everywhere. The streets and alleyways were narrow and kind of reminded me of Venice, Italy, just with more Jew curls. We were fortunate to be able to visit the Art Gallery of David Friedman, a Chaballah artist. He showed us his art and talked about the connection of science and religion. It was actually interesting and a lot of us had our minds blown.

From here we went to an orthodox synagogue where the men had to wear kippahs and the women had to have their knees covered. One of the walls of this synagogue (the southern wall because that is the direction facing Jerusalem) was 500 years old. There were several people praying. We also saw the areas where the women would have to sit and pray. Weird to still see separation of gender still existing in the world. You always hear about it but never really experience it. We then went to another orthodox synagogue and had a very similar experience.

After this we headed to a Kabutz. A Kabutz is basically a subdivision but with people actually working together.  There are about 1000 residents of this Kabutz we went to. There was a daycare, a school, a really nice brand new pool, a museum, a dining hall, a performance house, a grocery store, etc. There was also the biggest dairy farm in all of Israel. We got to see horses, goats, cows (being milked as well). It was interesting to see how the dynamics were different than what we have in America. Most people these days don’t have a strong sense of community and keep to themselves. This was completely different. It reminds me kind of how Japanese schooling works, where you stay with the same class for your entire education.

After the Kabutz we went to NAT Program. This is a program set up to help teach young teenagers how to work with computers. Work with them as in build them and fixing them. They even developed a smartphone app to help people fix their computers. It was cool seeing these teenagers learning these skills at a young age. It is stuff that we in America spend thousands of dollars to learn in college.

We then got back to our Kabutz/hotel and ate dinner. We are getting close as a group and we all hang out. Even though we are all incredibly tired and can pass out at any moment, we still stay up late talking to each other. Tonight we actually did some pretty cool stuff with photography. I set up a camera with a long shutter speed (so it collects a lot of light) and we drew pictures around ourselves using a flash light. So for example, person A would stand in the photo while person B drew butterfly wings (or other stuff) around us. They all came out extremely well and you will see them on Facebook, I am sure.

One of the things I like about this group/trip is that we don’t have cliques. Everybody is talking to everybody and we are all open with each other. It really is an incredible thing to see and we truly are becoming a family…and it’s only the 2^nd…or 3^rd…or 4^th day, but with a group like this, we don’t want to think about how much time we have left, we only want to think about the time we have together.

Thanks! Evan

Day 3 (1&2 was mostly flying and driving) - Tuesday, December  18th

               We kicked off our trip in style and explored the Golan Heights area. Our first stop was the Tel Dan Nature Reserve located on the largest tributary of the Jordan River for a morning stroll through beautiful natural scenery. Not only were we able to work off the last bits of drowsiness, we learned some things about Israel’s wildlife as well.

               After our walk it was off the bus and into Jeeps for some back-roading in the actual Golan Heights. We drove through an army post used and fought over during the Six Day War, learning the history of the area and the conflict as we went. It’s high elevation makes the Golan Heights a key militarily strategic position and offer a huge advantage to those who control it, making it a focal point of the Six Day War.

               We left our Jeeps behind and journeyed to our final destination on Mt. Bental. The area we visited was another military outpost that is currently not in use. From the outpost, we had a wonderful view of much of Israel and could clearly see the Syrian border. After hearing more about the Six Day War and the conflict with Syria, we were free to explore the outpost. Many of us ventured into the depths of the dark, abandoned bunkers and walked along the makeshift trenches to get a sense of military life. We ended our trip with a visit to the coffee shop located right outside of the outpost. Then it was back to the hotel for dinner, debriefing and bonding. Until tomorrow!     

-Lauren Smith

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