Last day!

Last day!! Today was a great last day, it started out with some classes, along with a bit free time and a nice meaty dinner at the end. During Free time Jenni and I got fish and chips and we didn't finish it, so some lady that was hungry took it. I was glad that someone finished the food, I hate wasting food. Tonight's dinner was incredible, so much food with a slideshow at the end. This has been an amazing experience, I've learned a lot, seen a lot, and thought a lot. I could not have asked for a better group to go on this trip with. We all bonded well and we were provided a great staff. Now comes a great summer, full of adventures and memories. Bring it on summer 2013!

June 3rd

Today the boys and girls split up. Girls went to a seminary and the boys went to yeshiva. It was a nice change to learn from only women. Afterwards we went Ner L'elef where we heard a women speak about her past and the anti semitism she faced and what it means to have a soul. She made me more of Zionist with the story she told and the videos we watched when we were with her. Following that we went to Shalva a place for kids that have special needs. It was beautiful and they have done a great job with the kids. Not much happened after, a bit more shopping got some food and that's it. I can definitely say that I'm exhausted! Good night friends. 

Busy day

Today was a packed day! It started out with a couple classes at Aish, one about why bad things happen to good people.. Which we don't know why, there is no direct answer. The next class was on spirituality taught by a surfer hassidic dude. After the classes we headed to chevron where we toured and visited Sarah, Abraham, and other biblical figures tombs. From there we went to the Koby Mandel Foundation. The foundation is organized for kids and families that have lost a family member in terrorist attacks and other incidents. The parents of Koby Mandel created the group after he died. We got to hear the story of Koby by his dad. It was really sad. Finally we got back and I went out with a few girls from the trip to get delicious sushi from a place here called Japanika. I've wanted sushi for a while so I was pretty excited to finally get some. Time for bed, lilah tov chaverim! 

Last Shabbos!

Shabbos! Oh wow Shabbos was amazing! It began last night at Aish Hatorah with a Hasidic surfer dude singing and creating a Shabbos atmosphere! Following that we went to the western wall where we sang with different groups and in the circle I saw a long lost friend Caty from Young Judaea! I was super happy when I saw her, I hope I could see here in the near future! Then we had our Shabbos dinner in the Aish building and everyone gave a toast, it was cute. Today we got up and went to a host family for lunch, it was great, I really liked the family we went to. Slept for quite a while and then went to third meal, followed by havdalah. Afterwards my roommate and I went cruising around Ben Yehudah. We bumped into another friend of mine from home, Fallon. I found out that she made Aliyah, it's crazy! She told me that she is coming back to BG in August and I hope she isn't lying, I miss her and we need to catch up! Now I'm back and heading to bed. Shavua tov lovely people! 

Preparing for Shabbos!

Here comes the last Shabbos of Israel 2.0, and what is better than celebrating Shabbos in Jerusalem? To me nothing. I am so thankful I got to come on this program and learn about Judaism and Israel. We are so lucky that we have Shabbos is a break from work and everything related to it, it is a time to focus on ourselves and who we are. It's time to spend with family and enjoy what you have and enjoy the life you have been given. This Shabbos I will be reflecting, eating, and thanking. I'll reflect on my life and where I'm at and where I'm going, I'll be eating yummy food that has been provided by amazing people. I'll be thanking everyone, especially gd for what I have received and for being there for me. I can't wait to turn off my electronics and focusing on what is happening in the moment. And so may all have a peaceful and restful Shabbos, I know I will!

Fun adventurous day

Today was amazing! We woke up, had a nice Bedouin breakfast and then we went camel riding! I was with my friend Samantha and we named our camel Timothy/ Timmy. It was super fun! Afterwards we went to the Dead Sea, most of the girls on the trip followed the madrichot and went to the women's section of the Dead Sea and we put on the mud and went into the water. It was a cool experience. Next we went ATVing! It was a bit scary! Thankfully I was with two girls that were confident in driving that vehicle. I didn't want to drive so I let one of them who really wanted to do it. Then we returned back to Jerusalem, learned a little bit about advocating for Israel, and then we finally checked in and went to our rooms. Unfortunately me and my roommate had door issues and we 

May 28, 29

May 28th and 29th. Yesterday  was mainly learning. There were different classes on discovery the one that stood out for me was the seven wonders of Judaism. At night I went out to dinner with my cousin Liott and her family. We went to a delicious restaurant. I met her baby Sofia for the first time and I got to see Eliyah who is now 3 1/2. It was absolutely great seeing them!

Today we started out with a couple classes and then headed to Sderot. Rockets have been firing there since the early 2000s but not nearly as much as they use to. The last rocket shot there was over 2 weeks ago. It was an eye opening experience. Now we are in Bedouin tents and staying the night with Bedouins, dinner was so delicious!