Our First Shabbat

By Mira Brynjegard-Bialik, Bus 3 Staff

Only two days into our NFTY in Israel trip, and we’re already starting Shabbat! It hard to believe it’s been less than 72 hours since all of the campers arrived in Israel—we’ve already been to an archaeological dig, the Western Wall, and through the watery Hezekiah’s tunnels, but now we’re taking some time to decompress for Shabbat. We had a beautiful t’fillah led by the campers, singing melodies we haven’t heard since the last time we were at camp, before the pandemic. It was so powerful to be a part of the community, be able to hear the people singing around me, and participate in Kabbalat Shabbat in Jerusalem. We can’t wait to visit the Israel Museum tomorrow! We won’t be using the bus (because it’s Shabbat) but it’s only a short walk away from our hostel. Two days down, 28 more to go! We can’t wait!

The Blessing over the Children of Israel on Shabbat. 

The Blessing over the Children of Israel on Shabbat.  יְבָרֶכְךָ יְיָ וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ. יָאֵר יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶֽיךָ וִיחֻנֶּֽךָּ. יִשָּׂא יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶֽיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם. Y'varechecha Adonai v'yish'm'recha. Ya-er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka. Yisa Adonai panav...

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Last Shabbat in Israel

Last Shabbat in Israel

Dear Families of Yallah! Israel, As we arrive at our last Shabbat in Israel, it feels like time has flown by. On the one hand, it seems like the days have sped past, while on the other, even last Sunday feels far away given the wealth of experiences we've packed into...

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A Journey of Heart and History

A Journey of Heart and History

Written by Ben Plancey, Yallah! 2024 Participant The past couple of days have been both serious and fun. Yesterday, we visited a hospital home called “Save a Child’s Heart,” where we learned about the help the organization provides to children from all over the world...

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