Dear Sci-Tech Families,
We visited some amazing places this week! In Tzfat, the city of Kabbalah, we learned about Jewish mysticism and the creation of Kabbalat Shabbat, an outdoor spiritual experience by the sages of Tzfat in the 16th century. At Rosh Hanikra, we stood near the border of Lebanon and saw the beautiful grottoes carved by the waves of the Mediterranean in the chalk cliffs; at the Sea of Galilee, we enjoyed a variety of water sports; and finally in Tel Aviv, we heard the story of the first modern Hebrew city and the foundation of the State of Israel. But perhaps more meaningful than all these amazing places was the opportunity to make new friends. Throughout the week we had a group of Israeli campers join and become part of Bus 21 as Kishrei Noar, we met Muslim teenagers who get together on regular basis to improve their tech skills, and Yasmin, a Palestinian woman, hosted us for lunch in the village of Ein Rafa. It was such a special way to open our community in our last full week in Israel.
After a week full of adventures, we are looking forward to celebrating our last Shabbat together in Jerusalem, as we embrace the feeling described in the book of Psalms: “Jerusalem, mountains enfold it, and the Lord enfolds His people now and forever.” In this week’s Torah reading, we conclude the book of Numbers with the travel log of the Tribes of Israel in their Journey to become one people. And in the last steps of our shared journey throughout the land of Israel, we always remember that it is first and foremost a personal and a communal journey constantly exploring who we are and who we want to become.
Shabbat Shalom
The Yallah! Israel team
