Forget Jet Lag... Hey!! We're in ISRAEL!

At 9 last night we all hit the bed and were out cold in only a few minutes. I can definitely say that everyone woke up well rested for a big day. And to say we had an action-packed and full day might be an understatement.

We were all exposed to our first Israeli breakfast of the trip. To some it was probably strange seeing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and a multitude of varied cheeses as choices, but with the availability of sunny-side up eggs and other delicacies, the breakfast was filling and delicious. We then headed on towards the holy city of Tzfat, which has “only” been settled for 900 years.

On the bus we did some activities created by Zoe, the leader of the day. We headed up the windy and steep allies of this sacred city, stopping in a beautiful synagogue in which we learned the history of this great city from our heralded tour guide Baruch. Some of us were lucky enough to purchase fresh-squeezed orange juice and everyone made sure to stay hydrated. We then headed into a few shops and were given the chance to purchase jewelry, candles and other cool products sold by numerous local merchants. I cracked up listening to Jess Stammelman argue with a merchant over the price of a necklace, which she claimed that she had bought for 40 sheckels cheaper in Tel Aviv.

The next part of the day was probably the most memorable and eye-opening for each and everyone of us. We were taken to the gallery of a Kabbalah artist named David Friedman. I had no idea what to expect, but judging from the beautiful art on the outside of his gallery I could tell that it would be interesting. We were not just interested, we were attached and mind blown. Friedman explained different paintings and made connections with Hebrew Letters, colors, science and life that demonstrated how everything is interconnected. After his presentation everyone clapped and was eager to purchase his aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking art.

The next part of the day can be characterized by one simple word, water. We next went rafting on the Jordan River. Although we were only able to witness the presence of white water a few times, everyone had an amazing time splashing and (playfully) fighting off Israeli rafts. Some groups were mauled by energetic Israelis who were even able to pull Ben into the water, although we pulled many of them into the water too. By the end of the trip everyone was soaked and sporting big smiles. After a big lunch some were still hungry, so we stopped at a mall and indulged in delicious shwarma and falafel.

The next stop was the Kinneret, Israel’s largest reservoir that provides 35% of the country’s water and a beautiful freshwater lake for us to swim in. Everyone quickly jumped into the slightly wavy water, which was the perfect temperature. Before heading to a waterfront restaurant, the group participated in two laughter-packed games, Sheep and Compliments. Compliments was highlighted by the outstanding performances of many of our Dillers who made the entire group almost cry of laughter.

The following dinner was a delicious barbecue with great food and a lengthy dance party/dance-off. Carmelle was eager to dance with the local Israeli workers dancing outside the restaurant, and we all followed her into a great sporadic dance party. Darren, our junior counselor, had a face-off with two of the Israeli guys that prompted cheers and a great atmosphere. Eventually, we had to leave the restaurant after 10 songs and headed back on to the scenic route while watching the beautiful sunset over the city of Tiberius with the full moon behind us. We now have a short break before our night circle to end the day; and what a day it was.

-Adam Friedman