Shabbat and more!

As we embark on our nights in the Bedouin tents, having had a full week of Israeli adventures and a relaxing Shabbat, we reflect on the moments in Israel that have left a lasting impression.

Our Shabbat service on Kibbutz Almog was a non-traditional and unique service that left us all feeling like our own family. Even as some of us were not as religious as others, and came from different backgrounds, we all came together and contributed in our own way. In honor of Shabbat, on Saturday, we had a relaxing day and the opportunity to do anything from hiking in the nearby desert to competing against Brown in an intense birthright soccer face-off. We concluded Shabbat with candle-lit Havdallah services and a discussion about our Jewish identities. We all found this to be a very open and thus powerful discussion as a result of both the Israelis and the Americans openly sharing our diverse opinions and personal stories. 

Today we reentered the bus and recommenced our jam-packed trek across Israel. Among our favorite experiences of this trip is going to Shvil Hasalat farm. From eating kumquats off trees, to sending messages with homing pigeons, to picking fresh basil or tomatoes to eat right off the vine, many of us fell in love with Israel. After our taste-testing quest across the fields, we frolicked over to the picnic tables and prepared for the most amazing meal yet – delicious salad, ripe vegetables, and delectable baguette stuffed with the freshest ingredients from the vines surrounding us. With full stomachs and ear-to-ear grins, none of us wanted to leave this beautiful fantasy.

As we sit in our Bedouin tent and think back on such a memorable experience, it is hard to imagine that we only have two days left on our journey. Yet we are all counting down the minutes until we wake at 4:30am, get set to climb Masada and see the sun rise, and experience the purifying and rejuvenating Dead Sea. Stay tuned for more to come!

Xoxo Bus 392.