Dear NCSY TJJ Bus 4 Family,

Shalom from TEL AVIV and JERUSALEM!!!!!!

Monday was an exciting day as we had an opportunity to both see the State of Israel’s beginning, as well as it modern heart!

We visited the Hall of Independance in Tel Aviv, where David Ben Gurion stood in front of the entire world and declared the Jewish State of Israel. We sat in the very room the State was born and we could feel the history echoing from the walls. While in Tel Aviv we also had a chance to learn how the city flourished from a desert into a thriving metropolis, this illustrated for us both Israeli resolve and innovation. There were several beautiful mosaics that demonstrated this for us in gorgeous fashion. Monday concluded with an opportunity to explore Old Yaffa and the Tel Aviv Shuk. Going through the shuk was really cool as we had a chance to pick up some souvenirs all while practicing some of our bargaining skills!

Today, Tuesday, was a very meaningful day as we had an opportunity to see Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem!!

Our day in Jerusalem began in the City of David where we rediscovered biblical Jerusalem and learned about some of the most significant archaeological finds ever. The City of David culminated in walking through Hizkiyahu’s Aqueduct and learning how it saved the city in times of war. After completing our tour of the city of David we quickly changed our of our wet clothes and prepared for our first visit to the Kotel!! For many of us this was the first time that we have ever been to the Kotel and it was a very meaningful and powerful experience to be at the very center of Jewish History. After a long day of touring we had some free time out on Ben Yehuda Street before heading out to dinner. Some of the souvenirs that came back on the bus with us from Ben Yehuda included killjoy, necklaces and even a shofar! (as if what we bought at the flea market on Monday wasn’t enough)! Dinner was a delicious BBQ and Gan Sachar where we enjoyed the outdoors while having a chance to relax and play football!

We are excited about our early start tomorrow when we will head east to Masada, the Dead sea, and Ein Gedi!!

Please remember to be in touch with your teenager and confirm that they know their free weekend plans. If they are not coming on the NCSY Shabbaton please double check that they know who their hosts are and how big of a responsibility and privilege this weekend is.

Looking forward to a great day tomorrow!

Best,
Rabbi Chaim

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