Colorado Community: en route to Israel

This is the 2nd annual Colorado Community Taglit- Birthright Israel trip blog. Here you can get updates as to what aspects of Israel trip participants are soaking up, learning from and experiencing.

Day Two

A full day in true Birthright form.  The group began their day with their first Israeli breakfast and were surprised to find so many vegetables.  We loaded the bus and headed to the Jublian hike where we began the discussion about the Golan Heights.  Participants began to understand the history, their strategic importance to Israel, and the discussion taking place today surrounding the 1967 borders.  The conversation continued at an overlook of Syria called Mount Bental.  We moved along to An olive factory where everything from delicious olive oil to soaps are made.  As the food of Israel began to fill their bellies at lunch, the reality of where the participants are coupled with their connection to each other began to form.  Among the many comments was excitement that participants would have the opportunity to go home together and continue the connection they are already beginning to form.  

 

Rafting on the Jordan River was an activity that some boats accomplished with more finesse (and strategy) than others.  None the less, everyone had a blast.  Cooled off, relaxed from the water and hungry for dinner we headed back to the hotel.  

 

Over dinner I met with four of the participants who have decided to do something they have never done before and have their Bat Mitzvah while they are here in Israel.  It was a powerful experience beginning this conversation about taking ownership over their Jewish identity. 

 

The Jewish Identity conversation broadened to the entire group as they began conversations about what it is that they personally identify as the important aspects of their Judaism, and what at this point does not feel relevant.  The power participants have to connect with aspects of Judaism that feel relevant, learn and experience as much as possible is astounding.  Tomorrow, off to Tzfat—the center of Jewish mysticism and Kabalah, and then the heart of Israel, Jerusalem.  Lila Tov (good night).

 

Day One

This is the second, of what will hopefully be a bi-annual Colorado Community Taglit-Birthright Israel Trip has arrived.  Israel Experience Group 24-283.    In what is bound to be an inspiring 10 days we will travel from North to South, experience culture, land, people and religion and begin to understand ties to our Colorado Community. The group will leave with a deepened sense of community and understanding of how their Jewish identity fits into the life they live and the choices that they make.  

 

The north american staff is Sarah Kornhauser—Director of Birthright Israel NEXT, Colorado and Sam Silverleib—consultant for Oliver Wyman. Our Israeli staff is a fantastic man named Yotam.

The staff can be reached at:

Yotam: 052.604.8142

Sam: 052.424.3250

Sarah: 052.598.4291

 

The groups energy is high and participants ready to go.  So ready to go, that from the airport in NY they were already talking about planning reunions when they return.  Eleven hours after take off, we landed in Tel Aviv.

 

90% of the participants are from Colorado, with a small hand-full from the east coast, and, of course, our 6 Israeli participants.  With our first stop at Cesaria, the group was amazed at the beauty Israel has to offer.  As icing on the cake, the Israeli’s brought traditional Israeli snacks for the participants to enjoy.  

 

Bellies full of Bamba (sort of like a peanut-butter Cheeto, which I know sounds gross if you haven’t had it, but is actually utterly delicious), we continued north to the Golan Heights.  We are staying our first two nights here at a hotel with beautiful sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee.  

josieslove asked: Hi Sarah!

So excited to travel in less than 2 weeks!!! The next few weeks are really busy for me, so I am trying to think about packing now while I have some free time. Do participants normally bring backpacks or suitcases? I wasn't sure if any of the activities we're doing would require us to pack up and go or if we would always be staying in hotels (other than camping out). Any other packing suggestions would be great! Thank you so much!

- Josie Sussmann

Hi Josie!  I am so glad to hear you are excited.  I also can’t believe it is coming up so soon, how time flies…

I would suggest packing in a pack (like a backpacking pack).  A suitcase is also fine, but…most of the hotels we are staying in probably do not have elevators, so you have to be able to carry it by yourself up a few flights of stairs.  If it is too heavy for you to lift it by yourself, it is way to heavy.  I find that a pack really makes it so easy. 

Other packing tips.  The best item to bring is a big scarf/pashmina type thing.  A few places we go expect female modesty (shoulders/bust and sometimes elbows covered), but b/c it is so hot you will probably  not want to dress this way the entire day.  I find that a scarf is perfect for that as well as the rediculiously over-air-conditioned buildings.  

A long skirt/dress also comes in very handy.  

I also recomend water shoes like Teva/Chaco/Keen…something that will stay on your feet but can get wet.  

Bring a pair of shoes you are comfortable doing some hiking in. 

I like to bring a camelback for hikes b/c the water stays cold.  Some sort of a day bag will also be good, b/c we don’t really go back to the hotel at all during the day.  

You don’t need to bring any “fancy” clothes, but for Shabbat it is nice to clean up.  We will be going to the Kotel (western wall) on Friday night and you will need something that covers your knees…and again that scarf will come in handy.  It is traditional to wear white on Shabbat in Israel (although not at ALL mandatory…I just like to let people know).

Bring a swimsuit.  Hat. Sunglasses. Sunscreen.  Etc.

I’ll let you know if I think of anything else!

See you soon! 

Graffiti in Tel Aviv.

Graffiti in Tel Aviv.

Spices in Jerusalem Market.

Spices in Jerusalem Market.

The itinerary is shaping up, and here are a few things to look forward to…

  • Kayaking through the Jordan River.
  • Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel.
  • Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. 
  • Mt. Herzel.
  • Visit the Independence Hall-the place where David Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the State of Israel, in May 1948.
  • Camel ride.
  • Bedouin hospitality and dinner.
  • Ascent to Massada.
  • Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv.