Boker Tov America! We have just been having the best time with our new Israeli soldier friends. It’s seems as though we have been friends with them forever. They are now officially a part of the Kesher 7 tribe. This morning we woke up and headed to the North of the Golan Heights for a tour of Bentar Mountain. From this peak we were able to see the borders of Israel. It was amazing to us how close Israel was to Syria. It seemed as though we were able to reach out and touch the country. The strength of the Israeli army during the 1973 Yom Kippur war was amazing, and we really got a great sense of how close Israel’s enemies are.
One thing that we have really begun to notice is how unique Israel’s countryside is. Many of us thought that we were going to be spending the last week in the desert, but every time that we go somewhere new we see another type of land. This day we went hiking through the Dan nature preserve. As the snow melts off of Mt. Hermon, the fresh water empties out into the K’nerret. We were able to walk through and wade through the pools of water which were unbelievably cold. This is where the majority of Israel’s freshwater and drinking water comes from, and we drank right from the source. Very refreshing on such a hot day!
From there we went to Tzfat. Tzfat is located on the Canaan Mountain. Many of us know about Kabbalah from the popularity it has received in America, but for the first time we were able to see where Kabbalah comes from. The city is painted blue, and the medieval bricks give off a mystical feeling while walking the streets. We even took a moment to sing the words of L’cha Dodi, welcoming the Sabbath. It was in Tzfat that these words were first chanted.
That evening we had an amazing time dancing the night away in Tiberias. The Israeli music is very interesting, and I would suggest you take a listen to this popular Israeli band in order to understand.
Please click here and enjoy Infected Mushroom – Becoming Insane.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6hL6fkJ1_k
L’hitraot! Today in the Golan Heights, tomorrow in Ein Rafa and Har Herzl.
Here is a rare and beautiful recording of Hatikva.
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Thanks for the Infected Mushroom – Becoming Insane piece. Brilliant of you to include that! Your trip sounds awesome – I’m loving reading about EVERYTHING you’re seeing, doing, learning about, having FUN at – WOW!! YOFI!!!!!
L’hitraot!
Love,
(Paul’s) Cousin Susie