Friday, June 20, 2008
Answers to Adversity: Tzfat and Service


Dear parents and friends,

Today we started out with an exciting trip to the mystical and Kabbalistic city of Tzfat. When we arrived, we said schechechianu for reaching this holy city and for being in Eretz Yisrael! The day continued with learning about Yigal Alon’s family history and the part that they played in the establishment of Tzfat.

One of the main activities of the day was the “Livnot u’Lehibanot” program in the Old City of Tzfat. Livnot is a social-action organization that also plans and operates Taglit Birthright trips to Israel. Aaron Botzer was our POI (Person of Influence) of the day, leading us in the excavation of ancient ruins that dated back 400 years! We explored a newly uncovered room in the ruins, extricated massive rocks from the outside rooms, and found ancient artifacts.

Next, we split up into three groups to explore the inspiration and special nature of Tzfat that drives so many to this holy city. Our group first ate food at a small Yemenite restaurant with delectable delicacies. When I heard this relaxing and wonderful music come on the stereo, I asked the store owner about the music’s maker. He pointed to a man sitting across the room, speaking to a group of religious Israeli women. After commending him on his music, he insisted on sitting down with us to eat and have a conversation.

Dan-dan, the musician, started off the conversation by giving us a lesson on the holiness of Hebrew words, and why no one can truly understand Torah without learning Hebrew. He wrote down several different Hebrew words that were derived from other Hebrew words, which layered everything with meaning. Dan-dan explained that he had reached his religious nature by making an important decision: live life without Judaism or embrace the Torah, if the Torah is true. And after six months of studying, he found it to be true. Dan-dan lectured about Jewish morals and how to live a true Jewish life.

Later on, we went rafting on the Jordan River! Everyone split into groups of about four with two people paddling each raft. The river was longer than expected. Steering the raft away from rocks, mud walls, and trees was difficult! It took a lot of effort to row straight, especially with the currents pushing against us. The Jordan River was beautiful and felt great after a long day of walking in the sun. Many people were hanging out on the side of the river, enjoying the day. The rafting was great for strengthening our teamwork skills because we had to communicate with one another on which direction to steer the raft. Overall, experiencing the Jordan River was a lot of fun and perfect for cooling off.

Now, we’re getting ready for Shabbat.  We’re going to light the candles, say prayers together, and eat dinner that the Kibbutz prepared for us.

Shabbat Shalom and enjoy your weekend!

- Jonah Cohen and Simone Adler



Liza, Gabi, Kara and Simone at the highest point in Tzfat.



Gabi performs service excavating a buried house at Livnot U'Lehibanot (To Build and Be Built).



Brendan carts a heavy load of dirt and Kara, as Simone looks on.



The hand-carved ark (17 years - and maybe an act of G-d - in the making) in the Orthodox shul in Tzfat.



Jonah, Gavi and Ezra are really happy about... everything.