Thursday, June 19, 2008
Welcome and Introduction


Dear parents and friends,

Today we got off the airplane and went to Neot Kudumim (The Biblical Nature Reserve) to experience a biblical lifestyle and to herd sheep. While this may seem a little odd, it gave us the opportunity to work together to use our leadership skills to solve problems. Our first task was to lower a bucket into a cistern well – not as individuals, but as a team. At first this was very difficult, but after almost 10 minutes we were able to get the job done. The most important things we learned were persistence, communication and establishing relationship. Herding sheep was a similar team-building task, and it allowed us to experience the primary job of our ancestors.  We had a good discussion about different leadership styles and that to be a good leader, you have to be able to lead from all directions (from the front, back and middle of the group – of both sheep and people!)

Leaving Neot Kedumim, we picked up lunch and headed for Caesarea. This is an ancient port, built by King Herod that demonstrated his praise for the emperor of Rome. This is an archaeological site still being excavated and we were able to observe recent discoveries as well as the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. To explore this site in a fun but educational way, we took a ride on tornado boats. We went out to sea and were able to see the sunken ancient city up close. We saw King Herod’s castle, complete with fresh-water pools and watch towers. We then went on a land tour and went to the amphitheater which was rebuilt in the 1960s, and saw the marble that Herod had imported from Greece to build his castle with. After our tour by our excellent guide Yisrael, we were able to have fun on the beach and swim in the Mediterranean.

Our first day in Israel was amazing. A few of us are still getting used to the time difference and have been using our bus time wisely: sleeping! Though some of our toilets don’t work and the showers in the kibbutz are a little intense, overall this day was the perfect start to what is going to be one heck-of-a-time for all of us.

- Rachel Getz and Jake Steinberg



Ezra herds sheep, the Biblical way.



Liz and Rachel enjoy a ride on a Tornado Boat outside of Caesarea.



Sarah and Simone enjoy a ride on a Tornado boat outside of Caesarea.



The Tornado Boat in action.



Walking through the Hippodrome in Ceasarea, King Herod's ancient port city.