July 29-31
On Friday we began our day with a visit to Ne’ot Kedumim, the Biblical gardens just outside of Tel Aviv. We saw the land as it was in Biblical times, learned how to take water out of a cistern, and even made our own Zatar! Lunch at Ne’ot Kedumim was a classic “Biblical” lunch of pita, rice, and more (a nice change from the usual pita, rice, and more).
From there, we returned to the center of Tel Aviv, to the Carmel Shuk and its sister market, the weekly artists’ fair. We picked up food for our Oneg, had our daily ice coffees, admired the artwork, and indulged in some classic souvenirs. From the market we walked back to our hotel to get ready for Shabbat services on the beach. The service we went to was not your average Kabbalat Shabbat; it felt more like a mellow concert than a service. It took a secular approach to the service. It was held on the boardwalk, amidst the busy city that is Tel Aviv on Friday night. We returned again to our hotel for dinner and Oneg.
Saturday morning we gathered together and held our own Shabbat services. We studied part of the torah portion that talked about Israel’s boundaries, and discussed our own experiences at the places mentioned in the Torah. After services and lunch, we met with a Reconstructionist Rabbi who made Aliyah and decided to lead her life in Israel, Rabbi Gail. She talked to us about her life in Israel as a Reconstructionist. Next, we headed to the beach for a relaxing Shabbat afternoon. There – in additiona to beautiful and refreshing water – we found Magnum Gold ice cream bars, Falafel and cats.
Saturday night, after a pizza dinner and Havdallah on the roof of our hotel, we went to Hatachana, a bustling renovated train station. We found dancers and fire breathers, many small stores, and lots and lots of Tel Aviv-ers out enjoying the nightlife.
This morning (Sunday) we packed up and said goodbye to Tel Aviv and headed South to the Negev. Our first stop was at the Air Force Museum, where we explored a variety of airplanes and learned more about how the Israeli Air Force works. Next we visited David Ben Gurion’s home, now a museum, at Kibbutz Sde Boker. We attended the movie ‘premiere’ of the museum’s film about Ben Gurion’s life. It’s a work in progress and we were glad to give our feedback. After a lunch of pita, rice, and more at the Kibbutz’s Hadar Ochel, we visited Ben Gurion’s grave. As we looked out at the seemingly endless expanse of desert and the Ibex that greeted us upon our arrival, we could understand why Ben Gurion felt strongly about being buried in such an inspirational place. We went next to a young ‘development town’ and a kibbutz-inspired student village designed to inspire modern Zionism and development of the Negev in students today. There are eleven of such student villages within Israel.
Although we are sad to leave Tel Aviv, we are looking forward to our night hike this evening and some more time in the Negev!