Dear Friends of Chabad of Peachtree City,
We have been in Israel for five days already, first three in the Tiberias and the North, and yesterday, Friday, we arrived in Jerusalem to celebrate Shabbos. We had some Internet issues, so please forgive the delay.
Here is a birds eye view of the Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee, which is a fresh water lake, supplying most of Israel's fresh water. This lake, mentioned in the Torah, could be seen from all over the hotel we were at.
On Wednesday, the seventh day of Chanukah, we hiked up (and down - ouch!) the very difficult Arbel Mountain. There are natural caves on this mountain, in which the Hasmonian family were hiding from the Greeks. This family eventually became the "Macabees" who defeated the Greeks and made their way to the Holy Temple and facilitated the miracle of Chanukah.
It is unbelievable to have had the amazing privilege of, after twenty-two hundred years, walking in the footsteps of these heroes DURING CHANUKAH!!
Here are two pictures from this experience taken with my phone:
Later that day we visited the holy city of Tzfat. There is so much there, but I only took pictures of the amazing candle factory. In these two pictures, you can see the story of David and Goliath made from wax, as well as Noah's ark. We use our Havdalah candle which we purchased in this store.
On Thursday, we took a jeep ride to a spot which overlooks the Golan Heights and Syria. It is amazing to see how close these archenemies of the State of Israel are. To think how people in Israel continue to live like this is truly inspiring.
Here is a picture looking towards Syria. On the right far side is Mount Chermon (mentioned in the Torah), the closest to Syria, and Israel's only ski resort (it snowed on that very day!). Past that, to the left, is Syria.
Later we visited the most northern part of Israel, on the border of Lebanon. Our visit was to Kibbutz "Misgav Am", purchased and settled before 1948, when Israel was declared a state. This Kibbutz, and its people, are in direct target from the Hizbollah terrorists. Because this Kibbutz is on a hilltop, it is easier to see what terrorist activity could be brewing. In 2006, they did, indeed, attempt to infiltrate this Kibbutz. It was made sure these people would never try this again...
In this picture, the fence between the countries can be see. On the right is a very tall white pole, on which is attached a massive lamp and cameras.
On Friday we arrived in Jerusalem. This place is so alive, all in preparation for the Shabbos. Later in the afternoon, most of the city shuts down. It is so surreal.
Undoubtedly, the greatest and most important time was Friday night at the Western Wall. We prayed and danced, in the presence of thousands of others from every walk of life, from every religion and every color. Truly and amazing experience.
On Shabbos day, we had a question and answer session, and then on Saturday night we began the difficult task of preparing the students to visit Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial. The lighten the mood, we visited the Ben Yehudah pedestrian mall, where I believe we purchased half of Israel...
Have a great week and all the best. - RYL
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAYANOT ISRAEL- BIRTHRIGHT TRIPS TO ISRAEL, GO TO: www.mayanotisrael.com