With the IDF soldiers at the Lebanese Border

Near the Lebanese Border

Planting kiwi trees near the border

Tuesday we continued our stay up in the North exploring the Golan Heights. We visited the Naot Mordechai Sandal Factory which is on a kibbutz in the Golan.  They are considered the “Israeli Birkenstocks” and many kids bought shoes while we were there.  After lunch we went rafting on the Jordan River where we floated down the river and occasionally jumped into the water to cool down. We checked into our hostel for the night and after dinner headed to Agmon Hhula Nature Reserve where we saw some neat birds and animals at night. Wednesday morning we woke up early and headed out on the Yehudia Water Hike.  We hiked for about 3 hours through the mountain including a waterfall that we climbed down and jumped off into a pool of water.  We all enjoyed this hike and the waterfall was lots of fun. In the afternoon we visited IDF soldiers patrolling the Lebanese Border. We had a chance to chat with them and ask questions.  We also learned about a Kibbutz located on the border and helped plant a kiwi tree in their orchards.  For dinner we had a cash dinner at a mall in Kiryat Hemona and walked around there for a bit. 

At the De Karina Chocolate Factory

Enjoying the chocolate we made

Atop Mt. Bental

Thursday we started the day with our last hike up North along the Hatzbani where we walked through the river.  After lunch we went to the De Karina Chocolate Workshop where we learned about the chocolate process and all made our own chocolate.  Everyone had tons of fun eating lots of chocolate, especially Jeremy Noller.  After the workshop we went to Mt Bental outlook and bunkers near the Syrian border where we learned about the history between Israel and Syria.  That night we skyped with some of the campers at Micah and told them about our trip and answered their questions.  It was great to have the chance to talk with them and share information about our trip so far.

Girls on our last Shabbat

Boys on Shabbat

Learning to drum

Friday morning we headed to Sachne Natural Pools where we had tons of fun swimming around in the water.  After eating lunch there we drove back to Jerusalem and headed to Machaneh Yehuda Shuk where we split into four groups and each bought different snacks to eat during our Seudah Shlishit picnic on Saturday.  Since it was right before Shabbat the shuk was packed with people getting ready for Shabbat and we had the chance to sample various pastries, fruits and nuts. Last night we spent our last Shabbat in Israel doing services as a group overlooking the Western Wall. This morning we had Shabbat services outside and then headed to Temple Moreshet Israel to have a discussion with Rabbi Adam Frank about Judaism.  He was born in Atlanta and spoke to us about how he became a Rabbi and then gave the kids the opportunity to ask any questions about Judaism that they had.  After a restful afternoon we headed to Independence Park for our Seudah Shlishit picnic with the yummy things we bought at the market.  At the picnic we ate and played some games.  After Havdalah we participated in Jammin which was an interactive music experience where we combine a drum circle, dancing and Capoeira, Brazilian martial arts, into a fun time.  We finished the night off with a pizza dinner.