We're back!

We arrived safely to JFK and have all departed for the train, bus, another plane, taxi... It was a wonderful trip and looking forward to showing some pictures!

Wrapping up

We are in Tel Aviv on our way to dinner before we depart for our flight to America. Yesterday we had an intimate conversation with an Ultra Orthodox couple in the Old City in Jerusalem. We discussed how they express their Judaism and love of Israel. Today in Tel Aviv we got the chance to hear a guest speaker discuss homosexuality in Israel. We are looking forward to continuing these conversations with family and friends upon our return.

Bar bat mitzvah experience from Katie

Katie Berkowitz, '12: Today five members of our group chose to share a pivotal experience of their own journeys with the rest of our group. This was a powerful experience not only for those at center stage, but one of the more inspiring moments for all of us. It was beautiful to see people connecting to Judaism in a new way. Those who spoke expressed what we all feel, the past eight days have impacted us all and will serve as an important experience in shaping our journeys to come. The event was appropriately capped off with a visit to the western wall, a focal point of many of the ideas and experiences that have filled our discussions and travels.

Bar/bat mitzvah ceremony

Today in the Old City in Jerusalem two students had a bar/bat mitzvah and took on new Hebrew names. Three students decided to have their second bar/bat mitzvah. It was such a memorable experience being with such close friends in a holy city for this ceremony. We are now anxiously awaiting our arrival to the shuk where we can't wait to buy marzipan!

Israeli Perspective

Interview at the Dead Sea. Shisgal, Producer at the Military Radio Station age 20. Neta Yakobi, Manage the Emergency room in The Helicopter unit, age 20. The Americans seem to appreciate the army and are showing a love and admiration for Israel. I hope the American students will be able to separate us as Israelis and us as soldiers. Our life experiences are different. We are forced to take on responsibilities at a very young age. We have this opportunity for three years to think, and not to worry about extra curriculars, and which job or class will take into the next level. I expected the students to have more Hebrew knowledge, so it's very interesting. We make an effort not to speak Hebrew so we can connect with the Americans. I'm hopeful they will return to see the day to day life in Israel.

Beach day!

We had a great time relaxing this afternoon at the beach in Tel Aviv. This morning we had a discussion on coexistence in Israel. We are getting very excited to meet our 8 Israelis tomorrow who will be joining the group until Sunday.

Kayaking

We just went kayaking! Time to drive back to the kibbutz for dinner and a shower.

Tzfat

Ariel Ellis, '15: "Tzfat was really cool to see the people who live there including the schoolchildren, orthodox people, and the trendy girls. It was really nice to walk around the city because the architecture is so beautiful. I met one of the artists there: Doron Cohen. He shared with me the symbolism of his work and how long it takes to make. He's a silversmith. The ring he showed me had two chamsas facing outwards It was designed like that because a downward chamsa wards away evil and an upward chamsa attracts positive energy."

We landed!

Bus 51 landed at Ben Gurion Airport! We are on our way to a kibbutz in the north for dinner and to sleep for the next two nights. More later!

Boarding plane!

40 penn students are checked in and ready to go to Israel! Here you see Katie, Ariel, and Lauren getting excited! And seat mates Nathan and Rosa ready for the flight!

We leave on Sunday!

Forty Penn students can't wait to get to Israel - we leave on Sunday!