The Beautiful Scenery of Israel

By Geran Benson, NFTY in Israel Participant, Bus 4

About two weeks ago our Bus split up into our chavaya groups (our 4 day electives) where I chose to take part in Yam l’ yam, a 4 day adventure from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean Sea. On our way to the Mediterranean we waded through cool rivers, learned to navigate the terrain in teams, traversed mountains, competed in a friendly competition of top chef, and cycled the final 12 miles through winding mountain roads and a banana farm to the warm waters of the Mediterranean. I was expecting the far more fertile and flora filled north of Israel to be less hot than the Negev, but I discovered I had thought wrong. Unlike southern Israel, the north’s heat is paired with high humidity. My favorite parts of my entire NFTY in Israel journey were backpacking in the Negev and on the Sea to Sea chavaya. Traveling across the holy land I’ve found that Mark Twain’s dull 1868 description of what is now Israel is completely outdated and inaccurate. “The hills are barren, they are dull of color, they are unpicturesque in shape. The valleys are unsightly deserts fringed with a feeble vegetation that has an expression about it of being sorrowful and despondent.” In response to his description of then Palestine all I can tell you is to look at the photos we have taken on this trip, you will see beautiful scenery that in person can be breathtaking.  

Notes from Rabbi Erin Mason

Notes from Rabbi Erin Mason

We are re-sharing this blog post written by Rabbi Erin Mason, Director of URJ Greene Family Camp, who recently traveled on FJC’s (Federation for Jewish Camp) Camp Professionals Israel Mission.   In mid-February, I participated in a mission with the Foundation for...

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Three Months I Will Never Forget

Three Months I Will Never Forget

By: Alyssa Kruman, Summer 2023 Madricha, Camp Harlam Bus 15 Summer 2023 was three months that I will never forget. There was nothing more rewarding than being by the side of Jewish teens experiencing the most special place for the first time. Each day brought new...

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Reflections from my trip to Israel

Reflections from my trip to Israel

We are re-sharing this blog post written by Rabbi Ilana Mills, Director of URJ Camp Kalsman, who recently traveled on FJC's (Federation for Jewish Camp) Camp Professionals Israel Mission. By: Rabbi Ilana Mills, Camp Kalsman Director When I stand with a wedding couple...

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Two Simple Words

Two Simple Words

By Erica Barish, former Assistant Director of Yallah! Israel                                                                                                     ***We are resharing this blog from the past, written by former Assistant Director Erica Barish. Emphasizing...

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Being Active in a Time of War

Being Active in a Time of War

By: Judy Goldstein, Associate Director of Camper Care One of the big questions (with answers) we have these days in Israeli society is how to maximize our personal and social resilience during this time of our “emergency routine” here in Israel. If you come to Israel...

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