My Time in Israel So Far

By Jonah Jaffe, Bus 7 Participant

Going into this trip I was incredibly excited to experience Israel’s nature. I’ve been here twice before, but I’ve always been in big cities. The desert here did not disappoint. The hikes were stunning with incredible views, and at night you could see entire galaxies of stars. It was very different from the forests and the waterfalls I’ve hiked around before. The place seems so devoid of life and sound, so when we saw a family of gazelles it was unbelievable.

My first time in Israel I went to the Dead Sea, so I wasn’t expecting to be surprised by its unusual properties. Once I got in however, the water was warm and I just floated on top. It was really peaceful. It was also fun to paddle around with my friends on top of the water. Later we got to put on Dead Sea mud and some kids got very into it.

Some of my favorite times come during pizur, which is our time to go shopping and to buy food. The falafel and hummus here are delicious and it puts American copy’s to shame. Also, during pizur we often bargain in stores. Bargaining in Israel while sometimes challenging can be very rewarding. I was in shop and I wanted to buy a chess set. I got the seller down from 280 to 130 shekels. My friends got a seller from 360 to 70. Overall, I’m really enjoying myself on this trip so far.

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

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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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