An Archaeological Dig with Bus 8

By Iris Bassin

Since we have gotten to Israel our days have been jam packed. Wednesday afternoon my bus went on an archaeological dig in Beit Guvrin. Our experience at the dig was connected to the story of Hanukkah. We learned about how after the Maccabees took over the ancient city Maresha, the people originally living there fled to another area. To protect their belongings, they buried massive caves to store everything. We were able to climb down into one of the caves, which was surprisingly deep. We found pottery, bones, and charcoal. Every time someone would find a piece of pottery, the tour guide would share so much insight about all the information we could learn just from a little broken piece of pottery. The size, shape, and
color indicated what kind of food was eaten in the pottery. It felt like I was actually helping historians learn about the people that lived in the ancient city. It was so cool! After the dig, we went to the old city of Jaffa to have a great meal before heading off to bed. I had Shakshuka, which was the best I have ever had. Tomorrow we are heading to the desert, and I can’t wait! I’m excited to hike in the desert just like our biblical ancestors, swim in Eilat, and see David Ben Gurion’s grave. So far, it’s been a great trip!

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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more