NFTY in Israel gave me an excellent opportunity to experience Israel for the first time. This was the trip of a lifetime and I could not be happier with my decision of signing up. I have formed so many new relationships with the other kids I have met, and I know we will all stay in touch.

My trip to Israel this summer has been an amazing experience, and one I will remember for the rest of my life. One of my favorite things we did was spend a night at the Bedouin tents. We drank tea, rode camels, and learned about their culture. It was really unique and something I’d love to do again.

On Friday morning, the teens were back in Tel Aviv to visit Independence Hall. This is the site where the modern State of Israel was born in 1948.  Here the first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, read Israel’s Declaration of Independence 70 years ago. The group learned about the dramatic events of that day in the actual place it happened. Then the teens visited the popular arts and crafts fair of Nachalat Binyamin. Lunch was in the colorful and tasty at the Shuk haCarmel Market.

On Friday, the teens began the “Kishrei Noar” segment of the NFTY in Israel Program. “Kishrei Noar” is Hebrew for “Youth Connections,” and for many of the American Teens this is a highlight of the summer in Israel. During this part of the program, eight Israeli teens join the group full time for seven days.

They say that bees can make a big difference. They certainly did for me-both positively and negatively. But let’s focus on the positive, shall we?

You cannot imagine the feeling of having hundreds of NFTY in Israel participants in the country altogether at once. Tonight, we are celebrating Shabbat with NFTY in Israel from the hills of Judea to the Sea of Galilee. As Shabbat descends, we light Candles, say Kiddush over wine and we say the Motzi Lechem prayer over the Challah. For many of us, we do this without really looking into what’s behind this tradition. However, this evening our young people will have a chance to unpack this beautiful ritual and learn about how much of our Jewish practice has a deep connection and a profound foundation in the Land of Israel.