cohen-150by Mrs. Temima Cohen
Day One
We arrived to sunny weather in Tel Aviv and then started our journey to Neve Michael where we were greeted with open arms and a hot meal. The group heard all about the special place Neve Michael is from Chava Levine, her daughter, Rachel, and other Neve Michael staff. Our students had the opportunity to play soccer, zumba dance, and get to know the residents of Neve Michael. Later on we all danced and sang together in honour of the upcoming Purim holiday, and played a Purim bingo game with the children of Neve Michael. It was a long day, but quite a memorable start!shalva-update-2

Day Two

Our day began with an early shacharit in the beautiful Neve Michael shul. With an entertaining bus ride commentary from Ilan and Zev and music selection by Akiva, we entered Yerushalayim. At Har Hertzl the mother of Yuval Hyman z”l spoke emotionally about her son who was killed in Aza. Our students came to recognize how many people have sacrificed for the land of Israel over the decades. After a quick stop at Yad Vashem, Rav Yair impressed upon them the concept of hope, future and the continuity of the Jewish nation. Our day finished by settling into our hotel and having a tour of the Shalva centre. Finally, we participated in the Shalva pasta party with all the international Shalvamarathon participants.
shalva-emailDay Three
We had perfect weather and the students enjoyed participating in the marathon. It was great to see so many familiar faces running the marathon as well, many of whom made aliyah. It was a real treat for Mrs. Weinberg to reconnect with so many Ulpana alumni.
Day Four
We experienced an incredible Shabbat along with other international high school students. There was good food, inspirational speakers and a musical havdalah. The highlight was Motzei Shabbat when Rav Yair led us on a spiritual journey to the kotel. Our first stop was inside Yeshivat Orayta where Jacob Herman made a siyum on Masechet Nazir. We sang together on the Yeshiva’s roof, while overlooking the beautiful view to Har Habayit. Then we went down to the kotel to daven, sing and dance. Finally, Rivka and Atara shared thoughts, as it was their first time at the kotel. It has been a truly memorable weekend!
shalva-email-4Day Five
Our Sunday began early, knowing that our day was going to be jam-packed. We headed north to view the beautiful scenery in the Galil, including the gorgeous Kinneret. Luckily we had already completed our marathon running because while hiking on the Arbel was fun and exhilarating, it was also extremely strenuous and exhausting. After completing the Arbel and davening Mincha in our beautiful surroundings, we had the privilege of hearing words of chizuk from Jacob Kuperstok who made aliya from Montreal and is entering the army this week.
We then travelled to Meron to daven at the kever of Shimon bar Yochai, and afterwards to Tzfat to eat supper and continue our spiritual tour of Artzeinu Hakdosha, led by Rav Yair. In Tzfat we heard about lessons that can be learned from the Arizal and Rav Shlomo Elkabaz, the author of Lecha Dodi. We continued our tour of Tzfat by standing where the battle took place by the few brave Jews that were willing to give their all to win our land back in 1948. There we stood and sang Hatikva with a deeper appreciation of Medinat Yisrael.

Our last stop was to Mearat Shem Vaever. We all held each other’s hands as we entered the cave in darkness. Sitting in the darkness, the meaningful songs of praise to Hashem resonated throughout the cave, amplifying our voices. The beautiful slow shira seemed to be coming from all directions. It was quite an emotional experience that will never be forgotten. Completely exhausted, we arrived in Chispin for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day Six

We traveled to the Golan, while Rav Yair gave us details regarding the 1967 war. We arrived at Emek Habacha, the valley of the tears, where we heard about commander Avigdor Kalani who lead his tanks to victory in the 1973 war. Another example of our theme that each individual can inspire others and accomplish so much for Am Yisrael. Then off to Yaar Lavi to plant a tree. Mr. Mordie Shields spoke to the group and praised them for their unity and we closed off with Hatikva. In Cholon, the Blind Museum was an incredible experience that gave us a taste of what it means to be blind. Our closing circle took place by the Yaffa beach with beautiful scenery of the waves of Yam Hatichon. We heard words of chizuk by Rav Yair and everyone received Israeli flags with their names on it which were passed around and each person wrote words about each person. Our last stop was at a restaurant in Yaffo called Dr. Shakshuka and then off to the airport!We have seen so much, learned so much, experienced a ton and have been inspired by the beautiful land of Eretz Yisrael and have learned that we are all the protectors of Am Yisrael!!

What an amazing group we have been.

!לשנה הבאה בירושלים