Dear Parents,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share with you the wonderful experiences and meaningful moments that your teens had during the fourth week of our trip in Israel. It was an eventful and enriching week filled with exploration, community service, and cultural immersion. I can’t believe it is our last week already! 

After a rejuvenating free weekend, the teens returned to the group with renewed excitement for the remainder of the trip. On Sunday, we embarked on a journey to Sderot, where we had the opportunity to explore a beautiful salad trail and taste the agricultural wonders of the Negev Desert. As well, we were lucky enough to hear from a wonderful woman who lives in Sderot who shared the beauties and challenges of living in the city. The teens were fascinated by the unique environment and gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the local farmers and the locals. 

Monday was dedicated to giving back to the community. We visited Yad Sarah, the largest national volunteer organization, where our teens actively participated in various volunteer activities such as building crutches to those in need. It was heartwarming to witness their dedication and compassion as they made a positive impact on the lives of others. Later in the day, we visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum, where we were fortunate to learn from this tragic time and how it affects us today. This experience was deeply moving and allowed the teens to connect with history in a profound way. We concluded the day with a visit to Mount Herzl, where we paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and heroes of Israel.

The following day, we visited the Biblical Museum, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the region. The teens were captivated by the artifacts and stories that brought the Bible to life. In the evening, we observed the solemn day of Tisha B’av. The programming throughout the day helped the teens understand the significance of this day and its historical importance.

Thursday was a day filled with meaningful programming centered around Tisha B’av. We were privileged to have Racheli Frankel, a remarkable speaker, address the group. Her personal story touched everyone’s hearts and provided us with valuable insights. In the evening, we gathered to finish off the fast strong and to connect with our bus families and engage in uplifting songs.

On Friday, we visited the Peres Center, where the teens had the opportunity to learn about the late President Shimon Peres’s vision for peace and his impactful work. We then enjoyed a relaxing beach day, taking in the beautiful Israeli coastline and appreciating the camaraderie among the group. For Shabbat, we will have the wonderful opportunity to spend Friday night at the Kotel, where teens will engage in prayer, songs and uplifting connections. We are looking forward to a wonderful last Shabbat together and a fun night tomorrow night in Ben Yehuda! 

As we approach the end of our journey, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. This is our last Shabbat together in Israel, at least for now. The teens have grown both individually and as a group, and they have embraced the experiences and connections forged during our time here.

Thank you for entrusting your teens to us on this incredible journey. We are committed to providing them with a safe, educational, and transformative experience. Wishing you a peaceful and restful Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom!
Leah Schlam

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