Reflections from CMOTL Delegate Zoe Price:
Last night we stayed in the Bedouin tent which was crazy. I personally hate bugs and they were EVERYWHERE! After a very short night sleep we woke up around 4 am to prepare to climb Masada. It was so amazing and beautiful, but such a tough hike for someone who doesn’t exercise on a regular basis at that intensity. Although it was tough, it was worth the 20 minute struggle. When we got up to the top, it was right as the sun was rising. Breathtaking is the only word I can think of to express my feelings of that sight. Learning about how King Herod lived and the thought behind the architecture, they are so much smarter than I would have thought. After walking around and seeing those gorgeous views, we hiked back down Masada. That was insane. As much as you wanted to look up at the scenery, we had to watch the ground. If we didn’t, then we’d trip on loose rocks or miss a step. I’d look up every once in a while and it was a perfect view every time. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
When we finished our hike, we headed to breakfast. After a delicious breakfast, we then hopped on the bus and slept for a while before arriving to the Israeli military cemetery, Mt. Herzl. Their tombstones were something I’ve never seen before and they all looked the same. We learned about a specific fallen soldier named, Michael Levine. He was an American Oleh (someone who makes Aliyah) and hero. He learned about the IDF on a trip visiting Israel and decided that’s what he wanted to do with his life. He moved from Philadelphia to Israel and served until his life was taken. He chose to go fight with his friends instead of staying with his family longer, and then his life was drastically taken in combat. I’m so glad I learned about him, he was just like me and my friends on this trip. I couldn’t even imagine doing what he did. Leaving the cemetery we headed to a shuk in Jerusalem! So many people getting ready for Shabbat. My group headed to lunch and got some hummus, which I never liked in the states but it’s delicious here. We shopped around for a while, and then headed back to our hotel for dinner and a small Shabbat service. Now we have some free time and I’m definitely ready for some sleep! Overall, this day and this trip has been amazing and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m so happy I came and it’s been so life changing.
Lilah tov and Shabbat shalom!
~Zoe Price, Loveland HS
During our journey, we’re sharing a few highlight photos per day in our daily blog, yet to see ALL of our photos (many per day), go to our shared album here. https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0SJqstnBJ10BQS
