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Dear NCSY Euro Ice Parents,
Our first week in the holy land of Israel was incredible. Tuesday morning after tefillah and breakfast, we headed out to the absorption center for Ethiopian youth in Tsfat. The teens spent the time playing with the Ethiopian children, dancing, and teaching them songs. Each NCSYer really connected to different individual children. It was really a beautiful sight to see. We then went on a walking tour of Tsfat and saw the old shuls. After which they went on a golf cart tour of the Hula Valley. After dinner at the hotel, the kids experienced a spectacular boat night cruise on the Kineret, during which they had a dance party.
Wednesday morning, we headed out for our first hike of the holy land. The kids hiked Nahal Yehudiya, where they also got to swim in the water, and play at the waterfall. After a short and exciting hike, we were given a tour and tasting at the Olive Oil Factory store. The kids learned how olive oil is produced and the different ways it can be used, such as lotions and cooking products. They had a second tour of a chocolate factory, De Karina, where they were able to make their own chocolate bars and learn how chocolate is made. We next headed off to rafting down the Jordan river, where the kids were able to cool off after a nice hot day.
Thursday began with Chaburot given by the staff. After learning about Torah, we decided to take the ideas we had learned and joined the Chessed organization Leket Israel, pick onions for those who are in need. Leket Israel is an organization that collects the produce that farms have left over, or don't want. They distribute the food to thousands of families who are in need across Israel. After lunch at the Druze village of Ussafiya, we headed out to the famous Yom NCSY.
The night began with a gap year fair, where the kids learned about different programs for a gap year abroad in Israel. The fair was followed by a phenomenal BBQ. The celebration really began with a concert by Shlomo Katz and Benny Friedman, and ended off with a Hachnasat Sefer Torah, that was dedicated by the director of NCSY Summer, David Cutler. The night was enjoyed by all and it really was a night to remember.
Friday morning we hiked Har Arvel which overlooks the Kineret. We visited the Kvarim of Rabbi Akiva, the Ramchal, and the Rambam, where the kids learned about the great Tzaddikim. After the spiritual uplifting we headed to the Kineret for some awesome banana boating and time to chill at the beach before shabbos.
This shabbos we will be in Kibbutz Lavi. It is sure to be a shabbos to remember.
Best,
Rabbi Lashak
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