Today we got to sleep in (wake-up was only at 7:00am)!
Being so close to the beach we decided to take our things for t'fillah (services) and walk down to the beachfront to have services on the sand as the waves broke behind us. It was definitely another change of scenery for the students to consider while they recited their prayers. On this particular day we reflected on the Mi Chamocha and what a sight it must have been for the Hebrews during the Exodus running from Pharaoh and having his army stationed behind them with a huge Sea with no way to cross in front. How must they have felt being cornered and questioning whether freedom was worth the fear. Although the Mediterranean Sea was not where the Hebrews crossed it was still a great visual while reciting the prayers.
We returned to the hotel for breakfast following t'fillah and then began our three part series with "Shopping in Israel". Part one was providing the students with the "market scene" as we walked through Shuk HaCarmel (The Carmel Market) where the students walked in awe of the flea market atmosphere of how many Israelis shop for their basic necessities, clothing, bathroom supplies, fruits, vegetables, meats, and much, much more.
After the Shuk we walked to Nachalat Benyamin where the children had a chance to walk around an arts fair where many young and talented Israeli artists set up their booths and sell their goods. Many of the presents for friends and families will be coming home form here!
Lastly, the third stop on our shopping spree was Rehov Sheinkin (Sheinkin Street). Here the students got to see a sample of the European influence on the fashion and music industry in Israel. Some of the children were slightly surprised, with a little confused, and even a shock thrown in for good measure at how European fashion differs from the USA industry.
After buying everyone their needed gifts from the Holy Land, we got on the bus and headed for our tour of the Palmach Museum. This museum is one of the most interesting museums about the rise of the State of Israel and how the youth movement played an important role in defending the country and playing a major role in the earlier generations of ZHL (tZeva Ha'aganah L'Yisrael - Israel Defense Force). The museum takes you through a walking tour of the history with videos, actors, and real footage of the life of Israeli youth before the statehood and immediately following the War of Independence.
From the museum we came back to the hotel to change and spend the afternoon in the Mediterranean Sea. Here the students got to compare their local Israeli's beach experience in the north at Naharia with a more tourist directed beach on the Tayelet (board walk) of Tel Aviv. There was no comparison...Tel Aviv won hands down!
Well, this brings our Day 9 to an end. Stay tuned for our final summary of the trip, tomorrow's Day 10. L'hitraot (see you soon).
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