Day 12 - Netzach - Jared
The day had arrived, our first full day in the North of Israel, and away from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem. After an early 6:30am wake up, our tight-knit Netzach group were truly stunned by the beautiful early morning views. We walked to the water’s edge, and the glimmering sun reflected on the aqua blue waters and we all felt excited for the day ahead in Tzfat and for Shabbat later in the day. After a wonderful breakfast with an array of fresh food and a morning prayer session we made our way to the busses ready to explore.
Today the girls and boys of Netzach were separated as we were taking different activity paths. The bus departed the resort and looking out the window I felt enclosed, almost trapped in the midst of never-ending mountains as we focused on the pops of colour that many villages in the distance had to offer. Following the enjoyable bus ride, filled with laughter and Israeli music, we finally arrived in the ancient city of Tzfat.
On arrival, we learnt from our tour guide Brian, that Tzfat is one of four holy cities in Eretz Yisrael. In the past, Tzfat was known as the centre and home to Kabbalistic scholars and students. We all took in the amazing views of the mountains and I felt so grateful for the land of Israel. Walking around this ancient town on the stone paths and the pebble roads, all of us truly felt that we were walking in the footsteps of past generations.
Brian went on to explain to us that “if you put in effort then we will remember this day forever.” Everyone’s mood instantly changed after we were told to walk in silence and to follow Brian. We were on an off-road path, and started to enter an unknown chamber. With each footstep, the light lessened until we were fully inside with barely any light. I looked up and wondered why there was a small hole in the roof and realised we were standing in a derelict, tattered waterhole. This waterhole was covered with paintings and graffiti and this experience made me think deeper about the past, and witness the local day-to-day lives. Soon after, the boys of Netzach brought this old place back to life, putting in a great deal of effort and singing a famous Niggun, whilst we were all united as one. What an experience!
We made our way down the steep cobblestone stairs to hear from a local kabbalistic artist. Avraham Leventhal’s aim was to encapsulate spiritual Jewish views into his artwork. We learnt the reasons behind many of his artworks which truly opened my mind and made me start to think differently, outside the box. He told us his view on the Kabbalah and explained how we are all spiritual people, we are all more spiritual then our physical selves and that “as we develop spiritually to deeper levels of giving and loving, we ascend to higher levels of divine awareness.”
Following this once in a lifetime experience, we toured around Tzfat, seeing its never-ending beauty and history. Whether that was seeing the blue doors of the monochromatic homes or the variety of stores selling beautiful jewellery, I felt like I was at home and welcome. Looking around whilst buying lunch I realised for the first time how high Tzfat was, three to four thousand feet above sea level.
With the excitement buzzing in the air, we got back onto the bus and headed to Kfar Kinerret resort to get ready for our first Shabbat in Israel.
At 3:45pm, it was time to take our Shabbat photos at the beach on the Kinerret. Soon after, we all made our way to shul and brought much happiness and joy with us. After dancing and singing in shul our Shabbat dinner was awaiting us; soup, salad, chicken and hot steamy rice just to name a few.
After dinner, we were told we were going to play a game called Parliament in which we had to work in teams and take over Parliament. What an amazing end to a fantastic and exhilarating day learning about the history and culture of the people of Tzfat.
