I have to say, I’m really nervous about this. I haven’t even told my mom yet, and believe me, I’m not looking forward to that conversation! But I’m also excited. I’m 26 now, which as some of you may know, is the cut-off age for this tour. This is, for all intents and purposes, my last chance to go to Israel, at least for free.
So, besides our esteemed Kyla, who lived there for a while, and Alessan and Noone Special, who live there now, who else has been there? What can people tell me about the experience?
[highjack - sorry] Dammit, I just did this in another thread and I apologize, really. Someone else posted they are going to Afganistan and I thought THAT was amazing…but Israel - - wow!! I’m not only impressed but jealous! What an amazing opportunity!! As I said to the other poster, please be sure to come back and share your experience!! Please! Congratulations and safe journey. [end highjack]
Mazel tov on getting into the Birthright program, and nsiya tovah! (Have a good trip!)
I’ve been to Israel twice - 1982 and 1993. (Statistically, I ought to go again this year.) It’s a very informal country, though modest dress is appropriate in all religious sites. There’s ancient history at every step. The Bible is your best tour book for Israel.
Your guides will do their best to keep the trip safe. So enjoy your time there.
Take lots of pictures and spend lots of money!
(hijack) I do the thousand post happy dance! (/hijack)
Mazel Tov on getting to go on this trip! I was also a recipient of the Jewish Federation’s generosity in the form of a 10 year, interest free loan so that I could spend 6 weeks in Israel in the summer of 1979. It was a spectacular experience. I’d be happy to share anything I can recall, but it would probably be more beneficial if you could say what your itinerary is (it wouldn’t do much good to gush on and on about how amazing the pre-dawn climb up Masada is if you’re not going to get to do that). Also, the geography of Israel has changed a LOT since I was there (the Sinai was still occupied territory at the time, so we got to spend a week camping along the Red Sea, all the way to the tip of the peninsula and then up to Mt. Sinai). Jerusalem was my favorite, though. To be able to see the Temple’s Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Gardens of Gethsemane really brought it all into perspective.
Congratulations and safe journey. [end highjack]