The EMJC Israel group covered a LOT of ground today, both geographically and topographically. We left our hotel in Eilat (see
photo) and made our way northward through the Negev. The Negev is the desert that covers roughly 60% of Israel, but don't think Sahara or Lawrence of Arabia desert with sand dunes; the Negev is rocky desert.
In most places the Negev scenery is bleak; at other times it is colorful. Yet, one can see some vegetation, mostly small shrubs and bushes, in the wadis (usually dry river beds); in fact, one can trace the wadis by observing where the vegetation is located.
Our first stop was Machtesh Ramon, a huge crater (appx. 30 x 15 miles) that was formed not by a meteor hit, but by geological phenomena. We drove through the crater and up the northen face to a lookout where we were able to observe the entire crater. Awesome!
Next we had a real treat that was not part of our original itinerary.
Our guide, Itzik, arranged for us to visit the main officer's training base of the Israeli Army; this is where he trained to become an officer. We visited the synagogue (see photo) and saw many of the newly arrived cadets who had passed the rigorous testing process that allowed them to enter the training program. We then entered a classroom so Itzik could talk to us about officers' training and answer questions about the Israeli Army.
Israel's first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, was the prophet of the Negev. He realized that the Negev would be important to Israel's future. He not only talked the talk; he walked the walk, moving to kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev. We visited his grave (he chose to be buried in the desert rather than on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem with Israel's other political leaders) as well as the simple kibbutz home in which he lived with his beloved wife, Paula.
As we moved further north toward Tel Aviv the topography changed as the land became browner, greener, and more agricultural. As we approached the suburbs of Tel Aviv we entered the thriving, busy, traffic-filled urban environment Tel Aviv has become.
Tonight Nancy and I took Scott Berkowitz (Randi & Warren's son) to dinner; Scott is here studying in a master's program, and enjoying the experience. We have tried to connect with other EMJC young adults, too, but without success so far.
Tomorrow we explore Tel Aviv.
Regards to all!
Rabbi Androphy
photo) and made our way northward through the Negev. The Negev is the desert that covers roughly 60% of Israel, but don't think Sahara or Lawrence of Arabia desert with sand dunes; the Negev is rocky desert.
In most places the Negev scenery is bleak; at other times it is colorful. Yet, one can see some vegetation, mostly small shrubs and bushes, in the wadis (usually dry river beds); in fact, one can trace the wadis by observing where the vegetation is located.
Our first stop was Machtesh Ramon, a huge crater (appx. 30 x 15 miles) that was formed not by a meteor hit, but by geological phenomena. We drove through the crater and up the northen face to a lookout where we were able to observe the entire crater. Awesome!
Next we had a real treat that was not part of our original itinerary.
Our guide, Itzik, arranged for us to visit the main officer's training base of the Israeli Army; this is where he trained to become an officer. We visited the synagogue (see photo) and saw many of the newly arrived cadets who had passed the rigorous testing process that allowed them to enter the training program. We then entered a classroom so Itzik could talk to us about officers' training and answer questions about the Israeli Army.
Israel's first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, was the prophet of the Negev. He realized that the Negev would be important to Israel's future. He not only talked the talk; he walked the walk, moving to kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev. We visited his grave (he chose to be buried in the desert rather than on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem with Israel's other political leaders) as well as the simple kibbutz home in which he lived with his beloved wife, Paula.
As we moved further north toward Tel Aviv the topography changed as the land became browner, greener, and more agricultural. As we approached the suburbs of Tel Aviv we entered the thriving, busy, traffic-filled urban environment Tel Aviv has become.
Tonight Nancy and I took Scott Berkowitz (Randi & Warren's son) to dinner; Scott is here studying in a master's program, and enjoying the experience. We have tried to connect with other EMJC young adults, too, but without success so far.
Tomorrow we explore Tel Aviv.
Regards to all!
Rabbi Androphy
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