The kids are currently packing their belongings in anticipation of our checking out from Kibbutz Ortal tomorrow morning. Even though we've only been in Northern Israel for a short time my sense is that our kids really (and truly) feel at home here. Northern Israel (the Galilee and Golan Heights) are two parts of Israel that our students study in great depth. Whether they know it or not, the combination of studying and now experiencing these regions is what accounts for that feeling of familiarity and home, which is exactly what we want them to feel.
This morning we went for a short hike at Tel Dan. Equal parts nature reserve and archaeological site, Tel Dan is simply enchanting. The sound of rushing water, a rarity in Israel, is what first awakens your senses. Then the evidence of animal activity (porcupine poop and wild boar rummaging). And eventually kicking off your shoes and plunging your feet into the chilly water. There's just something memorable about Tel Dan. As far as the archaeology goes, that's a whole other story. Suffice to say, it's one of the most important sites in Israel. And incredibly well excavated and preserved.
From Tel Dan we drove a short distance to Beit Hillel for our kayaking adventure down the Jordan River. Again, this is one of those experiences that always "works." The dichotomy between chaperone and student breaks down and we're all just folks cruising down the river, enjoying the iconic quality of being on the "mighty" Jordan River, and appreciating the pleasantness of it all. Until the water fights get going. Then all bets are off.
After kayaking we headed into the upper Galilee to spend a few hours in mountaintop city of Tzfat. Known as one of the hubs of Jewish mystical thought and practice, Tzfat exudes that kind of energy. After enjoying a leisurely "choose your own lunch" we wandered into the ancient part of the city. There we learned about different mystical teachers from the 15th century. Each of those teachers had insights into the nature of reality and the human experience that are absolutely relevant today. For example, the power of shifting our perspective to be able to see things that had previously remained hidden in plain sight. A beacon for artists, Tzfat is also a wonderful place to shop, and shop we did.
Somehow, the events described above more or less filled our entire day. On our way back to the Kibbutz we explored the strategic importance of the Golan Heights, looking at the pre-1967 border between Syria and Israel (not good) and the post-1967 border (much better). Glimpsing into modern day Syria is always a humbling experience. But for the grace of God... To think of the suffering that has taken place in Syria over the last decade...
Coming back to the Kibbutz we freshened up and then enjoyed some Kehilah time in the outdoor courtyard. Low and behold our group expanded to include some of the local Israelis who "somehow" were aware that a group of 8th graders from America was staying on property. Much "evaluating" took place and many new friendships emerged. Unsurprisingly, those same kids followed us to dinner where, after a brief meal, a joint dance party took place. It turns out that all those Israeli songs that Morah Sigal and Morah Liat taught our kids really do end up having their time and place!
As mentioned, we're packing now. The kids are sad to leave Kibbutz Ortal for so many reasons. Mostly because they feel at home here. And because Kibbutz Ortal has given them a chance to realize that they also feel at home with one another. And just as our time at Kibbutz Ortal is coming to an end, so too is their time at Davis, and with it the constant togetherness that they've experienced as both a blessing and a challenge over all these years. Hopefully, just as we leave Kibbutz Ortal with fond feelings and deep connections, so too they'll leave Davis with the same. I write, "hopefully" but perhaps "inevitably" is a better word for it.
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