On Monday The Bochurim went on a exhilarating biking adventure on the fantastic trails of the upper Galilee. We had such excitement as we pedaled through twists and turns, revealing breathtaking views at every bend.
After an adrenaline-pumping ride, we were off to Teveria for an awesome "Aqua Kef" experience on the sparkling waters of the Kineret.
In just a few short hours, the YKTH Zal was transformed into a Italian fine dining restaurant, for the 1st Mivtzah “Jump” event! After being served with delicious appetizers like calzones, garlic knots, bourekas, and an open bar, the waiters took orders from the Bochurim for main course. Personal pizza pies, 4 different types of pastas, and other Italian delicacies!
Mivtzah Jump hosted the exquisite Italian-themed event, in honor of the esteemed bochurim who dedicated themselves to the noble endeavor of joining the Mivtzah and filling out their Duchs using the specially designed Jump credit cards and cutting edge tablets. To commemorate their remarkable commitment, these outstanding participants were bestowed with lavish hoodie neck pillows, adding an opulent touch to their well deserved recognition within the Mivtzah.
Monday morning, after Shacharis and a delicious breakfast, the bochurim enjoyed an action-packed day, beginning with the Kosel tunnel tours, followed by the Yad Vashem holocaust memorial museum, packing food for the poor at Colel Chabad Pantry Packers, and finally going around Geulah and Meah She'arim, where the bochurim were again given money to buy supper, before finally heading back onto the buses to Tzfas.
Wow, what an amazing 4 days we had!
On Friday the Bochurim went to HaGoshrim for an an amazing water rafting trip, the Bochurim traveled a whopping 5 KM with strong and fun water currents as well as many points having thrilling white water currents.
Those participating in the exhilarating "Mivtza Jump" were awarded with a luxurious and comfortable neck pillow with an attached hood providing maximum relaxation.
On Sunday, after Shacharis and breakfast, the Bochurim took the short walk to Ir David, where we were shown the archaeological findings of the original city of Yerushalayim under the rule of Dovid HaMelech, and even the structure which they believe may have been the palace of Dovid. We then walked through the Siloam tunnel, which was chiseled out of the rock on the directive of Chizkiyahu HaMelech, to bring the water closer into the city of Yerushalayim, in preparation for the advance of the army of Sancheriv king of Ashur.
After wading through the waters of the ancient tunnel, we had a delicious Shawarma lunch and headed off to Menachem Begin Park in Tel Aviv where we got to go waterskiing, knee-boarding, kayaking, and finally the most awesome tubing!
As if that wasn't enough, for dinner we went to the Shuk Machane Yehuda. There the bochurim navigated the massive crowds to pick up dinner and some treats for themselves, with the money they each received.
On Friday morning, all the Bochurim excitedly packed their belongings and headed onto the buses for the most exciting trip we have had yet. Our first stop was lunch at Park Britania, from where we entered the caves of Bar Kochva. Climbing through the tunnels in the rocks, at some points just tall enough to crawl through on your hands and knees, you really appreciate the fresh air when coming out the end of the tunnels. Our tour guide then took us on a short hike up the nearby mountain, from the top of which we could see the surrounding mountains and valleys of Eretz Yisrael. Returning to the buses, we were greeted with refreshing cold water and snacks.
From there, we headed on to Kever Rochel, where the Bochurim said some Tehillim, evoking the Zechus of Mame Rochel, for many bochurim for the very first time.
We then headed, finally, to our most anticipated destination, the holy city of Yerushalayim. The buses pulled up on Har Tzion, the Bochurim unloaded and walked a few steps past Shaar Tzion to the Yeshivat HaTfutzot, where we were to stay, just a few steps away from Kever Dovid HaMelech.
As Shabbos came in, we headed down to the Kosel HaMaaravi. Everyone felt the emotion of the moment as the golden stones of the last remaining wall of the Beis HaMikdash came into view in the setting sun. The Bochurim gathered their chairs in a circle and sang together Seder Nigunim, with Jews of all backgrounds and types gathering around to join.
The next day, on Shabbos afternoon, we enjoyed an afternoon walking tour around the old city of Yerushalayim, with our knowledgeable tour guides showing us remains from as far back as the first Beis HaMikdash, to Shuls and buildings from the last few centuries.
Motzei Shabbos, we enjoyed Melave Malka with Pizza, heard a presentation from General Bentzion Gruber about the ethics of the IDF nowadays. And then, just when we all thought the day was over and it was time for bed, the head counselor announced a surprise trip to the Old City, where many bochurim took the opportunity to enjoy a delicious crepe or iced coffee. Then, it was time to call it a day, for real.
On the Yartzeit of the Arizal, the Bochurim of YKTH had the Zechus to visit the Kever of the Arizal in the Old Cemetery of Tzfas. They also got to immerse themselves in the holy waters of the Arizal's mikva, something the great Arizal himself designated as auspicious and a Segulah.
The Bochurim also had the opportunity to say Tehillim at the Kever of the Rebbe's brother, Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib.
On Tuesday, the Yeshivas Kayitz took a tour of the holy city of Tzfas. They explored the ancient Metsuda and the enchanting Old City, all while soaking in the fascinating stories of those who built and fought for this cherished land and felt the kedusha that has been present in Tzfas for centuries.
Afterwards, The bochurim got to savor the authentic taste of Israeli cuisine at the bustling midrachav.
On Moitzei Shabbos the C-teen travel program joined YKTH for a joyous and inspiring Havdalah by the gorgeous viewpoint nearby, where we sang in unity with the C-teen boys.
After Havdalah, we had a grand thrilling and tight basketball game versus the C-teen boys!
