Trip Pictures

The latest from our feed

After visiting a Bedouin community, we also had a

After visiting a Bedouin community, we also had a Bedouin experience, where we rode camels, had a hospitality experience and slept in Bedouin tents! The highlight of the night was having s’mores by the campfire and singing “medura” songs.

We then had another sunrise hike, taking the Roman path to the top of Masada and learning about all of the ancient structures and buildings that King Herod built. We learned about the choice that the Jewish people made to still practice Judaism and be know. As Jews, even during the hard times.

#HavayaIsrael2023

We made our way all the way south, visiting Eilat.

We made our way all the way south, visiting Eilat. We stayed on Kibbutz Keturah, where we learned a lot about how a kibbutz is run. We had a fun BBQ and Night Swim Pool Party, hosted by the kibbutz. We learned about their Eco Village, which reminded us of camp!

The next day we woke up at 3:45 in the morning to enjoy a beautiful sunrise hike! While the hike was challenging, it was worth the view at the top! Not only could we see the sun rise, but we had a view of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel all in one spot!

That afternoon we went snorkeling in the Red Sea, seeing all of the beautiful coral reefs and different species of fish, like puffer fish, rainbow fish, and clown fish (we all found Nemo!)

When we left the kibbutz, we visited the Arava, learning how they make the desert bloom at the Vidor Agricultural Center.

Afterwards, we visited a Bedouin community, where we heard from Amal, a Bedouin woman, who shared her story of how she was able to become a nurse, despite the challenges it brought on to her family and pushing the boundaries of the Bedouin culture.

#HavayaIsrael2023

Instagram post 18007126609851248

Instagram post 18007126609851248

We left Jerusalem and started to make our way sout

We left Jerusalem and started to make our way south, to the Negev in Mitzpe Ramon! We had a great time in the city, but it was nice to be back out in nature again.

We visited an over look of Gaza to see the distance from the borders. We visited a kibbutz Kvar Azza, to learn of life near the Gaza Strip and how they have to adapt during hightened times.

Afterwards we went to a very thriving and interactive farm The Salad Trail, that showed us that even in the desert, lots can grow! We tried some flowers and cherry tomatoes, and released pigeons, knowing that they will fly home.

The next day, we went on a nature walk to a waterfall and again saw the different types of nature that occur in the desert.

We then went to Sde Boker, where David Ben Gurion’s was buried, learning about his Zionism and dream and why he chose to be buried in the Negev.

(Next post will be about our evening activity! Sand Surfing!!

We spent our last day in Jerusalem on Shabbat. W

We spent our last day in Jerusalem on Shabbat.

We had Shabbat services, and even had the honor to celebrate LuLu becoming a Bat Mitvah! Mazel Tov LuLu!!

For the afternoon we walked to a local park, had Nish Nush and I quote “played on the funnest playground in the whole world!”

After dinner, we had Havdalah and then got ready to go to the movies!! We had so much fun either watching Oppenheimer or Barbie! 🖤💕🖤💕

It was a long day, but we loved finishing our time in Jerusalem on Shabbat and heading south for our next weeks adventure!

#HavayaIsrael2023

We spent our morning walking through Yad Vashem, t

We spent our morning walking through Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, learning about the experience of living through the Holocaust, of the lives lost. But leaving by stepping out to the light looking over the views of Jerusalem.

We got to experience the hustle and bustle of Mahne Yehuda and Ben Yehuda Street, as the city prepared for Shabbat.

We welcomed in Shabbat and then headed out to different families homes to have Shabbat dinner. Each group had unique experiences, but everyone came back saying that they all had a great time!

#HavayaIsrael2023

We spent the morning walking through Mount Herzl,

We spent the morning walking through Mount Herzl, the cemetery where Theodore Herzl and other great leaders of Israel are buried, as well as soldiers that lost their lives while serving the State of Israel.

We had lunch at Shalva, a center that opens its doors for individuals with disabilities and their families. The Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to providing transformative care for people with disabilities. We also enjoyed being able to have fun on their playground!

After lunch, we were welcomed into the home of Rena Quint, a Holocaust survivor, who shared her story of a sad childhood but how she ended up having a wonderful life.

After dinner, we had a tour of Mea Shearim, an ultra-orthodox neighborhood, to learn about their lives and experience the pre-Shabbat ambiance.

#HavayaIsrael2023

Another full day of new experiences! Today we got

Another full day of new experiences! Today we got to spend our day doing something that most teen summer trips do not do. We spent the morning touring in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, walking through a refugee camp and learning from a Palestinian tour guide about the it. We saw and talked about the wall as well as the extensive graffiti on it and the political messages it conveyed. We also visited The Walled Off Museum that had artwork from Palestinians, as well as an exhibit with a timeline of the Palestinian experience since 1948.

We met with a Palestinian professor, who has taught at Duke and Yale. He talked about the environmental impact of the occupation and what he was doing to make Bethlehem a more sustainable place.

After a delicious lunch, we headed to Gush Etzion, where we went to Roots For Peace. We heard from a Jewish man and Palestinian man about their experiences and they explained the mission of Roots For Peace. They also discussed the importance of having conversations and hearing and believing both sides and everyone’s unique experiences and perspectives.

#HavayaIsrael 2023

Our day was a full day of different perspectives.

Our day was a full day of different perspectives. We started off our day visiting The Temple Mount and learning about why this one area so is important to many.

We walked from the Muslim Quarter to the Christian Quarter in the Old City and visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

From there we walked to East Jerusalem and visited a book store and heard from a Palestinian man, who resides in East Jerusalem and his experiences. He also talked about how the book store is a place to learn about the Palestinian perspective in Israel.

We ended our day hearing a speaker discuss an Israeli perspective and the importance to read and learn from all sides to help gain a full understanding.

#HavayaIsrael2023

For our first full day in Jerusalem, we toured the

For our first full day in Jerusalem, we toured the Old City, first by having a fabulous tour at The Tower of David Museum. We started to learn how Jerusalem was important to lots of different people and religions.

Afterwards we walked the city walls to get into the city and walked right outside of the Zion Gate.

We finished the day at the Kotel each having their own meaningful experience there.

#HavayaIsrael2023

We made it to Jerusalem! We gathered at an overl

We made it to Jerusalem!

We gathered at an overlook to say Shehechiyanu, and enjoy the beautiful view of the City of Gold!

Afterwards we had a Pizur lunch in Mahane Yehuda Market.

We settled into our hotel and got ready for The Big Event, where all of the teen summer camps and programs gathered together for a fun night! We got to see Netta perform, who was the Eurovision winner in 2018!

#HavayaIsrael2023

We had a very hot but very relaxing Shabbat today.

We had a very hot but very relaxing Shabbat today. We got to sleep in, had Shabbat Services and a mini Torah Talk with Tony, lots of rest (or playing football all day), Nish Nush with some yummy Israeli snacks, and ended our night with a Camp Havaya style Havdalah and Madura songs (Thank you Sammy!)

Tomorrow we head to Jerusalem!

Shavua Tov!
💙,
The Havayaniks

Today we spent the day in T’zfat! We learned ab

Today we spent the day in T’zfat!

We learned about the importance of the city and about its mysticism.

A highlight of the day was visiting a Kabbalah artist, David Friedman, who shared the meaning of his artwork.

We met with another Z’tfat artist who did a glass blowing demonstration and talked about how her art is connected to the attitude of gratitude.

We had lunch in the old city area and also lots of shopping happened!

Our day ended, taking lots of pictures and bringing in Shabbat with a Camp Havaya style Kabbalat Shabbat, looking over the Kineret. We had Shabbat dinner and “rikud” (dance).

We have had an amazing first week in Israel and are looking forward to getting some rest tomorrow before heading to Jerusalem!

Shabbat Shalom from The Havayaniks!

#HavayaIsrael2023

Today, the temperature high was 106° but that did

Today, the temperature high was 106° but that didn’t stop us from having another wonderful day in Israel!

We started our morning off in the Golan Heights, looking over the border of Israel and Syria! Or, our tour guide, led a great discussion about the 6 Day War and borders.

Afterwards, we went on a nature walk at Tel Dan. We played some team building games and ended the walk by putting our feet in the fresh cold water to cool off!

Another Pizur Lunch filled our bellies, getting us strong enough to raft down the Jordan River! Lots of laughs and splashes!

We ended our day with going to a supermarket to buy snacks for Shabbat and ate a delicious meal back at the hotel.

#HavayaIsrael2023

Today was a very full and very fun day! We spent

Today was a very full and very fun day!

We spent the whole day with an Arab Israeli Scouts group participating in many different activities!

We went repelling down Mt Carmel, which our teens loved to be on a mountain their tzrif was named after! We danced and celebrated a few weddings to learn about heritage and culture! We made bracelets that the teens are now all proudly wearing, and we ate delicious Arabic food!

It was great to see two groups of teenagers spend time and engage together, taking all of the selfies possible!

We finished our day having a delicious Druze meal and learning about the Druze community!

#HavayaIsrael2023

First full day in Israel! 🇮🇱 We started our

First full day in Israel! 🇮🇱

We started our morning going to Rosh Hanikra, taking the cable cars down to the grottos! 🚡

After a delicious Pizur Lunch 🥙 in Old City Akko, we took a self guided tour of the Akko Crusader Hall.

We ended our day cooling off with a swim in the Mediterranean Sea at Achziv Beach 🌊

For our evening activity we had a meaningful discussion to prepare for our day with an Arab Israeli Scouts group!

#HavayaIsrael2023

Welcome to the official Instagram for the 2023 Hav

Welcome to the official Instagram for the 2023 Havaya Israel trip!! We have safely made it to Israel, gotten through passport control and arrived at our bus to meet with our awesome tour guide Or! We are looking forward to driving north and spending our first night here!

What a way to end our trip! We started off the day

What a way to end our trip! We started off the day doing a scavenger hunt in Haifa led by our new Israeli friends. After a final Aroma stop, we made our way to Al-Wadis market area where many of us enjoyed the famous Falafel George. We then said a heartfelt goodbye to Amit, Liel, and Yael before making our way back to Tel Aviv. Our first stop back around Yel Aviv was an organization named “Save a Child’s Heart” which is an NGO that works to bring children and their parents from Africa and Palestine to Israel in order to get much needed heart surgery. We spent some time with the kids there playing and hanging out before we had to hit the road again. Now sitting by the water of the Tel Aviv port, we had a final reflection on our experience here in Israel. Before we left for the airport, we had a scrumptious dinner at a local restaurant in Tel Aviv. We are now together sitting by the gate, stocking up on snacks, and sharing fond memories of the trip. See you soon, everyone!! #rootonetrips

What a wonderful day it was! We started the mornin

What a wonderful day it was! We started the morning with a long drive south to Sdot Yam for some Tornado Boats in the Mediterranean Sea, which was terrifying but so fun! Later we went to The Kiryon Mall for a great lunch and plenty of shopping time. After lunch we drove to the pool in Kibbutz Hanaton, played good dancing songs and had a laid back afternoon. After the pool we had a tour in the Kibbutz, we learned about the area, went to their synagogue, and saw a beautiful view of the surrounding villages.
We came back for dinner in the hotel and had activities because it’s our last night together in Israel!!!! (Can you believe it’s already over?) #rootonetrips

Today, we started our morning at a late 9 AM (chee

Today, we started our morning at a late 9 AM (cheeeeeeers)! Thus began our drive to Haifa, stopping to herd some sheep and goats along the way. There was a huge challenge to be able to round up the animals, but a few of us managed to get them moving in a direction. After saying goodbye to muffin, we hopped back on the bus to finish our drive North. We took a few hours to eat lunch and shop at the “Grand Canyon” of malls in Israel. To continue our day, we listened to a beautiful talk from our very own counselor, Idan, who talked about his life as an Israeli, his connection to Judaism , and how his story could relate to us. We finished out our day by eating dinner at a local restaurant, which was founded and continues to be a leading start up to help the community. As we settle into bed, we look forward to spending our last couple days together in Acco/Haifa! #rootonetrips

What an intellectual day we had! We started at Bin

What an intellectual day we had! We started at Binah, the first secular Yeshiva in Israel, where we got a chance to reconnect with some old Havaya staff! Since it was very hot out, we continued our day at the Sarona Market where we had some time to grab lunch from the dozens of restaurants in the mall area. The group then made the short drive over to Anu, the Jewish People’s Museum, where we started with a quick coffee break! We got to learn all about Jewish heritage and history while seeing a fun surprise at the museum - JOshins and Rabbi Isaac pictured in an exhibit about reconstructionism! We ended the day by coming back to the hotel where we celebrated SHOSHANA’S 17TH BIRTHDAY! After, some of us went out with family and friends and some of us had dinner at the hotel and went out on the town! We got some delicious ice cream at one of our fav spots golda, and came back to get ready for another amazing day in the holy land! #rootonetrips

A Note About Summer 2025 →

This is default text for notification bar