The ATID Campus Fellowship has been in israel for a few days now, and here is the latest update from Monday, Dec. 25. They are learning a lot and are very happy, and everyone is in good health.
The group has just finished their first processing session; where they discussed their thoughts about the Mission, and what they have learned thus far. The overall response is that everyone is having a great time.
Some highlights of the past few days include the Ma'ale Yishai hike, where some Fellows hiked on the ridge, and the more adventurous ones hiked up to the peak! They also spent Friday evening having fun hanging out with 4 generations of an Israeli family. Shabbat brought the desert solo experience. Most Fellows seemed to enjoy this very much.
Sunday was an amazing seminar with Aryeh Ben David, who spoke for over 3 hours on spirituality. Hirsh said many Fellows described his presentation as "phenomenal." They said that he gave them a spiritual reality check, which many said was something they needed at this time in their lives. The important lesson was to always take care of yourself spiritually. They group was then treated to a surprise visit to a Dead Sea Spa! The day concluded with a quick visit to the Kotel.
Monday was another day of lectures, and learning about the development of the City of David. The group also had a tour of Hezekiah's water tunnels. Most of the group went through the tunnels and had a very fun time.
One of the things that came out of the group processing tonight was that Fellows said that this trip provided them with the opportunity to look at their own Judaism in an open environment. They felt that many trips say they do this, but this trip truly has for them.
Tomorrow brings a full day of learning; both through lectures and with other students.
