Midreshet Moriah
Tiyyul to Eilat!!!!!
Day 1:
This week we had a blast enjoying the beautiful and sunny weather down in Eilat!!!!!!!!! On Sunday we left bright and early and headed South, stopping at the Kever of Ben Gurion and doing a light hike at Nachal Chavarim. Our students really proved their hiking abilities as more than half dared climb to the top! Once on top, they saw one of many extraordinary views and had the opportunity to run down the mountain, which was definitely fun to watch!! At the same time, another group took it upon themselves to leave MIDMO's mark in the Negev. They spent the time writing out MIDMO with rocks they found for other groups to see our claim!
Following lunch overlooking the scenic mountains we headed further south to see the biggest crater in Israel at MItzpeh Ramon! As we looked out at the crater, Krembo (a yummy marshmallowy treat) in hand, Shayka, our famous tour guide, explained to all how the crater formed. After a beautiful Minchah overlooking the Machtesh (crater) we headed back to the buses to continue our trek…
Then we headed straight to Eilat, to the beautiful Adi Hotel, to get settled in our rooms before dinner. After dinner we were treated to a shiur by Fagie Reves about how important rain is in Israel and how each of us could personally help bring water to the country. Afterwards we had time to walk around, explore the Marina, and see the beautiful beaches.
Day 2:
Getting up bright and early we headed out in two groups- one to the formidable but super fun Har Shlomo (only for the very brave and adventurous) and the less intense but still fun Nachal Netafim. As the students refer to the day – it was the day of hard and hardest hikes! On Nachal Netafim, students such as Eliana Sherman (Westchester) and Esti Nussbaum (Chicago), led by our tour guide Misha read through the Tanach at different points to see how wonderful it is to hike and explore Eretz Yisrael!
On the other side of things… Har Shlomo, one of the largest mountains in Israel, really challenged our students to push themselves to the maximum. By climbing up and up and still more up, they almost neared the top– the hard part seemed over! Little did they know that the hard part had just begun! To get down from Har Shlomo you literally need to use ropes and ladders. It was amazing to watch our students help one another while hiking; whether it was holding a hand, showing the path, or waiting for a friend, our students really got to show us how much they care for each other! Five hours later, with only sore muscles, LOTS of laughs and a huge sense of accomplishment both groups met to finish the hike together!
It was a long day of great hiking and unbelievable views made only better by our surprise night activity- a boat ride on the Red Sea!!!!! With energy that only Midreshet girls can muster, we danced and danced for hours together over. What would a dance party be without a game of Limbo and ice cream?? After a long day, it was wonderful to see our students gather together to sing B'shana Ha'ba'ah in… MIDRESHET MORIAH….Shana Bet! See you next year J
Day 3:
In a last minute change of events, we decided to give our students a bit later start. Changing our plans we hiked the short but beautiful Kanyon Ha'adom. With lots of energy we finished our hiking and couldn’t wait to cool off during water sports. Before we began, we took a brief stop at Um Rash Rash to learn about the heroic fighting and sacrifice that was made in order for us to be able to visit Eilat.
Now it was time for the highlight of the day! Water sports!!! Banana boating, paddle-boating, kayaking... all had the same goal – get wet! Everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a little swim and sun before heading back to Yerushalayim.
On the way back, we stopped at Park Sapir for dinner and a bonfire!! The perfect end to a wonderful week! After warming up by the fire and a slow shira (singing) to enjoy the moment, we had one last surprise in store… Marshmallows! Everyone enjoyed a roasted marshmallow (or two J).Now it was time to return to Yerushalayim.
The trip was a great tiyyul and the students all returned filled with many great memories and new friendships!
