Day 2 - Can't Rain on our Parade

This post is comprised of contributions from Allie S., David G., and photos by the one and only Jason.

Haifa

David and a new friend playing with excess dirt in the greenhouse at the high school.

Day two began at a local high school just outside of Haifa, a city on the coast. Haifa is Boston's sister city, and CJP, Boston's Jewish federation, sponsors a program that connects Israeli and American students of all ages. The school was a village within itself, with some students living at the school 5 days a week. Unlike most American high schools, there was an emphasis on teaching skills that the students planned to use in the future, including agriculture, robotics, art and even radio! We were even lucky enough to try a few different types of delicious cheeses that were made from the dairy of cows on the campus! In addition, I was live-interviewed by a few of the students in charge of the radio station. I was impressed with their English and their curiosity about my opinion of Israel. However, I was most interested in hearing about their experience as Israeli teenagers. In the next year or so, all of these 17 year-olds will be enlisted in the IDF (Israeli army). For me, that seems terrifying, but for them, they all seemed excited to finish this current part of their lives and move to the next surrounded by their friends. In a way, this transition seems similar to that of the American teenager attending college, which is a scary time for many. I appreciated hearing about their hopes and dreams and, as cliche as it is, it's amazing how similar the experiences of growing up actually is between cultures.

-Allie S

Tzfat

Yemenite chef in Tzfat, making customers happy.

Afterwards we arrived in the holy city of Tzfat where Judah (correct me), our fabulous bus driver navigated windy roads and narrow alleys to bring us to an old and beautiful Ashkenazi synagogue. Afterwards, we dispersed for a quick lunch of crepes and Yemenite food while meanwhile exploring the city's quaint shops and artists colonies.

-David G