Dear NCSY TJJ Lion Pride,

Shalom from Israel!!!

While we started the day Wednesday in Jerusalem, we had to pack up the bus in order to begin our journey north to the Golan Heights!!

We kicked off our schedule Wednesday with a trip to Beit Shemesh where we met Rabbi Natan Slifkin, also known as the “zoo rabbi.” Rabbi Slifkin is a scientist and zoologist and has published several books on animals in the Torah. Rabbi Slifkin not only walked us through his vast collection of animal artifacts but also his own personal zoo!! Everyone really enjoyed holding the snake and petting the turtles!!

After a great morning we stopped for lunch at Machone Mayan. Unfortunately during lunch we discovered that our bus was having some engine trouble! We made the most of our time at Machone Mayan by playing frisbee and using their basketball courts. We also got Ben and Jerry’s ice cream too cool off after our eventful afternoon

After our replacement bus picked us up (and we repacked the bus with our luggage) we went North to Zichron Yaacov where we had a BBQ at the home of Mr. Yossi Stecher. Mr. Stechler is one of the many generous donors who helps support TJJ and he kindly welcomed us into his home so he could share his own personal story and offer some words of inspiration to the teens. Not to mention he enjoys convincing the teens to throw the bus directors into the pool (No worries, I got my phone out of my pocket in time).

After a great BBQ (and an unexpected swim) we finished our drive to one of the most northern towns in Israel, Chispin!

Don’t forget to check out our pictures on Facebook and Instagram, TJJ Bus 2!!!!

We are looking forward to a wet and wild day tomorrow on the kineret!

Best,
Rabbi Chaim

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