Hi guys!

Last week the Workshoppers enjoyed an excellent tiyul in the South of Israel. On Monday, they had a short hike in British Park, situated in the Ella Valley, just near Netiv HaLamed Hey. This gave them a chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings where they have been situated in for the first portion of the program. Lunch was eaten down at Golda (Meir) Park, just south of BeerSheva, before continuing further south to Mitspe Ramon youth hostel. Mitspe Ramon overlooks the Ramon crater, which is the largest of the 3 craters in the Negev desert. That night a fun activity involving star gazing was run, and everyone experienced the true depths of cold that the desert night provides!!!

The next day, the hiking was to Saharonim Spring, the lowest point of the Crater, which is also the only water source, and also contains remains of the ancient "spice trail" - a trade route used by the Nabateans some thousands of years ago. Afterwards, the workshoppers travelled down to the Eilat youth hostel where they spent the next 2 nights. That night they had an exciting scavenger hunt around Eilat, where they had to collect ingredients to help concoct a potion in order to save Amir!

On Wednesday, the hardest hike of the tiyul was to the top of Mt Shlomo. It was a triumphant climb, where from the very top you can see Egypt (Sinai), Jordan and Saudia Arabia - the only known spot in Israel where you can see 4 countries (including Israel of course!). It was a long and hard hike, and that evening the workshoppers had a free night to chill out around Eilat.

Thursday morning was spent at the beautiful Eilat beaches, before travelling back to Netivaleh. Overall a great time was had by all, and it was a wonderful and rejuvenating break to the Boneh routine.

The weekend was a free weekend for all, and Boneh resumed classes yesterday. This weeks seminar theme is on the 2nd and 3rd Aliyot to Israel, where the stories of the chalutzim (pioneers) of the State of Israel will be explored in depth. On Sunday the 3 Aleph level Hebrew classes had an excursion to the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem. On Wednesday, an excursion to Zichron Yaacov will take place. Thursday is a free day with no programming, as there is the first intensive pre-Poland preparation seminar taking place on Netivaleh over Friday and Saturday.