Jerusalem!

Yesterday was filled with adventure! We visited an army base in the Golan, where we met soldiers, presented them with hats and shirts from some our favorite sports teams, and let the kids (and a few adults) climb up on some artillery batteries. Then we drove to Mount Bental, where we took in a bird's eye view of Syria and had a delicious lunch at Cafe Annan (very punny). Next was an opportunity to make our own delicious treats at a chocolate factory, before taking an ATV and 4-wheel-drive vehicle tour of some lower Golan areas. The day ended with an incredible dinner on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Finally, after more than three very full days in the beautiful North of Israel, we made our way to Jerusalem this afternoon ... just in time to the sun set over the glowing stone of the city. We began with a visit to the Reform Movement's flagship day school in Haifa, the Leo Baeck Educational Center, saw the incredible ruins of Caesarea (where 2 of the kids sang on the stage of an ancient amphitheater), and then ascended into the Holy City to the sounds of Mah Tovu (O Jerusalem), Matisyahu (Jerusalem), and Noa (beautifully singing Yerushalayim Shel Zahav). We had an emotional ceremony at Mt. Scopus, as our families took time to soak in the view and the reality of Israel's 3000-year-old capital, before making our way to the very modern area of Mamilla. More awaits tomorrow, including our first opportunity to stand at the Kotel (Western Wall)!