Old Traditions and New Adventures
September 25, 2026
From meaningful moments and traditions to exciting adventures, beautiful views, water activities, and lots of laughter, this week was full of unforgettable experiences for the Barrack students.
Sunday and Monday were spent celebrating Yom Kippur. Throughout the holiday, the group visited different synagogues of their choosing, joined the country in the fast, took time to reflect, and connected with themselves and each other.
Following the fast, the students visited the Kotel (Western Wall). It was a beautiful and meaningful way to end Yom Kippur together. The day ended in celebration, and the fast was broken with delicious cookies and sweets, a well-deserved treat after such a reflective day.
After six busy days of traveling around the country and experiencing so much together, Tuesday was a chance to slow down, rest, recharge, and enjoy some free time. It was the perfect opportunity for the students to get ready for the adventures ahead. By the end of the day, the group was full of energy and excited for the rest of the week!
On Wednesday, Barrack students headed north to the breathtaking views of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and the Golan Heights. The day started at Belvoir Fortress, a beautiful Crusader castle overlooking the Jordan Valley. There, they learned about the history of the Crusaders and the battles that took place.
From there, the teens traveled down to the water for kayaking! It was an incredible time paddling together and enjoying the incredible scenery all around. The day ended with a delicious surprise — a visit to the famous Galita Chocolate Factory where students learned about chocolate and sampled some new sweets.
Thursday was another day full of adventure! What started as a water hike turned into a big water fight, and the students broke off to play games. The hike ended in a delicious falafel lunch.
The next stop was to the Old City of Safed (Tzfat). The group explored historic streets, visited synagogues, and had some free time to discover the colorful and unique Shuk. The combination of history, culture, art, and atmosphere made Safed the perfect way to end the week.
