On Friday morning we set out bright and early, heading south for the start of our grand trip. Our first stop was the historic fortress of Massada, dating back to the times of the second Beis Hamikdash. There we davened Shacharis together, grabbed a quick breakfast, and then climbed the very ramp that the Romans once used to try and capture the Yidden above. Touring the fortress with our dear soldier Levi before heading back down the mountain on the cable cars.
From there we continued on to the Yam Hamelach, where everyone got to experience the incredible feeling of floating effortlessly in the salty waters. After rinsing off and enjoying a delicious lunch, we began our journey toward Chevron, Ir Hakodesh. On the way we stopped in Yatir to switch to armored buses, before finally arriving at our beautiful accommodations—just steps away from the Ma’aras Hamachpela.
Shabbos in Chevron was nothing short of unforgettable. We davened in the Ma’arah, shared inspiring and emotional Shabbos meals, and had a moving in-depth tour of Chevron led by shliach Rabbi Mordy Hellinger. Shabbos concluded with seder niggunim and heartfelt words from Chevron’s head shliach, Rabbi Danny Cohen.
Motzei Shabbos we packed up once again, switching back to our regular buses with the amazing Sayach and Nir. Our next stop: Mitzpeh Ramon, where we enjoyed hot pizza under the desert sky before turning in for the night—resting up for what promised to be perhaps the most exciting day in YKTH yet.