Waking up in the Bereishit Hotel was incredible. It is one of the top hotels in the world, and it has a jaw-dropping view of the Ramon crater. Watching the sun rise was a magical moment, much like this trip has been magical.
Our large group of over 50 have begun meshing together. Friendships are being created. People are sharing laughs, people are sharing emotional moments.
We took a jeep tour into the Ramon crater to see some of the most magnificant nature that exists within it.
From there we traveled to visit Beersheba, which is Montreal's sister city and the engine of the Negev region. We learned a lot about the Negev region and heard from Dr. Shimon Glick, former dean of the medical school, a renowned medical ethicist and the former Chief Doctor of the Coney Island Hospital. He guided us through medical ethics and the legal issues related to those ethics within Israel, and how it's very much guided directly by the Torah and the values within it, where for example we look at life as a duty rather than what we are entitled to. His talk was very informative and it was amazing to see the incredible highly modern hospital in Beersheba, which has over 30 buildings. Montreal has a lot to learn from them.
From there we visited a social entrepreneur group - the Ohr movement. They are trying to reengineer the Negev in the south, and to bring life here to create a real centre within Israel. There are many things happening on the ground.
There is incredible progress in the south. You can see it in all the cities we passed and visited.
We concluded our day with a visit to the largest vineyard in the Negev region and one of the biggest in Israel. They have made many award-winning wines. It was beautiful to see and experience what Israelis, with their incredible determination, despite all the challenges that they face, are always looking forward. It inspired me, because the way we are taught to live is to look at the potential and to never be brought down. It was amazing to see how everything is done within a proper legal framework and with an appreciation of life in itself.
Another day in one of the most beautiful places: the holy land of Israel.
Our morning welcoming committee
Late night Farbrengen
Star-gazing. Incredible!