Falafel with Friends / Degania and Donkeys

On Sunday we started our day with tefillah outside in Yerushalayim. Our first stop was to a place called יד לקשיש. Yad Lakashish teaches elderly immigrants skills in craftsmanship, enabling them to create different types of art and be more active. We got to see them working on a variety of different things such as blankets, jewelry and kippot. After the tour of the facility, we had the opportunity to buy some handmade souvenirs.  

Next, it was time for lunch, and we went to eat Falafel. The guy behind the counter was very impressive - it was really cool to see him throw the Falafel into the air and then catch it in the pita. 

Our next stop was to Sde Eliyahu and the BioBee company. They are at the forefront of organic agriculture in the Middle East. They have donkeys on site because the donkeys help get rid of weeds, and we got to feed them (I named mine Eeyore). We learned about how they use bees to grow organic fruit and vegetables.

Later that day we checked into Kibbutz Degania Bet, an offshoot of the first kibbutz. At night, we attended a יום הזיכרון ceremony. After the ceremony we sat in a circle and shared personal stories and reflections. At the end, everyone became really emotional. 

So far this trip has been a great experience. I can not wait for the fun adventure that awaits us!  - Liron