Anshai Goes to Israel!

Boker tov!  Our day began its a typical Israeli style breakfast which is an amazing buffet filled with everything from eggs, borekas,salads, breads, and babka- I could go on and on. 

Hopped on the bus at 8:30 to head to Brit Guvrin to participate in an archeological excavation and spelunking adventure. 

I had a moment to reflect on our 50 minute bus ride.  Traveling with our kids, other families, and our two rabbis has been so special.  While the challenges of jet lag and schedules have been tough at times, the overwhelming joy, appreciation of our Holy Land, and guides has been wonderful.  And, experiencing all of this together with our Anshai family is the icing on the ‘sufganiyah’!

Best Guvrin Moresha is an Ancient Greek Hellenistic city. Standing beneath olive trees, our guide told us the history of the land.

We descended into the cave, hopeful to find treasure.  We grabbed pick-axes, buckets, and shovels.  Some identified immediate finds- shells, bones, shards.  We loaded up the buckets in the hope of finding more. After we finished digging, we formed a ‘bucket brigade’ and passed our buckets up the stairs and out of the cave to soft and discover more.  Excited squeals of “I found a shell” or “ I found a bone” erupted from our group.  A coin was found, along with shells, bones, shards- all treasures from the times of the Maccabees- how fitting for us!

What an adventure the caves were!  There was shimmying, crawling, and drops!  Our route was lit by candles and there were cheers as we each made it through the narrow passageways.  Although we were all covered in dust as we exited the cave, we all agreed we would do it again!

Beir Shemesh Mall for lunch. Many were excited to run to the kosher McDonalds, others to eat quickly, and the shop!

Onto Latrun!  Greeted by Israeli soldiers, we had fun climbing tanks, learning about them, and how the IDF Armored Division works tirelessly to protect our Jewish homeland. After a walk through the memorial for the soldiers and an Anshai picture on a tank, back on the bus to head back to Jerusalem.

Hopped off the bus in Nachlaotto experience a few micro neighborhoods- mostly multi orthodox ones. While in a courtyard of one of the micro neighborhoods, our guide, Josh was approached by an orthodox man donning a black coat, black hat, and super tightly wound payot- he invited us all into his house to experience Hanukkah with him and his family.  Originally for LA, he told us his story and we sang Maoz Tzur and lit the candles together.  It was INCREDIBLE!  Given the tense relationship between modern Israelis and the Orthodox community our time with Rabbi Yom Tov and his family will be remembered. This was a highlight for all of us!