This morning we started off by heading to Kever Rachel where Rachel, one of our foremothers is buried. There, many of us said chapters of Tehillim (Psalms), davened to Hashem, and felt at peace knowing all that Rachel went through and how Hashem was by her side the whole time. On the way there, our counselor Efraim Wiener told us the story of Nava Applebaum. Hearing her story and seeing her dress as well as davening and feeling close to Hashem, many of us got very emotional. After Kever Rachel, we headed to Gush Etzion where we went to Machon Tzomet and learned how they make different electronic security and health devices accessible on Shabbos all within the realm of halacha (Jewish law). Some of these things included watch towers, devices used in hospitals, and metal detectors to go to the Kotel. After lunch, we made homemade soft pretzels at Pat BaMelach. While they were cooking we learned about the difference between ancient sour dough bread and general loaves nowadays. Once we tasted these pretzels, we were amazed and just a few minutes later there was not a crumb in sight. During the time we were there, Efraim tried to turn himself into a pretzel but failed epically (we both agree that this was the funniest part of our day). Afterward we went to an army base to hand out cards we had written the night before, give them food and drinks, and give thanks for their service and for keeping us safe. Next, we headed to the home of Chaim Nachman (one of our guards) in Efrat where we davened mincha and had a learning program led by our counselor, Ezra Baynash. He spoke about setting goals and how if we set realistic goals we can accomplish a lot. Later on this evening was Visitors Night!!! Some of us, including myself (Ziva), went out with either family or friends. For me, we went out for dinner, walked over the Chords Bridge (where of course we had a small photo shoot) and headed back. While I was doing that, others (like Tess) had an amazing time at the Malcha Mall where we walked around, did a little shopping, and had a blast. Both of us felt that today and just being in Israel as a whole has been powerful and we cannot wait for the rest of the summer!

Layla Tov,

Ziva & Tess