July 27: Typical Shabbat in Eilat (Jonah Buckstein)

July 27, 2013

Blog Author: Jonah Buckstein

As I woke up at 1030 saturday morning, following one of the best sleeps of my life, a strange thought occurred to me; this would be the first day that the group would not be together. Though initially disappointed to be separated from some of my best friends, the delicious smells coming from the kitchen of the upcoming breakfast soon washed it away. I was not to be disappointed as I was treated to freshly baked bourekas, three kinds of pasta,muesli and a variety of Israeli cheeses and salad. 

After being stuffed to the brim, it was decided that to avoid joining the Biggest Loser, some excersise was needed. That excersise came in the form of a two hour, 50 km bike ride in 45 Degrees heat. Despite being lathered with sunscreen, I was absolutely scorched (sorry, mom). To prevent a hospital visit, Sagi's (my host) mother broke off a branch from an aloe plant and lathered the green liquid all over body to assuage my stinging pain. We then entered a lagoon that was designated for birdwatching, and from there we proceeded to the beach, where we immediately dove in with our snorkelling gear. We saw some of the strangest fish, as well as the most beautiful reefs scattered across a half km sprawl along the ocean floor. 

At about 5 o'clock we returned home where Sagi's mom made shwarma from scratch for dinner. Sagis father then cut both Sagi's and my hair, and not surprisingly (as Israelis can do everything) he was an excellent barber. We finally made our way to Tomer's house for a reunion of both cohorts for a quick havdallah, and then we lay out on the grass, staff and fellows alike to watch one of the greatest movies of the modern century; "The Hebrew Hammer". 

Though it was one of the most hectic and action filled Shabbats in recent memory, the best part of it all was to be together as one family and just hang out in each others company. There was a true feeling of belonging and serenity, and it was in this moment that it was clear how profound an impact Diller has had on all of us. These lifelong friendships that we have forged is insane due to the fact that we had really only spent about two full weeks together over the course of the program. It was if our two groups, were tailored for one another to mesh together seamlessly. This was one of the most meaningful moment of the trip for me so far, on what has been a very special journey that is thankfully only halfway done. 

Love to all back home, and Shavua Tov!