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We at Livnot are all about CLP--Continual Learning Process. We also encourage diligent research while investigating the ideal program fit on the part of our curious future chevre. You know what they say about inquiring minds. They need to know. So please won't you share your experiences with us (and the world). Your input is priceless. Seriously!
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| By: David Stonehill, VA |
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I left for Israel with only one expectation: that I would come home with a better understanding of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and that I would
come home with a more solidified stance on an issue that is arguably the crux of today's ever-increasing geopolitical instability. My expectation
was not fulfilled. Instead, I came home with more questions and more uncertainties; an entire suitcase full of new, pressing questions. And I've come to realize what a blessing that is!
Before leaving, my preconceived notion of an Israeli was a hard-lined, self-proclaimed member of the "chosen people." I was totally wrong. Israelis are incredibly diverse, having come from Europe, Russia, the US, Latin
America, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Ethiopia…even India. We forget how many Jews are actually Arabs! Israelis are expressive and opinionated,
always "arguing" about something, always passionately debating. It is an Israeli tradition to struggle. They struggle to find common ground, struggle to cultivate the most arid of lands, they struggle to blend biblical landscapes with skyscrapers and high-tech sectors, and most
importantly they struggle inwardly and ethically, constantly questioning the efficacy of war, constantly struggling with the tragic irony of having to
kill in the name of peace. There is no one Israeli stance on anything.
Here are some favorite moments and observations:
Jerusalem is the most fascinating of cities. Literally, you are walking upon layers of civilization. Jerusalem has seen her countless share of wars. When the city was destroyed by an enemy, there was no machinery to
remove the rubble. Rather, the new rulers built on top of the rubble. Dig anywhere in Jerusalem and its surrounding towns and you are moving through time, from Arab tribes to Turkish empires to Roman palaces to Jewish and
Babylonian kingdoms, further still to the polytheistic Canaanites. A never-ending onion, if you will. Dig and you will find something of historical value.
• A group of seven Israeli soldiers, guys and girls, joined our group for four days as part of a cultural exchange. We shared hotel rooms, laughs,
and got to know one another very intimately…only after a few days. They were some of the kindest, funniest, intelligent people I've ever had the
pleasure of getting to know, and honestly, I miss them very much.
• Israelis are a nature-loving people and our trip reflected that. We hiked the desert mountains overlooking the Dead Sea, to the top of the infamous Mossada where King Hared defied nature by building a fortified palace with gardens and baths, and where Jews and Romans eventually battled it out in dramatic fashion. We hiked to the top of Mount Yishai, setting out before dawn, watching the sun illuminate the desert rock in an array of colors. By the end of the day, we had dropped from desert rubble into an oasis of palms and waterfalls. We floated in the Dead Sea, coated each other in mud and basked in the healing, mineral properties…even though it was freezing cold with the sun nearly set. We crawled through an intricate labyrinth of caves that Jews once dug to hide from the Romans, sometimes having to wiggle on
our stomachs like worms in the complete darkness.
• We hiked through hills near Lebanon, then drove along the Israeli/Lebanese border on the North Road, in complete disbelief that only months ago, rockets rained down in the calm countryside and surrounding villages. We
hiked near the Syrian border in the gorgeous Golan Heights, reliving battle scenes and spotting vultures. Israelis have set up a vulture "restaurant"
in the area. In order to stop the vultures from eating spent artillery shells and puking the lead into their babies' mouths, a designated area is stocked with dead carcasses of old and diseased animals from around the
country. That way the vultures can eat safely, and serve us nobly as nature's "sanitary engineers." Who would've thought…a vulture restaurant.
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| By: Chana, |
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The way Livnot works is an unbelievable example to everybody who gets in touch with it.Standing together and helping other people as well as getting in touch with your deepest inner heritage is magnificent
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| By: Wren, CO |
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Wren's Top 10 Reasons to do Livnot:
1. The guides are always amazing, knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, and carry lots of Bamba
2. The food is incredible
3. The community service is unique to the needs of the people who live in Jerusalem so its relevant and valuable
4. The hikes are gorgeous! (That's coming from a Colorado Rockies girl!)
5. The schedule is jam packed to maximize the fun factor
6. Livnot is inclusive - you will meet ALL KINDS of Jews!
7. Livnot is spiritual without being over the top or too religious
8. You will meet real Israelis who talk real politics
9. The people who decide to do Livnot are well traveled, very friendly,open, intelligent, and curious about life. They're not just in it for a free trip, they're in it to live life with meaning.
10. You will leave Israel after eating more fresh and yummy food than you can believe, after hiking plenty of beautiful trails, looking and feeling mahvelous!!!
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