Can a trip to Israel change your life? Definitely- especially when you share it with your kids. For 12 amazing days the Kolel Family Adventure Tour hiked, swam, sang, learned, rappelled... and also stood in wonder at the Western Wall as each person put their personal prayer in. Spontaneously afterward the kids circled Rabbi G and shared their reactions: "I felt so close to G-d and my roots" said Rose, age 13. "Here I am at the holiest spot in Judaism- I feel so special and so lucky" said Michael, age 10.

We wept at the Yad Vashem Children's Memorial as the Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids created their own version of "I am a Jew because..." We delighted as they did the ropes course at an Israeli dude ranch. We laughed as the adults gleefully tried the zip line at Manara Cliffs. We learned with David Horowitz, editor of the Jerusalem Post. We debated the security wall under an olive tree at Beit Guvrin before digging up Maccabean pottery. Its amazing how much we all learned as evidenced by the contests on the bus each day to get Israeli chocolate bars. Plus we learned a whole lot of Hebrew through our daily Hebrew jokes! And... we ate alot of chumus and pita!

The trip was deeply impressive to each family. Not only did we get to share Israel together, but each individual was touched in their own way, reconnected to Judaism and to the land, bonded together as families who care. Here is what some of the kids had to say:

"The lesson atop Masada about choosing life and thinking for future generations really hit me..." Ben, age 18.
"10 days packed full of spirit and fun..." Adam, age 13.
"Rabbi G made Israel come alive..." Allison, age 15.
"It was sooo much fun, I loved all of it." Tom, age 11.

And from the parents, who "kvelled" at their kids' joy and at their own sense of adventure and fun, and experienced a true sense of transformation:

"The tour combined what it means to be Jewish both culturally and religiously with the roots I did not know that I had in Israel..." Mitch Kamiel

"The Kolel Family Trip exceeded all my expectations. The activities let you see an Israel you would otherwise not see. Rabbi G and Baruch let you FEEL Israel- the land, the history and the people..." Mitch Lipton

"This trip, under Rabbi Goldstein's leadership, allowed both the adults and children to connect to Israel and the Jewish people in a way that was both incredibly fun and profoundly meaningful." Jack Langer

"...an opportunity to experience Israel in a way that is life changing." Ferne Sherkin-Langer

Israel is the best Jewish classroom there is. To share it with other people is deeply moving. To share it with your kids is doubly moving. The sounds, the sights, (and sites), the history and feeling are incomparable. We hope our web readers will consider joining us on our upcoming trips for a "Kolel Israel experience" that is unique.

We arrived in Tel Aviv, then off to Dizengoff Street
And had great ice cream which was a real treat.

Back to the hotel, but it wasn't to be
In the dark the kids wanted to run into the sea.

The next day we went to Independence Hall for a talk
We learned that Jews don't swim but instead we walk.

To the Arbel Cliffs and then a dude ranch and still no rain
There Ben and Kayla got us to sing "Leaving on a Jet Plane".

The next day was ziplines with screams and shouts
Then 4x4's up the Golan past Syrian holdouts.

To end the day, off to the hot springs to enjoy
Then Kristin lost her good shoes - Oy Oy Oy.

Next day was Zippori where the Jews and the Romans worked together
A play by Allison and Adam questioned, "What is better?"

At Latrun, we saw a graduating class throw their berets to cheers
But I was very sad and upset at the "Tower of Tears".

That night was Jerusalem and a Shehecheyanu prayer near the hotel
Next day was the Old Town and shopping and finally the Kotel.

The scavenger hunt had us counting stars and answering questions we could get
That night was shul and a long walk where we all got wet.

After we dried off and had dinner, the kids expressed their feelings
They talked about being special at the wall and left the adults reeling.

Sunday was Masada and the long walk to the top
Here the Jews chose suicide when the Romans would not stop.

The play by Carmi and Kayla had us look at slavery for a Jew
It ended with Zack and Mike asking, "What would you do?"

Then the Dead Sea and a mud bath and we were as soft as a flower
But I will always remember poor Ron giving Danny a shower.

The next day was a very very quick talk with David Horwitz from the Post
Later a visit to Yad Va'shem which was tough for most.

Next day Ben and Sarah were David and Goliath and the story was told
Then 30 minutes getting mud off our shoes by the side of the road.

Then spelunking in caves, followed by digging at the site
Later camel rides, a Bedouin dinner and coffee with a bite.

The last day was rapelling and a crater with a view
Rabbi G - look at all the things you got us to do.

The kids were the best part and my goal was met
I never heard the words "Are we there yet?"

Lots of hummus and pita and new friends that are smart and funny
I can hardly wait for my next visit to the land of milk and honey.

Mitch Lipton