Judean Desert “Camp-Us”

Judean Desert “Camp-Us”

25 November 2024
Two glorious days on the Israel Trail in the Judean Desert, from Arad to Massada. An overnight trip ("campus" in the lingo of the organizers) but not a camping trip (we stayed in a comfortable hotel). Amazing and challenging desert landscapes. Wonderful comraderie.
In the Footsteps of Martyrs and Heros

In the Footsteps of Martyrs and Heros

4 November 2024
As I hiked the Israel National Trail last week, ascending towards Jerusalem from Shaar Hagai to Nahal Kislon, I could see and feel the history of modern-day Israel and the country's struggle for survival in every step. The trail bears witness to the Holocaust and the War of Independence. As our guide Avi spoke of Ben Gurion's leadership and the military operations in 1948, the tales were hauntingly similar to current events in the region today.
Season 4, Episode 1

Season 4, Episode 1

13 October 2024
I was back hiking the Israel Trail last week, to start our fourth season. The Burma Road and its role in Israel's War of Independence was the central theme of the hike. We heard about the challenges, dangers, and acts of heroism in 1948. But our thoughts and conversations throughout the day rarely strayed from the current events in Israel — family members serving in the IDF, the hostages still held in Gaza, the ongoing attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, Houtis, and Iran. Although the members of our group span the spectrum of political ideologies and religious leanings, we all share a yearning for a safe, peaceful and prosperous Israel.
Squeezing in Nature

Squeezing in Nature

5 May 2024
It's hard to escape the sights and sounds of urbanization when hiking in the vicinity of Hadera, midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. But clever logistics by the Al Hashvil organizers gave us maximum time in natural environments on this Israel Trail hike.
Water Joy (מים בששון)

Water Joy (מים בששון)

15 April 2024
Another day of escape on the Israel Trail last week. Although I knew the hike would start at the Ein Tzur spring, and end on the Mediterranean shore at Caesarea, I was not expecting so many water features and water challenges along the way. Lots of fun.
Wildflower Bouquets

Wildflower Bouquets

1 April 2024
Our latest Israel Trail hike on the Mount Carmel range delivered a rich medley of terrain and vistas. The hike itself was not difficult. But the day brought the first heat wave of 2024. Many of us were not quite prepared -- mentally or physically -- for the high temperatures that day. Abundant and colorful arrays of wildflowers decorated the landscape. Our guide and some of my hiking partners are adept at putting names to flowers. I stick to capturing their beauty in photos.
Colors and Conversation

Colors and Conversation

7 March 2024
We are a mix of religious, non-religious, and varieties in-between. We sometimes discuss, and disagree, about politics and ideologies. But our differences are diminished as we share the challenges of hiking the Israel Trail together. Our two-day overnight hike in the stunningly colorful Maktesh Hakatan -- with no cell reception -- was a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other even better.
More on Mount Carmel

More on Mount Carmel

12 February 2024
In the days preceding our latest hike, Israel experienced some 16 consecutive days of rainfall. Sunshine and clear skies finally took hold just two days before the hike. The weather was glorious and ideal for hiking. But the potential dangers of mud and slippery rocks meant that our route was modified.
Desert Challenge

Desert Challenge

8 January 2024
Last week's hike on the Israel Trail, in Nahal Yamin and Nahal Hatira, was a wonderful escape into the desert landscape. Classified as a difficult hike, it was not particularly long or physically hard for me. But it did challenge my fear of heights. The vistas on this hike most likely belong on a top-10 list. I say that because our hiking group's WhatsApp chat had more than 100 shared photos at the end of the day. Far more than usual.
Fresh Air

Fresh Air

26 November 2023
Israel's war against Hamas has weighed down the nation for nearly two months. Now is not a time for social outings or lifecycle celebrations. But many of us are in need of hitav'rarrut -- literally, "airing out" -- to breathe in fresh air, relax, and exhale. Thankfully, Home Front Command directives allowed our group to hike a trail segment last week.