This summer I had the opportunity to spend 3 weeks in Israel on Israel Journey. Here are my top five favorite places we traveled to: 

1. Jerusalem 

Jerusalem was by far my favorite place we traveled on Israel Journey. Between visiting the Western Wall, shopping at Mahane Yehuda Market, and exploring Hezekiah’s Tunnel, I was able to make so many unforgettable memories. 

2. Kibbutz Manara

The second place we visited on the trip was Kibbutz Manara, a community situated on a mountaintop in Northern Israel. We had an amazing view of the Hula Valley and the mountains in Lebanon from the mountain. We spent our first Shabbat in Israel here. Unfortunately, 86 out of the 155 housing units in the kibbutz have been destroyed by Hezbollah rockets since October 7th. 

3. Eilat

As someone from Oklahoma, I rarely get the opportunity to see the ocean. In Eilat, I was able to snorkel in the Red Sea, go Banana Boating, and go on a boat cruise. 

4. Tel Aviv

We were able to spend Shabbat at the beach, go surfing, and explore the markets. One of my favorite places we visited was Abulafia Bakery, one of the oldest businesses in Israel. 

5. Tsfat

In Tsfat, we met with Kabbalah artist Avraham Loewenthal and explored the city. The historic buildings were beautiful and we were able to meet lots of locals.