Tiyulim

There is no more concrete and moving way to learn the history, the geography, and the deep connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel than walking its hills and valleys, its streets and alleyways.

Tiyulim are an integral part of the educational program of students at Midreshet HaRova - not just "time out" but designed to enhance student's educational program, giving a living sense of the Land and its inhabitants over time.  Tanach in hand, hats on heads and three liters of water on their backs, students traverse the country and experience the thrill of seeing both ancient and contemporary Jewish History come to life, while appreciating the beauty and complexity of G-d's creations.  Moving through the alleyways of the Old Cities of Jerusalem, Acco or Tsfat, visiting the scene of the duel between David and Goliath, walking the hills our ancestors tread, seeing the sunset at the beach where refugees from Europe entered Israel at tremendous physical risk - it is difficult not to be moved by the immensity of the history and geography of the land, and to a greater understanding of the place of the Land in the life of every Jew.

Our tour guides, former madrichot of the Midrasha who now do tiyul work with groups, are wonderful role models to the students, extending the sense of bringing our learning alive as we tour the land.

Each year, Midreshet Harova students participate in one three-day tiyul to Eilat and the surrounding mountains, two two-day tiyulim - one to the sands and wadis of the Negev, the other to the green and rolling hills of the Galil - and several day trips around the country to sites of ancient and modern historical significance such as Latrun, Zichron Ya’akov, Masada, Ein Gedi and more. 

In Eilat, students stay in the Shalom Park Hotel from which we take long hikes to Har Shlomo and Har Tsfachot, enjoy dinner and dancing on a boat at sea, rented for the Midrasha alone.  We visit the strikingly beautiful underwater observatory to see close-up the flora and fauna beneath the surface of the sea and, weather-permitting, participate in water sports like diving and snorkeling.

The Negev tiyul has us hiking the beautiful wadi of Ein Avdat after visiting Ben Gurion's burial site, marvelling at the geological wonders of the Ramon Crater as we catch mincha and the sunset near the crater observatory in Mitzpe Ramon, and experiencing the sand firsthand as we create colorful sand bottles to take back home.

No year would be complete without the traditional sunrise climb up Masada, cave crawling in Shfela, and creeping through the bar kochva caves with flashlights strapped to our heads to help show us the way, or pushing our way through the Golan's Yehudiya stream, followed by an evening at Chamei Teveria's hot springs and spa..

Additional optional tiyulim are offered during Bein Hazmanim, and have included snorkeling for techelet snails at a special study site for the making of techelet, or visiting the Carmel area including historic sites such as the Atlit jail from the Mandate Period of modern history.