Yesterday, we had a Mitzvah Day! We started the day off at a food pantry called Pantry Packers where we packed dry goods into sealed and ready-to-use bags. Pantry Packers provides food to over 8,500 families around Israel and together we packed over 500 bags of dry goods for them.

Next, we went to a large national park called Neot Kdumim where we planted oak trees (or alonim). There, we also learned about the park and how they are preserving ancient olive trees from around the country in a single orchard and planting trees to rejuvenate the landscape. They also had an ancient olive press where we ground hyssop (used in zatar) and ate it with pita and olive oil from the orchard. 

Afterwards, we went to an art studio and gallery called Susan’s House, which employees at-risk youth, teaching them a skill and giving them an opportunity to sell their art. There, we made our own ceramic hamsas and bought jewelry, ceramics, and glassworks from the gallery to support the artists. 

After dinner, we had our annual FC Birthright Talent Show! The acts we amazing: funny, beautiful, cheerful, and a great summary of our trip together. We shared inside jokes, sang our hearts out, and danced like the Dancing Queens we are. It was a great night.