Shalom TJJ Bus 5 Family,

Welcome to the “Director’s Update”. I will be sending out e-mails daily or every couple of days to update everyone on what our bus has been up to and other relevant information. I have been a bit under the weather so I apologize that I have not sent any e-mails up until this point. I am beginning to feel better and looking forward to being back to 100% by Shabbat.

Landing: Landing was smooth but a bit late. Everyone was in great spirits. We had an Israeli Shniztel (chicken) dinner at the airport and made our way up to the North of Israel in beautiful Chispin. We arrived and went straight to orientation. Due to the hour we shortened the “Orientation Bash” but still had a lot fun with a multimedia presentation going through protocols, some sweets, and staff introductions provided.

Day 1: Yesterday we had our last full day in the stunning North of Israel. We really went all out with a bang. The day started with a raft building competition where TJJers and staff worked together in teams to build rafts out of bamboo, steel cans, and string. The teams then went off raising in the Kinneret and team 1 pulled off the victory.

We then went to the Majardse for a refreshing water hike and had a massive water fight. No one was allowed to leave the water without being soaked.

Afterwards we headed out to Aquakef which is a brand new attraction in Israel where there are various blown up obstacle courses on the water as well as fun water inflatables. It was really cool and we were all wiped afterwards.

From there we traveled to Tiveria for some free time and a boat ride dance party on the Kinneret. So many smiles, so much laughter, and a lot of good memories. From there we went to El Rancho for a delicious Brazilian Dinner.

Day 2: Today we began the day traveling to the kibbutz of Misgav Am. Misgav Am is the most northern part of Israel on the border of Lebanon and Syria. There where we learned about the security of the Lebanese border from a self-proclaimed Zionist and “Jewish Redneck” Arieh Amit (originally from Cleveland, Ohio!). From there we followed by a refreshing walk through the Chatzbani River and had an amazing raft journey down the Jordan river. There really is nothing better than enjoying calm cool water as we drifted down stream on a hot day.

Best,

Michael Kahn (Rabbi Mike)

© 2026 TJJ Bus 5. All Rights Reserved.