by Dudi B.A.
As tonight is Israeli night in the Sukkah, I’d like to share one of my most memorable Israel experiences as an Israeli, and that is the trail that runs the entire length of Israel, known as Shvil Yisrael. It begins in the high north of Israel, and winds its way, 1000 kilometers, all the way down to Eilat in Israel’s far south. Some of the trek is mountainous, much of is it desert. You travel through lonely stretches and through busy beaches. There’s a special feeling when you jump into the waters of Eilat after all that hiking, so many days through the desert in Israel’s Negev south.
For those who appreciate hiking, adventure and challenge, and an opportunity to walk the land of Israel, it is a momentous and memorable experience. The journey takes two months, you have to do approximately 25 kilometers most days, for 1000 kilometers total. I understand many of you have been on birthright Israel or plan on doing so in the future, but this could be a different, follow-up experience for those inclined for this type of adventure.
One of the highlight of the trip are the “Malachei HaShvil” (the angels of the trail). These are Israelis along the way who open their homes for you to get respite, a nights rest, a hot shower. You have to contact them ahead of time as you progress on your journey, but they are there for you, waiting and available and so helpful. Those stops are as memorable as the hike itself, and sometimes even more memorable!
My newlywed wife and I are on a journey right now. We got married a month ago in Israel and have been traveling in the Northeastern United States, starting in NYC, through New Hampshire and Vermont, then a few days up in Montreal and now here in Albany. We planned to only stay in Albany for the first day of Sukkot but loved it here so much, so we are staying through the Shabbat, and eating our meals here in the Sukkah with you. Like the “Malachai HaShvil” only across the ocean, in the United States, here at Chabad.