Photos by Debbie Hill

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Traveling the Negev Desert
helps inspire camaraderie
and newfound friendships.

our Moses gave us a break — four
hours of hiking a day. Many thought
his hikes were difficult and exhaust-
ing; yet many took them in stride.
"The most exciting part of the
hike was after Shy led us on a nice,
The Negev
easy hike and then gave us a choice of
n the final meeting before our
taking the easy way or one with more
desert adventure, Rabbi Joseph
challenge. After completing this task,
Klein of Temple Emanu-El
we found out that not even the Israeli
said, "The days in the
army attempted to take our
desert will either bring this
route," said Nick Nickerson,
group together or tear us
16, of Temple Emanu-El.
apart.
"About half way down,
"The desert experience
there was an almost vertical
will be very interesting —
wall that everyone was afraid
and very different from any-
to cross. I took on an even
thing we have done," Rabbi
greater challenge helping
Klein said.
people while Shy helped oth-
"Camping under the stars
ers to the bottom," said
SCO TT
with no one around for
Nickerson.
ROTH E NBERG
miles, having cooked our
A stop with the Bedouins
Special to the
own meal and sung a wor-
for a night couldn't have gone
Jewish News
ship service -- this will be
any better for some of the
the evening we all remember
people.
from the desert."
"I've never had such great tea,"
For an expetience so unique
said Eric Barnes, 16, of Temple
through the desert, it is only fitting
Emanu-El. "I had 28 cups in two
that our guide Shy, or better known
days! The camels were also enjoyable.
to the group as "Moses," was also one
My whole life I had wanted to ride
of a kind.
one, and now my dream came true."
He had this look — full beard,
With exactly one week left, we
wavy hair. He also led us around in
found that Rabbi Klein was right.
circles in the desert for what seemed
The nights in the Negev brought us
like 40 years!" said Dane Rothenberg,
all closer with many new friends to
16, of Temple Emanu-El.
return home with. We continue to
It may have felt like 40 years, but
become closer and hopefully we can
stay this way throughout our trip and
Scott Rothenberg, 16, of Southfield is a
after we leave the Holy Land. ❑
member of Temple Emanu-EL

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To strengthen their Jewish identity and build Jewish
camaraderie, 282 high school students are part of Detroit's
third Teen Mission to Israel, co-sponsored by the Jewish
Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and affiliated agencies,
the Jewish News and local synagogues. The mission, into
Its fifth week, concludes on Monday, July 31.

7/28
2000

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