From the Northern Negev, we made our way to Mitzpe Ramon, a town in the heart of the Negev perched atop Makhtesh Ramon, a giant erosion crater. Due to the threat of flash flooding, there was no riding today, so we took the opportunity to explore the Negev in a different way.

We started out at Kibbutz Sde Boker, which was the retirement home of David Ben Gurion. Our tour guides showed us Ben Gurion’s grave, and together we went to a Jewish National Fund park at the entrance to Mitzpe Ramon for lunch. From there, we split up into different activities.

We had two hike options: one group hiked a more challenging route starting from the bottom of the makhtesh, while another group hiked around the edge of the makhtesh. Others explored the Artists Quarter, had a Jewish study discussion in the Matnas, and had the opportunity to relax by the pool at the hotel before Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom!