Hello again everyone,
It's very strange to think that Shnat is about to enter its' final month. It feels like just yesterday that the Shnatties had just arrived in the country, eager and enthusiastic for all of the challenges and experiences that lay ahead.
In the week before Pesach, a large number of the shnatties took part in the national network of 'Pasechet' English speaking day camps around the country, through their messimot. These camps are an integral experience for them with their own chanichim in the different regions in which they do messima, and they help them to forge a stronger bond with israeli youth across the board. The day camps are all done in English, to strengthen the confidence of the chanichim in their messimot to use English, and the shnatties are a huge part of the planning process for the camps. The general structure of each camp was an overnight hike, which the shnatties were a part of, as well as between 2 and 3 days in the 'batim' (houses) of Hanoar Haoved where the camps take place.
Then the shnatties had their second chofesh period for the year, during the Pesach national break. It was a time well spent relaxing, catching up with family and friends, and reinvigorating for the last portion of Workshop. The UK chanichim also spent an inspiring few days at the annual Veida with the Bogrim of HDUK. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to hear firsthand the great work that is going on with Habonim Dror in the communities in the UK.
Just two days after their return from chofesh, Israel commemorated Yom Hashoah, the national day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust. All of the shnatties travelled to Kibbutz Lochamei Hagetaot for the national closing ceremony of the day. The ceremony has a special connection and emphasis on the ghetto fighters of the Warsaw Ghetto (given that a large number of them came to Israel after the Shoah and formed the kibbutz), but also has a strong connection with the youth movements. Some of the speakers at the tekkes included Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Chavka Folman Raban - a member of Dror in the Warsaw Ghetto and fighter in the uprising, and Muki Tzur - famed writer and historian of the kibbutz movement. And while it was a bit difficult at times to follow due to the Hebrew, the shnatties were very quick to surround themselves with movement members who could translate the ceremony for them and give it meaning.
The following week was a big week in Israel - Yom Hazikaron (National Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers), followed by Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day). The shnatties headed to their local Yad Lebanim (The memorial for fallen soldiers in every city in Israel) to participate in the tekkes for the beginning of Yom Hazikaron. The following night, they enjoyed the plethora of free entertainment on stages all around the country with some of Israel's biggest singers and musicians for Yom Haatzmaut. Most of the shnatties trekked to Tel-Aviv, one of the hot spots for entertainment on the night, and were not dissapointed! The following day the shnatties took to the parks, in true Israeli fashion, for one of the most traditional Israel yom haatzmaut expressions - the family barbeque.
The shnatties also had their first meeting with their 'Chava achot' (sister chava) from Hanoar Haoved on Thursday. The chavot is the workshop style program of Hanoar Haoved in Israel, where 18 year olds live together for a year and do messima before they start their army service. The shnat group in Karmiel is paired with the chava in Machanayim, which is a kibbutz just south of Kiryat Shemona. It was a wonderful experience, and they will be continuing the mifgashim (meetings) this week, by doing some joint peulot together.
This past weekend the shnatties took part in the May Day Seminar, with participants from all of the English speaking shnat countries. There was 135 chanichim altogether on the seminar, from North America, the UK, Holland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. The seminar focused on the origins of May Day, but also the meaning of union and solidarity in society today, and why societal gaps are such a challenge to overcome in bringing together people in acts and stances of solidarity. We also examined the historical and contemporary role of Habonim within their own societies, and what role we should be playing in creating partnerships for the betterment of society.
Next week the shnatties will be partaking in the May Day march in Tel-Aviv, with all of the Habonim Dror shnat participants, as well as all of the Israeli socialist zionist youth movements. Beyond that, as sad as it seems, we will already be starting the sikkum (concluding) process for what has, up until this point, been an amazing year of growth and personal challenge for the group. They are a wonderful group of dedicated and passionate movement members, who will certainly be a major positive force of leadership within the movement and their communities on their return.
I would like to wish everyone a shavua tov, and a safe week.
Until next time,
Leon.
Sunday 25 April 2010
Wednesday 17 February 2010
The Poland Journey - in Detail!
Hello again everyone,
Well all of the shnatties have had a few days to rest and get back into the swing of things, after what was a whirlwind trip of intensity, challenge, inspiration, and SNOW in Poland. Early last Sunday morning, both the workshop and European Shnat groups, as well as a massive tzevet of 14 people, headed off to Poland for a journey to examine Jewish life in the diaspora of that time, the tragedy of the holocaust, and the heroism that was exhibited throughout, and specifically by the youth movements during the Shoah.
After arriving in Poland, the shnatties settled in to the long ride from Warsaw to Krakow. On the way, the group saw Schindler's List, which was based in the Krakow Ghetto and the Plaszow Labour Camp in Krakow. When we finally made it to Krakow, the shnatties went on a tour of the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, where Jews had lived alongside Polish neighbours for close to 600 years before the Shoah.
On the second day, we headed to Birkenau, the largest of the 40 camps and subcamps of Auschwitz, and the biggest camp in all of Nazi-occupied Europe. In the afternoon we went to the main camp of Auschwitz, the original camp of the network of Auschwitz camps. The shnatties examined issues of the human construct and values that were expressed in the atrocities and terror of the camps, in order to understand the Nazi codes that they implemented.
On the third day of the trip, we started the morning in the former site of the Plaszow Labour camp, famously portrayed in Schindler's List. From there, we travelled to some of the sites of the old Krakow Ghetto, including the Famous Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy, the commune of the youth movement Akiva on Jozefinska Street, and the deportation square of the old ghetto, which is now marked with a monument of chairs around a central brick area. From there we moved to the site outside of the Ghetto where the Sigoneria cafe once stood, a cafe which prominent Nazi officials visited during the War and which was bombed with grenades and molotov cocktails by the members of the fighting underground in the Krakow Ghetto.
After the packed morning, the shnatties had some free time in the Sukiniece Market in Krakow, a wonderful old market full of cheap and good food, as well as great souvenirs. From there we got back on the bus, and headed off to Lublin.
On Day 4, we did a walking tour of Lublin, which became a very 'Nazified' city during the years of Nazi occupation. We visited the old Gestapo headquarters, as well as buildings and homes of high-ranking Nazi officials. The shnatties examined what 'everyday' Nazi life was like, outside of the death and concentration camps, and we tried to understand how Nazi social life was structured.
In the afternoon we visisted the Majdanek concentration and death camp, situated right on the outskirts of Lublin. The camp is an eerie reminder of the costs of the Nazi society that was being established, and the death and despair that it created. Having a camp right on the outskirts of the city was also a painful reminder to the residents of Lublin what could happen, if they stepped out of line.
We headed from Lublin to Warsaw for the last leg of the trip, and we started day 5 touring the old Ghetto in Warsaw, the largest of all of the Nazi-established Ghettos. The shnatties discussed the leadership structures within the ghetto - the rabbinate, the Judenrat (Jewish council), the Jewish police, and the youth movement members. The group also visited the old Jewish cemetary in Warsaw, home to, among others, the Head of the Judenrat in the Warsaw Ghetto Adam Czerniakow, as well as Ludwik Zamenhof, the creator of the Esperanto language. The group also visited the Polish Uprising memorial and spoke of the Polish Uprising of 1944 against the Nazis, as well as the Jewish institute, an archival museum about the Warsaw Ghetto and the Jewish community of Warsaw.
On Day 6, We started off in the morning with a drive to the old shtetl of Tykocin. The sad story of the 2500 Jews of Tykocin, who lived side by side with Polish neighbours for close to 400 years and ended within two days of Nazi occupation, was a sobering reminder of the impact of the Shoah on small communities. It also raised up some big questions about what it means to be a Jew in the diaspora, and to live as a minority within a society.
From Tykocin we headed to the site of the Death camp of Treblinka, which is now a big monument dedicated to all of the communities of Jews who were destroyed there. The workshoppers examined the 'machine of death' that was created by the Nazi regime, and the brutal efficiency that was such a fundamental basis for Nazi ideology and rule.
On the final day of the trip, the shnatties examined the roots of the youth movements in Warsaw, and specifically the Dror movement. We started the day in Grochow, a neighbourhood of Warsaw where the first chavot hachshara of Dror (agricultural training farms) were purchased and established. From there we moved to Dzielna St. number 34, where the Dror commune was within the ghetto walls. And we finished the day, and the journey, with a 3 hour walk along the 'Path of Heroism' a path with markers along the way that symbolises the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. The journey was finalised with a Tekkes (ceremony) at the Rappaport Monument, dedicated to the Ghetto Fighters of 1943.
After a long week - most people were exhausted, both physically and mentally, and rest was well met by everyone! Myself included. A big thanks to the day guide Zohar who was awesome throughout the trip. Below are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
I wish you all a shabbat shalom and a safe and peaceful weekend.
Until next time,
Leon.
Well all of the shnatties have had a few days to rest and get back into the swing of things, after what was a whirlwind trip of intensity, challenge, inspiration, and SNOW in Poland. Early last Sunday morning, both the workshop and European Shnat groups, as well as a massive tzevet of 14 people, headed off to Poland for a journey to examine Jewish life in the diaspora of that time, the tragedy of the holocaust, and the heroism that was exhibited throughout, and specifically by the youth movements during the Shoah.
After arriving in Poland, the shnatties settled in to the long ride from Warsaw to Krakow. On the way, the group saw Schindler's List, which was based in the Krakow Ghetto and the Plaszow Labour Camp in Krakow. When we finally made it to Krakow, the shnatties went on a tour of the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, where Jews had lived alongside Polish neighbours for close to 600 years before the Shoah.
On the second day, we headed to Birkenau, the largest of the 40 camps and subcamps of Auschwitz, and the biggest camp in all of Nazi-occupied Europe. In the afternoon we went to the main camp of Auschwitz, the original camp of the network of Auschwitz camps. The shnatties examined issues of the human construct and values that were expressed in the atrocities and terror of the camps, in order to understand the Nazi codes that they implemented.
On the third day of the trip, we started the morning in the former site of the Plaszow Labour camp, famously portrayed in Schindler's List. From there, we travelled to some of the sites of the old Krakow Ghetto, including the Famous Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy, the commune of the youth movement Akiva on Jozefinska Street, and the deportation square of the old ghetto, which is now marked with a monument of chairs around a central brick area. From there we moved to the site outside of the Ghetto where the Sigoneria cafe once stood, a cafe which prominent Nazi officials visited during the War and which was bombed with grenades and molotov cocktails by the members of the fighting underground in the Krakow Ghetto.
After the packed morning, the shnatties had some free time in the Sukiniece Market in Krakow, a wonderful old market full of cheap and good food, as well as great souvenirs. From there we got back on the bus, and headed off to Lublin.
On Day 4, we did a walking tour of Lublin, which became a very 'Nazified' city during the years of Nazi occupation. We visited the old Gestapo headquarters, as well as buildings and homes of high-ranking Nazi officials. The shnatties examined what 'everyday' Nazi life was like, outside of the death and concentration camps, and we tried to understand how Nazi social life was structured.
In the afternoon we visisted the Majdanek concentration and death camp, situated right on the outskirts of Lublin. The camp is an eerie reminder of the costs of the Nazi society that was being established, and the death and despair that it created. Having a camp right on the outskirts of the city was also a painful reminder to the residents of Lublin what could happen, if they stepped out of line.
We headed from Lublin to Warsaw for the last leg of the trip, and we started day 5 touring the old Ghetto in Warsaw, the largest of all of the Nazi-established Ghettos. The shnatties discussed the leadership structures within the ghetto - the rabbinate, the Judenrat (Jewish council), the Jewish police, and the youth movement members. The group also visited the old Jewish cemetary in Warsaw, home to, among others, the Head of the Judenrat in the Warsaw Ghetto Adam Czerniakow, as well as Ludwik Zamenhof, the creator of the Esperanto language. The group also visited the Polish Uprising memorial and spoke of the Polish Uprising of 1944 against the Nazis, as well as the Jewish institute, an archival museum about the Warsaw Ghetto and the Jewish community of Warsaw.
On Day 6, We started off in the morning with a drive to the old shtetl of Tykocin. The sad story of the 2500 Jews of Tykocin, who lived side by side with Polish neighbours for close to 400 years and ended within two days of Nazi occupation, was a sobering reminder of the impact of the Shoah on small communities. It also raised up some big questions about what it means to be a Jew in the diaspora, and to live as a minority within a society.
From Tykocin we headed to the site of the Death camp of Treblinka, which is now a big monument dedicated to all of the communities of Jews who were destroyed there. The workshoppers examined the 'machine of death' that was created by the Nazi regime, and the brutal efficiency that was such a fundamental basis for Nazi ideology and rule.
On the final day of the trip, the shnatties examined the roots of the youth movements in Warsaw, and specifically the Dror movement. We started the day in Grochow, a neighbourhood of Warsaw where the first chavot hachshara of Dror (agricultural training farms) were purchased and established. From there we moved to Dzielna St. number 34, where the Dror commune was within the ghetto walls. And we finished the day, and the journey, with a 3 hour walk along the 'Path of Heroism' a path with markers along the way that symbolises the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. The journey was finalised with a Tekkes (ceremony) at the Rappaport Monument, dedicated to the Ghetto Fighters of 1943.
After a long week - most people were exhausted, both physically and mentally, and rest was well met by everyone! Myself included. A big thanks to the day guide Zohar who was awesome throughout the trip. Below are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
I wish you all a shabbat shalom and a safe and peaceful weekend.
Until next time,
Leon.
Saturday 13 February 2010
Return From Poland
Hello again to everyone,
This is just a short entry to let everyone know that the shnatties arrived home in the wee hours of this morning from their journey to Poland. Then week was intense and very meaningful for the kvutsa, and they are now on their way back to their house in Karmiel, for some well earned rest and relaxation.
I will post a blog in the next few days with some photos and videos from the journey.
Shavua tov to all of you!
Leon.
This is just a short entry to let everyone know that the shnatties arrived home in the wee hours of this morning from their journey to Poland. Then week was intense and very meaningful for the kvutsa, and they are now on their way back to their house in Karmiel, for some well earned rest and relaxation.
I will post a blog in the next few days with some photos and videos from the journey.
Shavua tov to all of you!
Leon.
Saturday 6 February 2010
First month of Kaveret
Hello again to everyone,
Well it has been a seriously busy first month of kaveret. The shnatties have been settling into their new residence in Karmiel very well over the past 4 weeks, and have fitted nicely into their messimot and volunteering projects.
The shnatties are split up into five different messimot (volunteering projects) that are done in their small tzevetim. One tzevet of chanichim is working in the co-existence tzevet, which works primarily with the Israeli Arabs of the Galil, in villages including Sha'ab, Bi'ne, and Sakhnin. The second tzevet is working in a school and an afternoon club in the ancient Jewish city of Tsfat. The third tzevet is working in the Emdah High school in Karmiel itself, and is also spending a day a week working in the boarding school of kibbutz Eshbal, which is a short drive away.The fourth tzevet is working in a school and afternoon club in Tiberias, and the final tzevet is working within Karmiel, in both a non-profit organisation which packs food and welfare cartons for needy families, as well as a disabled youth facility - working to better the lives of disabled children and their families. Every tzevet is well entrenched within their places of volunteering now, and each tzevet has a 'melaveh' (guide), who is also with them during their messima time. They also spend a half day having peulot as a tzevet, as well as dealing with any of their hardships and difficulties, both with their own chanichim in the different places, and within the tzevet dynamics. The group has also started it's group project together on Thursday afternoons, working together at a English speaking cafe, teaching english and engaging with the local community. The project was established with the aid of the council of Karmiel
The shnatties have also had two preparation seminar for Poland over the past 2 weekends, and all spent last weekend together at the Shlomi youth hostel in the north, travelling to and from the Ghetto Fighters' Museum at the Ghetto Fighters' Kibbutz. It was an intense few days, and there were many questions and dilemmas for the shnatties to carry with them during the Journey to Poland. There was also a big focus on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising - and also the connection with the roots of Habonim Dror in Eastern Europe - the Dror movement, its' activities, and its' leaders.
The whole group will be heading to Poland in the early hours of tomorrow morning, and will be there throughout the week. I'll report again when we get back, but i am certain that it is going to be a meaningful and growing experience for all of the shnatties. We will be returning on Sunday February 14, and i have no doubt that the first port of call will be a long rest!
I would like to wish everyone a shabbat shalom and a shavua tov.
Until next time,
Leon
Well it has been a seriously busy first month of kaveret. The shnatties have been settling into their new residence in Karmiel very well over the past 4 weeks, and have fitted nicely into their messimot and volunteering projects.
The shnatties are split up into five different messimot (volunteering projects) that are done in their small tzevetim. One tzevet of chanichim is working in the co-existence tzevet, which works primarily with the Israeli Arabs of the Galil, in villages including Sha'ab, Bi'ne, and Sakhnin. The second tzevet is working in a school and an afternoon club in the ancient Jewish city of Tsfat. The third tzevet is working in the Emdah High school in Karmiel itself, and is also spending a day a week working in the boarding school of kibbutz Eshbal, which is a short drive away.The fourth tzevet is working in a school and afternoon club in Tiberias, and the final tzevet is working within Karmiel, in both a non-profit organisation which packs food and welfare cartons for needy families, as well as a disabled youth facility - working to better the lives of disabled children and their families. Every tzevet is well entrenched within their places of volunteering now, and each tzevet has a 'melaveh' (guide), who is also with them during their messima time. They also spend a half day having peulot as a tzevet, as well as dealing with any of their hardships and difficulties, both with their own chanichim in the different places, and within the tzevet dynamics. The group has also started it's group project together on Thursday afternoons, working together at a English speaking cafe, teaching english and engaging with the local community. The project was established with the aid of the council of Karmiel
The shnatties have also had two preparation seminar for Poland over the past 2 weekends, and all spent last weekend together at the Shlomi youth hostel in the north, travelling to and from the Ghetto Fighters' Museum at the Ghetto Fighters' Kibbutz. It was an intense few days, and there were many questions and dilemmas for the shnatties to carry with them during the Journey to Poland. There was also a big focus on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising - and also the connection with the roots of Habonim Dror in Eastern Europe - the Dror movement, its' activities, and its' leaders.
The whole group will be heading to Poland in the early hours of tomorrow morning, and will be there throughout the week. I'll report again when we get back, but i am certain that it is going to be a meaningful and growing experience for all of the shnatties. We will be returning on Sunday February 14, and i have no doubt that the first port of call will be a long rest!
I would like to wish everyone a shabbat shalom and a shavua tov.
Until next time,
Leon
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Habo History and the beginning of Kaveret
Hello again to everyone out there!
So when i left you guys last, the shnatties were just about to head out of the confines of kibbutz Ein dor, and into the wild world of Israeli society. And there's no better place to start than by speaking with people from Habonim Dror throughout the decades! The group headed out last Sunday to their first stop of the history of Habonim seminar - the historic Kinneret courtyard and cemetary. Here, the group learnt all about the pioneers of the second and third aliyot, and examined the place and personalities that laid the foundations stones of what was to become, among other things, the kibbutz movement, bituach leumi (national medical insurance), Hadavar (the first circulated modern newspaper in Israel), and the histadrut (the national labour union). Needless to say, it was an inspiring visit.
The group then headed to the beautiful surrounds of Peki'in, a picturesque youth hostel situated just outside of the northern Druze village of the same name.
The second day of the History of Habonim seminar was spent visiting the older and earliest Habonim Dror kibbutzim. The group travelled to kibbutz Ein Gev and spoke with legendary kibbutz movement member and historian, Muki Tzur, followed by kibbutz Kfar Hanassi. In the afternoon, the group travelled to Kibbutz Metzuba and Kibbutz Bet Haemek. It was a really eye-opening day for the shnatties, hearing the stories of aliya from the movement and also the privatisation process on the kibbutzim.
The third day of the seminar started with a visit to kibbutz Ammiad, followed by a visit to the last traditional kibbutz which welcomed a garin of aliya from the British movement, kibbutz Tuval. In the afternoon, the shnatties headed to Kibbutz Eshbal, an active Hanoar Haoved kibbutz, made up of smaller kvutsot. The kibbutz also has a horse farm, and a boarding school for juvenile youth, who often have no other options for education and have been removed from other schools in Israel.
The following morning, the shnatties travelled to the first of the modern urban communes of Habonim Dror olim, kvutsat Yovel. Made up of Habonim bogrim from North America, Australia, and the UK, Yovel was founded 11 years ago, and is now part of an urban kibbutz in Migdal Haemek and Upper Nazareth. In the afternoon, the shnatties travelled to Bet Shemesh, and met with members of kibbutz Tamuz, an adult urban commune which deals directly with social action and interaction with the wider Bet shemesh society
On the final morning of the seminar, the group travelled to Hadera, and visited with kvutsat Ogen, one of the newer communes of Habonim Dror olim in Israel. Made up of bogrim from north american, Australia, and Mexico, the members of Ogen are heavily involved in the day to day running of the movement in Israel.
The seminar was an inspiring and intensive look at the past, present, and perceived future of the movement, and gave the shnatties a great forum to hear some of the great stories of Habonim Dror members from the past 60 years.
The group then split up for the free weekend, and then joined together again for the preparation seminar for Kaveret. The past few days have seen some deep discussion about theoretical concepts, like what a 'messima' is, what it means to be an educator, and the current state of the Israeli education system, and also some practical concepts, like the all important split up of rooms and tzevetim for messima.
The groups will be heading to their new house in Karmiel tomorrow, so it will be an exciting day for all involved! I will send the postal address for the house to Hannah, and we will forward them to all of you in the coming week.
I wish all of you a good week, and for those coming to Israel for the chofesh period, a safe and succesful journey.
until next time,
Leon.
So when i left you guys last, the shnatties were just about to head out of the confines of kibbutz Ein dor, and into the wild world of Israeli society. And there's no better place to start than by speaking with people from Habonim Dror throughout the decades! The group headed out last Sunday to their first stop of the history of Habonim seminar - the historic Kinneret courtyard and cemetary. Here, the group learnt all about the pioneers of the second and third aliyot, and examined the place and personalities that laid the foundations stones of what was to become, among other things, the kibbutz movement, bituach leumi (national medical insurance), Hadavar (the first circulated modern newspaper in Israel), and the histadrut (the national labour union). Needless to say, it was an inspiring visit.
The group then headed to the beautiful surrounds of Peki'in, a picturesque youth hostel situated just outside of the northern Druze village of the same name.
The second day of the History of Habonim seminar was spent visiting the older and earliest Habonim Dror kibbutzim. The group travelled to kibbutz Ein Gev and spoke with legendary kibbutz movement member and historian, Muki Tzur, followed by kibbutz Kfar Hanassi. In the afternoon, the group travelled to Kibbutz Metzuba and Kibbutz Bet Haemek. It was a really eye-opening day for the shnatties, hearing the stories of aliya from the movement and also the privatisation process on the kibbutzim.
The third day of the seminar started with a visit to kibbutz Ammiad, followed by a visit to the last traditional kibbutz which welcomed a garin of aliya from the British movement, kibbutz Tuval. In the afternoon, the shnatties headed to Kibbutz Eshbal, an active Hanoar Haoved kibbutz, made up of smaller kvutsot. The kibbutz also has a horse farm, and a boarding school for juvenile youth, who often have no other options for education and have been removed from other schools in Israel.
The following morning, the shnatties travelled to the first of the modern urban communes of Habonim Dror olim, kvutsat Yovel. Made up of Habonim bogrim from North America, Australia, and the UK, Yovel was founded 11 years ago, and is now part of an urban kibbutz in Migdal Haemek and Upper Nazareth. In the afternoon, the shnatties travelled to Bet Shemesh, and met with members of kibbutz Tamuz, an adult urban commune which deals directly with social action and interaction with the wider Bet shemesh society
On the final morning of the seminar, the group travelled to Hadera, and visited with kvutsat Ogen, one of the newer communes of Habonim Dror olim in Israel. Made up of bogrim from north american, Australia, and Mexico, the members of Ogen are heavily involved in the day to day running of the movement in Israel.
The seminar was an inspiring and intensive look at the past, present, and perceived future of the movement, and gave the shnatties a great forum to hear some of the great stories of Habonim Dror members from the past 60 years.
The group then split up for the free weekend, and then joined together again for the preparation seminar for Kaveret. The past few days have seen some deep discussion about theoretical concepts, like what a 'messima' is, what it means to be an educator, and the current state of the Israeli education system, and also some practical concepts, like the all important split up of rooms and tzevetim for messima.
The groups will be heading to their new house in Karmiel tomorrow, so it will be an exciting day for all involved! I will send the postal address for the house to Hannah, and we will forward them to all of you in the coming week.
I wish all of you a good week, and for those coming to Israel for the chofesh period, a safe and succesful journey.
until next time,
Leon.
Sunday 13 December 2009
The end of Boneh
Hello to everyone!
It has indeed been a busy few weeks on Shnat. The last few weeks have included some engaging and intense topics of study, as well as some special guests, and some special sights and tours.
Over the last few weeks, the shnatties have been rounding out their classes and summarising everything that they have learnt over the past 3 months. They also spent a week discussing the birth of Jewish youth movements, and the role that they have played both historically, and contemporarily, in Jewish communities around the world and in Israel.
Some of the great speakers that have come to spend some time with the shnatties include renowned film-maker Elad Wexler, who spoke about Israeli culture as it is portrayed in cinema, as well as famed Habo Alumni Neil Harris from Kibbutz Tuval, who came to speak about Arab-Israeli relations in the Galil. Rami Tzdafee, three-time shaliach of Habonim Dror and current world Gizbar also came to talk about the British Mandate, and the experience of growing up in an Israeli youth movement during the British rule of Palestine. They were also visitied by Lydia Aisenberg, who spoke to them about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and her personal experience of aliya to kibbutz some 40 years ago, and everything that she has seen and experienced since then.
In the past few weeks, the shnatties have been on a number of different tours around the country. A few weeks ago they spent a day up in the Golan heights, at look-outs over Syria and Jordan, and famous battle sites from the six day war and yom kippur war. During the day, there were questions and discussions about the status of the Golan Heights and negotiations today. They also spent a day in Jerusalem, which had some grand highlights, like a talk with Gil Hoffman, one of the editors of the Jerusalem Post, a visit to the knesset, a visit to the Rav Kook museum and a discussion about religious Zionism, as well as a talk with a Chabad rabbi about Chabad today.
The shnatties final tour for Boneh was to Machon Ayalon - one of the great stories of the original kibbutzim and the British mandate. Machon Ayalon was a bullet-making factory that was hidden under a kibbutz, and run by the young members of the kibbutz before and during the war of independence.
The final week of Boneh was spent a lot on reflection, summary, and feedback. There were a number of discussions about how the shnatties reflect on their experience, and some interesting points for them to take away from what they learnt over the past 3 months.
Today, the shnatties said goodbye to kibbutz Ein Dor, and headed off for the first day of Habo History seminar. They will be spending this week visiting different kibbutzim and communes connected to the history, and modern-day story of Habonim Dror in Israel. I am certain that, as always, it will be an inspiring and enriching week!
Next week the shnatties start kaveret preparation seminar, and will be moving into their house in Karmiel on Wednesday December 23. I will send the postage addresses for the Karmiel house to Hannah & Roberta, who can forward them on to all of the parents.
It is an exciting fortnight of transition coming up for the shnatties, but they will have a chance to relax and unwind a little with the chofesh break straight afterwards.
I would like to wish everyone a chag sameach, and a shavua tov.
Until next time,
Leon.
It has indeed been a busy few weeks on Shnat. The last few weeks have included some engaging and intense topics of study, as well as some special guests, and some special sights and tours.
Over the last few weeks, the shnatties have been rounding out their classes and summarising everything that they have learnt over the past 3 months. They also spent a week discussing the birth of Jewish youth movements, and the role that they have played both historically, and contemporarily, in Jewish communities around the world and in Israel.
Some of the great speakers that have come to spend some time with the shnatties include renowned film-maker Elad Wexler, who spoke about Israeli culture as it is portrayed in cinema, as well as famed Habo Alumni Neil Harris from Kibbutz Tuval, who came to speak about Arab-Israeli relations in the Galil. Rami Tzdafee, three-time shaliach of Habonim Dror and current world Gizbar also came to talk about the British Mandate, and the experience of growing up in an Israeli youth movement during the British rule of Palestine. They were also visitied by Lydia Aisenberg, who spoke to them about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and her personal experience of aliya to kibbutz some 40 years ago, and everything that she has seen and experienced since then.
In the past few weeks, the shnatties have been on a number of different tours around the country. A few weeks ago they spent a day up in the Golan heights, at look-outs over Syria and Jordan, and famous battle sites from the six day war and yom kippur war. During the day, there were questions and discussions about the status of the Golan Heights and negotiations today. They also spent a day in Jerusalem, which had some grand highlights, like a talk with Gil Hoffman, one of the editors of the Jerusalem Post, a visit to the knesset, a visit to the Rav Kook museum and a discussion about religious Zionism, as well as a talk with a Chabad rabbi about Chabad today.
The shnatties final tour for Boneh was to Machon Ayalon - one of the great stories of the original kibbutzim and the British mandate. Machon Ayalon was a bullet-making factory that was hidden under a kibbutz, and run by the young members of the kibbutz before and during the war of independence.
The final week of Boneh was spent a lot on reflection, summary, and feedback. There were a number of discussions about how the shnatties reflect on their experience, and some interesting points for them to take away from what they learnt over the past 3 months.
Today, the shnatties said goodbye to kibbutz Ein Dor, and headed off for the first day of Habo History seminar. They will be spending this week visiting different kibbutzim and communes connected to the history, and modern-day story of Habonim Dror in Israel. I am certain that, as always, it will be an inspiring and enriching week!
Next week the shnatties start kaveret preparation seminar, and will be moving into their house in Karmiel on Wednesday December 23. I will send the postage addresses for the Karmiel house to Hannah & Roberta, who can forward them on to all of the parents.
It is an exciting fortnight of transition coming up for the shnatties, but they will have a chance to relax and unwind a little with the chofesh break straight afterwards.
I would like to wish everyone a chag sameach, and a shavua tov.
Until next time,
Leon.
Thursday 12 November 2009
A big month on Shnat!
Hello to everyone!
October was been a big month on Shnat, full of learning, enriching experiences, and growth for the shnatties.
After the chanichim finished yam le yam, the shnatties returned to regular programming on Boneh. That Thursday it was off to the Diaspora Museum at Tel Aviv University, where the shnatties were guided through various exhibits covering thousands of years of Jewish history around the world. Both informative and thought-provoking, they were challenged to think about their own Jewish communities and Jewish identities while learning. They also had a very special guest speaker - renowned Mizrachi musician Yair Dalal - who came to talk about the progression of mizrachi music and gave a special performance playing the Oud!
The following two weeks, the chanichim continued their intensive learning in the different shiurim (classes) that they engage with each week. They have also been rapidly advancing their Hebrew levels! During the first of the two weeks, the Shnatties had a special talk with the mazkira of kibbutz Ein Dor, to discuss some of the changes at kibbutz Ein Dor in the recent decades. Fascinating stuff!
At the final weekend of the fortnight, the shnatties headed out of kibbutz and down to Nes Harim (a JNF campsite in the Jerusalem hills) for Rabin seminar! The seminar was a mifgash of all of the shnat participants of Habonim from every country! There were over 200 chanichim from North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and of course - Holland and the UK! The shnatties had a chance to go through the seminar in mixed groups either in english, hebrew, or spanish, and there was a representation of shnatties in every group! The seminar examined the life of Rabin, and looked at issues of democracy, Zionism, and leadership today in Israeli society and the threats to them.
Last week the shnatties had a rivetting session with guest speaker and long-time informal educator in Israel, Mark Lazar, who spoke with them and ran some activities based on the significant early Zionist figures. They also travelled to two different museums and heard the stories of some of the first groups of olim in the building of the new Jewish state - the first Aliya museum in Zichron Ya'akov, and the pioneering museum about the Jezre'el valley settlement in kibbutz Yifat. The day was rounded out by a hearty Rikudei Am (Israeli dancing) session at the end of their time in Yifat.
On that Saturday evening, the shnatties headed out to Kikar Rabin for the annual Rabin memorial event. Surrounded by thousands of Israelis and many more blue shirt wearing Israeli movement members, the shnatties (with the help of some energetic translators) heard speeches by numerous Israeli Knesset members, including: Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Education Minister Gidon Sa'ar, Leader of the Opposition Tzipi Livni, as well as President Shimon Peres and Dahlia Rabin, the daughter of Yitzhak Rabin. To ease their concentration levels a little bit, there was even a speech in English - a televised message from US President Barack Obama. There were also some big name Israeli musicians who performed songs, including Hadag Nachash, Tzvika Pik, Miri Masika, and Miri Aloni.
Needless to say it has been a very exciting and exhausting month for the shnatties. There have been many times of challenge and growth, and the kvutsa is settling into their lives together very well.
One last thing - a number of North American Workshop parents have inquired about the H1N1 vaccination for their children. The vaccination became available in Israel this week, but the distribution to the public has not yet been finalised. For those of you who want your child to receive the vaccination, please contact Hannah Manson to in the British office, or Roberta in Holland, to let them know. There may be a personal cost to receive the vaccination if it is not covered by the insurance!
Wishing you all a shabbat shalom and a great weekend.
Until next time,
Leon.
The Dutch chanichim living the good life!
The Shnattie boys looking all dressed up!
The shnat group in full movement attire!
October was been a big month on Shnat, full of learning, enriching experiences, and growth for the shnatties.
After the chanichim finished yam le yam, the shnatties returned to regular programming on Boneh. That Thursday it was off to the Diaspora Museum at Tel Aviv University, where the shnatties were guided through various exhibits covering thousands of years of Jewish history around the world. Both informative and thought-provoking, they were challenged to think about their own Jewish communities and Jewish identities while learning. They also had a very special guest speaker - renowned Mizrachi musician Yair Dalal - who came to talk about the progression of mizrachi music and gave a special performance playing the Oud!
The following two weeks, the chanichim continued their intensive learning in the different shiurim (classes) that they engage with each week. They have also been rapidly advancing their Hebrew levels! During the first of the two weeks, the Shnatties had a special talk with the mazkira of kibbutz Ein Dor, to discuss some of the changes at kibbutz Ein Dor in the recent decades. Fascinating stuff!
At the final weekend of the fortnight, the shnatties headed out of kibbutz and down to Nes Harim (a JNF campsite in the Jerusalem hills) for Rabin seminar! The seminar was a mifgash of all of the shnat participants of Habonim from every country! There were over 200 chanichim from North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and of course - Holland and the UK! The shnatties had a chance to go through the seminar in mixed groups either in english, hebrew, or spanish, and there was a representation of shnatties in every group! The seminar examined the life of Rabin, and looked at issues of democracy, Zionism, and leadership today in Israeli society and the threats to them.
Last week the shnatties had a rivetting session with guest speaker and long-time informal educator in Israel, Mark Lazar, who spoke with them and ran some activities based on the significant early Zionist figures. They also travelled to two different museums and heard the stories of some of the first groups of olim in the building of the new Jewish state - the first Aliya museum in Zichron Ya'akov, and the pioneering museum about the Jezre'el valley settlement in kibbutz Yifat. The day was rounded out by a hearty Rikudei Am (Israeli dancing) session at the end of their time in Yifat.
On that Saturday evening, the shnatties headed out to Kikar Rabin for the annual Rabin memorial event. Surrounded by thousands of Israelis and many more blue shirt wearing Israeli movement members, the shnatties (with the help of some energetic translators) heard speeches by numerous Israeli Knesset members, including: Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Education Minister Gidon Sa'ar, Leader of the Opposition Tzipi Livni, as well as President Shimon Peres and Dahlia Rabin, the daughter of Yitzhak Rabin. To ease their concentration levels a little bit, there was even a speech in English - a televised message from US President Barack Obama. There were also some big name Israeli musicians who performed songs, including Hadag Nachash, Tzvika Pik, Miri Masika, and Miri Aloni.
Needless to say it has been a very exciting and exhausting month for the shnatties. There have been many times of challenge and growth, and the kvutsa is settling into their lives together very well.
One last thing - a number of North American Workshop parents have inquired about the H1N1 vaccination for their children. The vaccination became available in Israel this week, but the distribution to the public has not yet been finalised. For those of you who want your child to receive the vaccination, please contact Hannah Manson to in the British office, or Roberta in Holland, to let them know. There may be a personal cost to receive the vaccination if it is not covered by the insurance!
Wishing you all a shabbat shalom and a great weekend.
Until next time,
Leon.
The Dutch chanichim living the good life!
The Shnattie boys looking all dressed up!
The shnat group in full movement attire!
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