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.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
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!
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Tiyul Yam L'Yam
Hi all!
The chaggim (holiday) season in Israel has finally come to an end and life is returning to a somewhat normal routine. During chol Hamoed Succot, the shnatties participated in our annual Yam L’Yam tiyul (sea to sea hike)!
They started tiyul early last Tuesday in Achziv, with a short tekes (ceremony) of filling a water bottle from the Mediterranean, which symbolised the journey we were about to set off on, together with all the other Habonim Dror participants from around the world - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, North America and Holland. Altogether, there were approximately 140 people participating in this years’ tiyul.
On Tuesday we hiked part of the Cziv trail, which is near the Montfort fortress remains and Goren Park. The hike ended with a very short but very steep incline which was certainly to be remembered! The shnatties returned to Goren just in time for sunset and to set up the campsite. Unfortunately the weather proved less than friendly and some intermittent showers meant a challenging night! The whole group were real troopers, not minding a bit of rain and mud in the slightest! And thankfully it didn’t rain throughout the night, and everyone got a good night’s sleep.
On Wednesday we got up at the refreshing hour of 5.45am (!), packed up camp and set off with a short bus ride to Elkosh bridge, and walked along Niria river bed, to Hirbet Homema (near the base of Mt Meron) and then proceeded to climb up to the top of the Meron. Mt Meron is the 2nd highest mountain in Israel, and has stunning views of the entire region. That night we camped at Nachal Amud, which is situated on the Cross Israel Trail, a very busy hiking track which goes from the north of the country, all the way to the south.
On Thursday the shnatties started back at the top of Mt Meron and descended the mountain they had climbed the previous day, and then continued on the Upper Nachal Amud trail, through the Schia pools (small pools of water along the track) and then continued all the way to Tsfat, which once again had a very steep incline (anyone familiar with Tsfat will know that it is in a very mountainous area!). A short bus ride took the shnatties back to the Camping Ground. Upon arrival back, they were met with the famous sight of the spinning roasting chickens, which provided a sumptuous feast for dinner (With vegetarian options of veggie skewers and delicious burgul salad with freshly picked figs and pomegranates provided of course!)
On Friday, we got up again at 5.45am, in order to pack up the campsite, and after a short bus ride near to Kibbutz Hukuk, we started the final leg of the hike, primarily through banana fields, and all the way to the beach at Kibbutz Ginosar. Everyone rejoiced in some swimming time and the chance to have a shower finally! We finished with a short tekes, involving the bottle of water which we had filled up and carried from the Meditteranean to the Kinneret, and the distribution of Yam L Yam shirts!!
A great time was had by all, and some shnatties made great friends with various other Habonim Dror participants from around the world. The next worldwide Habonim Dror event, the Rabin Memorial Seminar weekend, will be at the end of October.
Until next time,
Leon
The chaggim (holiday) season in Israel has finally come to an end and life is returning to a somewhat normal routine. During chol Hamoed Succot, the shnatties participated in our annual Yam L’Yam tiyul (sea to sea hike)!
They started tiyul early last Tuesday in Achziv, with a short tekes (ceremony) of filling a water bottle from the Mediterranean, which symbolised the journey we were about to set off on, together with all the other Habonim Dror participants from around the world - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, North America and Holland. Altogether, there were approximately 140 people participating in this years’ tiyul.
On Tuesday we hiked part of the Cziv trail, which is near the Montfort fortress remains and Goren Park. The hike ended with a very short but very steep incline which was certainly to be remembered! The shnatties returned to Goren just in time for sunset and to set up the campsite. Unfortunately the weather proved less than friendly and some intermittent showers meant a challenging night! The whole group were real troopers, not minding a bit of rain and mud in the slightest! And thankfully it didn’t rain throughout the night, and everyone got a good night’s sleep.
On Wednesday we got up at the refreshing hour of 5.45am (!), packed up camp and set off with a short bus ride to Elkosh bridge, and walked along Niria river bed, to Hirbet Homema (near the base of Mt Meron) and then proceeded to climb up to the top of the Meron. Mt Meron is the 2nd highest mountain in Israel, and has stunning views of the entire region. That night we camped at Nachal Amud, which is situated on the Cross Israel Trail, a very busy hiking track which goes from the north of the country, all the way to the south.
On Thursday the shnatties started back at the top of Mt Meron and descended the mountain they had climbed the previous day, and then continued on the Upper Nachal Amud trail, through the Schia pools (small pools of water along the track) and then continued all the way to Tsfat, which once again had a very steep incline (anyone familiar with Tsfat will know that it is in a very mountainous area!). A short bus ride took the shnatties back to the Camping Ground. Upon arrival back, they were met with the famous sight of the spinning roasting chickens, which provided a sumptuous feast for dinner (With vegetarian options of veggie skewers and delicious burgul salad with freshly picked figs and pomegranates provided of course!)
On Friday, we got up again at 5.45am, in order to pack up the campsite, and after a short bus ride near to Kibbutz Hukuk, we started the final leg of the hike, primarily through banana fields, and all the way to the beach at Kibbutz Ginosar. Everyone rejoiced in some swimming time and the chance to have a shower finally! We finished with a short tekes, involving the bottle of water which we had filled up and carried from the Meditteranean to the Kinneret, and the distribution of Yam L Yam shirts!!
A great time was had by all, and some shnatties made great friends with various other Habonim Dror participants from around the world. The next worldwide Habonim Dror event, the Rabin Memorial Seminar weekend, will be at the end of October.
Until next time,
Leon
Monday, 5 October 2009
Chaggim to the Max on Shnat
Dear parents and fans of Shnat 2009-10,
So the past couple of weeks has been a blur of activity, learning, and growth for the Shnatties. The shnatties have been on Ein Dor for three weeks now, and have become lovable neighbors of the community. Their first week was an orientation and 'getting to know' the different elements of the Boneh program - from hebrew lessons to work in anafim on the kibbutz, to the learning structure and their partners - the North American Habonim workshoppers (Shnat participants). They went through many peulot and sichot, and committed to making the most of their time as a part of the kibbutz community. The week was rounded out with a siyur (trip) to discover the region of Israel that they are in - they had a guided tour of the Circassian village of Kfar Kama, which lies just north of Ein Dor, and heard stories and tales of Circassian life in Israel. The Circassians are a tiny percentage of the population (about 3,000 in total) of Israel, but have a highly unique culture and way of life. Needless to say, it was a fascinating tour!
The shnatties then went to Shibli, a neighbouring Bedouin village that sits at the foot of Mt Tavor, and were treated to a feast of a meal for lunch, including falafel, hummous, tahina, more pita than we knew what to do with, and a wonderful atmosphere.
The group also ventured to a lookout over Afula, and received an explanation of the history and layout of the city, and the Jezre'el valley in Israel in general.
The shnatties then had the pleasure of feeling their first chag in Israel - Rosh Hashana. Many left kibbutz for family, or simply the sense of adventure, while those who stayed on kibbutz were welcomed to the big community feast as new participants in one of the major highlights of communal kibbutz life - chaggim.
The first week of Boneh proper marked the beginning of classes for the shnat group. The first few weeks have seen them examine the basis of 'Israeliness' and the general day-to-day lives of Israelis in the Israeli Society course, they have examined the bible period in Jewish history, as well as symbols and prayer in their Cultural Judaism course. The shnatties have also learnt some of the origins of Socialist Zionism through Marx, Hess, Syrkin and Pinsker, as well as the beginnings of the Jewish state in Israeli History. The shnatties also started to work in various anafim (branches) of work around the kibbutz. These include:
- Cheese making (there is an established cheese making facility on Ein Dor, where they use their own milk from their cowshed)
- Cheder Ochel/Kitchen (preparation of food and maintaining the dining room area)
- Horses (the kibbutz has a horse farm which involved grooming and feeding the horses)
- Garden (maintenance of the gardens and public areas of the kibbutz)
- Laundry (washing and folding the clothes of the kibbutzniks)
- Childrens' Homes (There are preschool homes for children aged 2,3, and 4 on the kibbutz, where the shnatties are involved in feeding and educating the youngest in the kibbutz community)
- Factory (the factory on kibbutz develops wooden spools for telecommunication wires)
- Doll maker (there is a professional doll maker on kibbutz where the shnatties help to create toys for the youngsters!).
They also had a special guest come to speak to them during the first full week of programming - Reut from Machon L'Chaggim (Institute for Jewish festivals). Machon L'Chaggim is a library and learning centre based at Kibbutz Bet Hashita which invests in learning workshops to understand Jewish expression on kibbutz.
Last week, the shnatties returned from Yom Kippur for another action-packed week on Boneh. The guest speaker for the week was Mark Rosenstein, who runs an organisation called Makom B'Galil near Karmiel. He came to speak about the general Jewish history during the temple period in Judaism, but also specifically about the evolution of the Talmud, and it's influence in the shaping of Judaism during that period.
The project for the week was to build a sukkah! The shnatties enthusiastically hammered and decorated away, and made their own sukkah for chag hasukkot. Those who stayed on kibbutz were also involved in the 'Sukkot show' on Ein Dor, and had the chance to see their north american friends dance live on stage!
Tomorrow the group will be heading on to Yam le Yam (Sea to Sea). A 4 day tiyul that starts from the Meditarranean sea, and goes through some of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Israel, including Har Meron, and we finish up at the Kinneret for a well earned dip in the sea! After that the group will be heading back to kibbutz, or out to see relatives/friends for the weekend.
I would like to wish everyone a chag sameach, and all the best for the week to come.
Until next time,
Leon.
So the past couple of weeks has been a blur of activity, learning, and growth for the Shnatties. The shnatties have been on Ein Dor for three weeks now, and have become lovable neighbors of the community. Their first week was an orientation and 'getting to know' the different elements of the Boneh program - from hebrew lessons to work in anafim on the kibbutz, to the learning structure and their partners - the North American Habonim workshoppers (Shnat participants). They went through many peulot and sichot, and committed to making the most of their time as a part of the kibbutz community. The week was rounded out with a siyur (trip) to discover the region of Israel that they are in - they had a guided tour of the Circassian village of Kfar Kama, which lies just north of Ein Dor, and heard stories and tales of Circassian life in Israel. The Circassians are a tiny percentage of the population (about 3,000 in total) of Israel, but have a highly unique culture and way of life. Needless to say, it was a fascinating tour!
The shnatties then went to Shibli, a neighbouring Bedouin village that sits at the foot of Mt Tavor, and were treated to a feast of a meal for lunch, including falafel, hummous, tahina, more pita than we knew what to do with, and a wonderful atmosphere.
The group also ventured to a lookout over Afula, and received an explanation of the history and layout of the city, and the Jezre'el valley in Israel in general.
The shnatties then had the pleasure of feeling their first chag in Israel - Rosh Hashana. Many left kibbutz for family, or simply the sense of adventure, while those who stayed on kibbutz were welcomed to the big community feast as new participants in one of the major highlights of communal kibbutz life - chaggim.
The first week of Boneh proper marked the beginning of classes for the shnat group. The first few weeks have seen them examine the basis of 'Israeliness' and the general day-to-day lives of Israelis in the Israeli Society course, they have examined the bible period in Jewish history, as well as symbols and prayer in their Cultural Judaism course. The shnatties have also learnt some of the origins of Socialist Zionism through Marx, Hess, Syrkin and Pinsker, as well as the beginnings of the Jewish state in Israeli History. The shnatties also started to work in various anafim (branches) of work around the kibbutz. These include:
- Cheese making (there is an established cheese making facility on Ein Dor, where they use their own milk from their cowshed)
- Cheder Ochel/Kitchen (preparation of food and maintaining the dining room area)
- Horses (the kibbutz has a horse farm which involved grooming and feeding the horses)
- Garden (maintenance of the gardens and public areas of the kibbutz)
- Laundry (washing and folding the clothes of the kibbutzniks)
- Childrens' Homes (There are preschool homes for children aged 2,3, and 4 on the kibbutz, where the shnatties are involved in feeding and educating the youngest in the kibbutz community)
- Factory (the factory on kibbutz develops wooden spools for telecommunication wires)
- Doll maker (there is a professional doll maker on kibbutz where the shnatties help to create toys for the youngsters!).
They also had a special guest come to speak to them during the first full week of programming - Reut from Machon L'Chaggim (Institute for Jewish festivals). Machon L'Chaggim is a library and learning centre based at Kibbutz Bet Hashita which invests in learning workshops to understand Jewish expression on kibbutz.
Last week, the shnatties returned from Yom Kippur for another action-packed week on Boneh. The guest speaker for the week was Mark Rosenstein, who runs an organisation called Makom B'Galil near Karmiel. He came to speak about the general Jewish history during the temple period in Judaism, but also specifically about the evolution of the Talmud, and it's influence in the shaping of Judaism during that period.
The project for the week was to build a sukkah! The shnatties enthusiastically hammered and decorated away, and made their own sukkah for chag hasukkot. Those who stayed on kibbutz were also involved in the 'Sukkot show' on Ein Dor, and had the chance to see their north american friends dance live on stage!
Tomorrow the group will be heading on to Yam le Yam (Sea to Sea). A 4 day tiyul that starts from the Meditarranean sea, and goes through some of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Israel, including Har Meron, and we finish up at the Kinneret for a well earned dip in the sea! After that the group will be heading back to kibbutz, or out to see relatives/friends for the weekend.
I would like to wish everyone a chag sameach, and all the best for the week to come.
Until next time,
Leon.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Update from Israel
Dear Blog followers,
I just wanted to update all of you about an incident which happened not long ago. 2 rockets were fired from Lebanon into the Northern area of Israel, and landed in open fields near Nahariya. There were no reported injuries. At this point there are no changes to the security measures, and all of the group are safe and acounted for.
For more information you can check haaretz.com .
Shabbat shalom to you all,
Leon
I just wanted to update all of you about an incident which happened not long ago. 2 rockets were fired from Lebanon into the Northern area of Israel, and landed in open fields near Nahariya. There were no reported injuries. At this point there are no changes to the security measures, and all of the group are safe and acounted for.
For more information you can check haaretz.com .
Shabbat shalom to you all,
Leon
Tiyul, the end of orientation, and the arrival to Ein Dor
Hello to everyone!
The first full week of Shnat 2009-10 was full of excitement and new experiences for the Shnat Europe group. The group headed down to the northern Negev desert region on Sunday morning for the first tiyul of Shnat. They spent two days trekking through the beautiful and picturesque landscape of the desert, and spent two nights camping, eating and sitting around the bonfire together. It was definitely a great bonding exerecise, both for the group themselves, and for a good connection with the tranquil desert region of Israel.
The group finished their tiyul in the historic site of David Ben-Gurion's grave at Sde Boker early on Tuesday morning, and then headed north to the city of Jaffa, next to Tel-Aviv. They had a few hours to eat, shower, and dress before heading to Ramat Efal, the headquarters of both the kibbutz movement in Israel, and World Habonim Dror. They were all highly anticipated guests at the celebrations of 80 years for Habonim Dror in the UK, and had the privilige of meeting some of the vatikim (veterans) of the movement through all the years, including seeing David Broza live in concert!
On wednesday the group went through a day of peulot and discussions, including the all-important rooms discussion and the decisions on who would room with who on kibbutz, as well as the kuppah discussion, and how they wanted to structure their money together for the year.
After many peulot, discussion, activities, and hiking together, the group finally headed out from Jaffa on Thursday and headed to their home for the next 3 months, kibbutz Ein Dor.
The group arrived at Ein Dor safely yesterday evening and, after a thorough talk about the rules and expectations from the kibbutz and in regards to the Boneh program, were left to set-up their rooms, stick their photos of loved ones on the walls, and start making normal dormitory dwellings become warm and familiar homes.
Today the Shnatties had a well-earned sleep-in and then continued their discussion about kuppah, and had a bit of time to get to know one of the more anticipated attractions of kibbutz Ein Dor - the swimming pool!
The group will be starting Boneh orientation seminar on Sunday morning, but have a chance to unwind and recharge during the weekend for another exciting week of learning, discovering, and unforgettable experiences.
For those of you who wish to send packages or letters to your loved ones on kibbutz, the mail address is:
[Participant's name]
Habonim Dror
Tavor Accomodation
Kibbutz Ein Dor
DN Yizre'el 19355
Israel
I would like to wish you all a shabbat shalom, and a relaxing weekend.
Until next time,
Leon.
The first full week of Shnat 2009-10 was full of excitement and new experiences for the Shnat Europe group. The group headed down to the northern Negev desert region on Sunday morning for the first tiyul of Shnat. They spent two days trekking through the beautiful and picturesque landscape of the desert, and spent two nights camping, eating and sitting around the bonfire together. It was definitely a great bonding exerecise, both for the group themselves, and for a good connection with the tranquil desert region of Israel.
The group finished their tiyul in the historic site of David Ben-Gurion's grave at Sde Boker early on Tuesday morning, and then headed north to the city of Jaffa, next to Tel-Aviv. They had a few hours to eat, shower, and dress before heading to Ramat Efal, the headquarters of both the kibbutz movement in Israel, and World Habonim Dror. They were all highly anticipated guests at the celebrations of 80 years for Habonim Dror in the UK, and had the privilige of meeting some of the vatikim (veterans) of the movement through all the years, including seeing David Broza live in concert!
On wednesday the group went through a day of peulot and discussions, including the all-important rooms discussion and the decisions on who would room with who on kibbutz, as well as the kuppah discussion, and how they wanted to structure their money together for the year.
After many peulot, discussion, activities, and hiking together, the group finally headed out from Jaffa on Thursday and headed to their home for the next 3 months, kibbutz Ein Dor.
The group arrived at Ein Dor safely yesterday evening and, after a thorough talk about the rules and expectations from the kibbutz and in regards to the Boneh program, were left to set-up their rooms, stick their photos of loved ones on the walls, and start making normal dormitory dwellings become warm and familiar homes.
Today the Shnatties had a well-earned sleep-in and then continued their discussion about kuppah, and had a bit of time to get to know one of the more anticipated attractions of kibbutz Ein Dor - the swimming pool!
The group will be starting Boneh orientation seminar on Sunday morning, but have a chance to unwind and recharge during the weekend for another exciting week of learning, discovering, and unforgettable experiences.
For those of you who wish to send packages or letters to your loved ones on kibbutz, the mail address is:
[Participant's name]
Habonim Dror
Tavor Accomodation
Kibbutz Ein Dor
DN Yizre'el 19355
Israel
I would like to wish you all a shabbat shalom, and a relaxing weekend.
Until next time,
Leon.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Orientation Seminar On Shnat
Hi again everyone,
It has been a frenetic start to Shnat 2009-10, and the group is already bonding together as one. Everyone arrived safely on Wednesday evening, and immediately they headed off to the lovely and quiet guest house of Neve Shalom, which is halfway between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. Once they arrived, they played a few ice-breakers to get to know each other, and then headed to bed for a well-earned nights' sleep.
On Thursday the group continued their bonding peulot, before going over the rules and expectations of the program with myself in the afternoon. They also had a bit of time at the pool in Neve Shalom in the afternoon, which was a well-deserved break from the early spring Israel heat.
Yesterday the group headed to Jerusalem for a day trip. They spent their time at the kotel and the Jewish quarter of the old city, which gave them a good insight into the spiritual meaning and connection with Jerusalem in Judaism. They also had a chance to scout the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall, and the surrounding areas, including buying a traditional 'shawarma' lunch for themselves!
They headed back to Neve Shalom in the afternoon and prepared for their first shabbat together as the Shnat group.
This morning the Dutch chanichim met up with the Dutch Chazon seminar, of the incoming mazkirut. They had a peula together and will also be eating lunch together. In the afternoon, they will continue with Peulot, before preparing for their tiyul for tomorrow.
Tomorrow the group will head to the northern negev region for tiyul, and will be spending 2 days hiking, camping, and eating together, under the beautiful and peaceful desert sky. On Tuesday they will head back to the centre of the country, and will all be attending the big Habonim Dror UK 80th celebrations on Tuesday evening at Ramat Efal.
The group will be concluding their orientation seminar on Thursday, and will head up to their base for the next 3 months, kibbutz Ein Dor.
It has been a really positive start to the Shnat year, and the group are looking forward to many more inspirational and growing experiences together.
I would like to wish a shabbat shalom to everyone, and a shavua tov to you all.
Until next time,
Leon.
It has been a frenetic start to Shnat 2009-10, and the group is already bonding together as one. Everyone arrived safely on Wednesday evening, and immediately they headed off to the lovely and quiet guest house of Neve Shalom, which is halfway between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. Once they arrived, they played a few ice-breakers to get to know each other, and then headed to bed for a well-earned nights' sleep.
On Thursday the group continued their bonding peulot, before going over the rules and expectations of the program with myself in the afternoon. They also had a bit of time at the pool in Neve Shalom in the afternoon, which was a well-deserved break from the early spring Israel heat.
Yesterday the group headed to Jerusalem for a day trip. They spent their time at the kotel and the Jewish quarter of the old city, which gave them a good insight into the spiritual meaning and connection with Jerusalem in Judaism. They also had a chance to scout the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall, and the surrounding areas, including buying a traditional 'shawarma' lunch for themselves!
They headed back to Neve Shalom in the afternoon and prepared for their first shabbat together as the Shnat group.
This morning the Dutch chanichim met up with the Dutch Chazon seminar, of the incoming mazkirut. They had a peula together and will also be eating lunch together. In the afternoon, they will continue with Peulot, before preparing for their tiyul for tomorrow.
Tomorrow the group will head to the northern negev region for tiyul, and will be spending 2 days hiking, camping, and eating together, under the beautiful and peaceful desert sky. On Tuesday they will head back to the centre of the country, and will all be attending the big Habonim Dror UK 80th celebrations on Tuesday evening at Ramat Efal.
The group will be concluding their orientation seminar on Thursday, and will head up to their base for the next 3 months, kibbutz Ein Dor.
It has been a really positive start to the Shnat year, and the group are looking forward to many more inspirational and growing experiences together.
I would like to wish a shabbat shalom to everyone, and a shavua tov to you all.
Until next time,
Leon.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
First Entry of the Shnat Blog
Hello to Everyone!
Welcome to the Shnat 2009-10 Blog for the coming year. As the departure date for all of your children/friends/siblings rapidly approaches, I wanted to let all of you know that you can keep up to date with all of the latest happenings of Shnat here first.
In addition, I'll also be posting any changes in the security situation or conditions if, and when, the situation changes here in Israel, so be sure to check the Blog. Hopefully there won't be any need to change the security stipulations throughout the year.
I'll put the first post up on Wednesday or Thursday after the group arrives, to let you know that they have all gotten in safely, and then i'll update the blog every week to fortnight.
I hope that you are making the most of your last few days with your loved ones before they embark on, what is going to be, the journey of a lifetime!
Until next time,
Leon
Welcome to the Shnat 2009-10 Blog for the coming year. As the departure date for all of your children/friends/siblings rapidly approaches, I wanted to let all of you know that you can keep up to date with all of the latest happenings of Shnat here first.
In addition, I'll also be posting any changes in the security situation or conditions if, and when, the situation changes here in Israel, so be sure to check the Blog. Hopefully there won't be any need to change the security stipulations throughout the year.
I'll put the first post up on Wednesday or Thursday after the group arrives, to let you know that they have all gotten in safely, and then i'll update the blog every week to fortnight.
I hope that you are making the most of your last few days with your loved ones before they embark on, what is going to be, the journey of a lifetime!
Until next time,
Leon
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