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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