The First Shabbat

The MBIers started off their day by heading off to the beautiful city of Zichron Yaakov. It is one of Israel's older cities, founded originally in 1882Th. While there they went to the First Aliyah Museum where they received a guided tour. Learning about the challenges the first aliyah members contended with as much of Israel was in need of development to sustain their and future generations lives. Learning about their history is integral to understanding the evolution that eventually took place in the phases of the growing, building and establishing the state of Israel.

After the museum they had chance to walk around the city and see the beautiful views from the city and its short but rich history. They also had the opportunity to get a taste of local food as they were given a small budget to eat lunch. They walked around and had options such shawarma and falafel as well as having delicious Israel ice cream for dessert. There is truly nothing like going up to falafel or schwarma stand and getting it fresh. The smell and tastes are one of a kind.

Afterwards they went to Ramat Hanadiv, also located in Zichron, which is a lovely botanical garden. There they got to walk around and also visit the grave of Baron Rothschild and learn about his role in Israel's history. He played a significant role in the creation of Zichron Yaakov, as well as financially backing many other developments in Israel. It was a peaceful and informative afternoon as such.

In the late afternoon they headed back to Nordiya to prepare for the Shabbat. After getting a chance to rest, shower, and change into some Shabbat clothes, the MBIers took part in their first Friday night in Israel. In bringing the Habonim Dror spirit of Shabbat, the evening began with mishpachot(families) which is a tradition at many camps, and on MBI it meant a time for the Machanot(camps) to have a chance to all sit together and catch up about their week and have familiar faces to sit with. Afterwards Leon told a rousing Rosh's Story which enthralled the MBIers with his Australian accent and witty delivery.

Having taken part in Kabbalat Shabbat and eating a delicious shabbat dinner the next part of the evening's activities took place. Bus 3 entertained the MBIers with humorous oneg(play/skit) that they wrote, directed, and starred. Every week a different bus will get its turn, and Bus 3 tried to set a high bar of comedy for the other bus's to strive for. Lastly, what could be better then being under the stars in Israel and getting to take part in Israeli dancing! A spirited evening of dance took place and was a great way to end Friday night.

Tomorrow they will take part in a relaxed Shabbat day that will include a desired sleep-in. Chugim(special-interest activities) will be lead by the madrichim(counselors) as well as processing of the week. Of course no Habonim Dror shabbat would be complete with musicale, havdallah, and medura.

On Shabbat(tomorrow) I will not be posting an update as I prefer to observe the spirit of Shabbat. I will be back on Sunday with a big update about Saturday and Sunday.

Lastly if you have not already sent in your Visitor's Permission form it has to be in by this coming Wednesday the 23rd of July. To access it I have created a link here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhpg3npt_14gskr98j6. I will be sending out a list on Monday with everyone who's I have forms from, but if you know you haven't sent it in please send it in ASAP.

Shabbat Shalom to you all!