Shabbat and Sunday

Saturday morning the MBIers got a highly desired sleep-in which helped the MBIers recharge and embrace the busy but relaxed atmosphere on Shabbat on MBI. After breakfast they took part in the Mosh tradition of Rejuvenation which involves collectively stretching to relax body and mind but also prepare the participants for the mood of the day.

After Rejuvenation they took part in leaving about Parshat Hashavuah(Weekly Torah Portion) which was a partial performance that included Leon taking on the role of Moses. This was followed by Shabbat Chugim(Special-interest group activity) lead by the madrichim(counselors) of MBI. Some of the groups were, Israel Update, The Academic School system, Mayan Prophesies, AIDS, and the History of Hip Hop and Social Change. The range of topics meant many interesting discussions were had and that there was something for everybody.

Chugim was then followed by Machaneh(Camp) time which gave them a half hour to again spend some time together, but to direct their energies to writing a letter back to their home machaneh(camp) to talk about their experiences thus far. Hopefully this should spark up a sort of penpal type of communication which while undoubtably exciting for both sides to here the news from each other.

In the afternoon they also had a peula to continue the spirit of shabbat learning. This was followed by optional Chug Kef(fun) which gave a chance for the MBIers to take part in some optional organized fun. The groups included Finger-painting, Creative writing, and Learn Australian slang. No shabbat would be complete with rousing Musicale with various musical performances, Havdallah under the stars of the Israeli sky and the comedic performances that took place in Medura. In Leon's humble opinion the spirit of the day really felt like Shabbat at machaneh and that it was one of the best Shabbat's of all his MBI's!

Today was a truly exciting day as it was Yom(Day) Habonim Dror! They got to meet up with the leaders of Habonim Dror in Israel as well as several hundred Habonim Dror members on various summer trips or year-programs from places as far and wide as Brazil, South Africa, England, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Hungary and more! After hearing some introductory remarks they had some activities together meeting the other 16 yr olds as well as bartering for any number of unique t-shirts and other goods from the other countries. It was definitely an inspiring day filled with excitement, many languages, and new friends from across the globe.

Afterwards the MBIers headed to the next place they will be staying which is called Nachsholim. It is a lovely Kibbutz hotel located just south of Haifa, right near the Mediterranean. There they had a delicious dinner and after dinner took part in a special tekes(ceremony). During the ceremony they finally got their movement chultzot(blue shirts with red string) and got their special gifts from Yom Habonim Dror. They got t-shirts commemorating the day as well fancy waterbottles that even have a compass on them. Later on they had peula(activity) with their bus to wrap up the day.

With the week off to a great start, MBI will continue along with great things in store. Tomorrow will include a special evening that will include going to Isfiya which is a Druze village and having a delicious Druze meal. It will definitely be a night and meal to remember!

Lastly as some of you might have noticed, the automatic email system did not on Friday for some reason, but should work in the future. I will keep you posted if this is not the case.