End of Machaneh and beginning of Machatz

Saturday morning the MBIers awoke to set off on a Shabbat Tiyul, a tradition shared by the Israelis and those from Machaneh(Camp) Miriam. They set off for a short hike which included many interactive parts to the morning besides hiking. First off they stopped not too long after setting off to have a delicious breakfast they would make themselves. As part of bringing Israeli and Hanoar Haoved culture, they made a fire and cooked on a taboun which is a sort of Middle Eastern grill that is a half-sphere of metal to place over the fire. On they cooked different pastries they made that were filled with delicious fillings of cheese and vegetables. They also made pita and had other spreads to go along with breakfast.

The hike continued to be an infusion of Israeli and NOAL culture as there were also a round-robin of stations during the hike led by the Israeli madrichim(counselors). At the the stations they learned different stories of Israeli folklore and culture. This was part of the continuing effort to shed light on the narrative and background of Israeli culture that their Israeli counterparts grew up with.

They returned to the Yaar Levi for lunch in the Chadar Ochel(Dining Hall) and proceeded to have a more traditional MBI shabbat afternoon. There were Chugim which included many different topics to learn and discuss with their madrichim(counselors) about contemporary issues in Israel, among others. Later they had a peula(activity) focused on Tikkun Olam(Social Justice/Fixing the World), as it is a fundamental part of Habonim Dror and Hanoar Haoved.

They also proceeded to have a special Musicale with their Israeli friends, had dinner and moved on to close out the week with Havdallah. It again was a special experience for the MBIers to share their North American tradition of Havdallah with the NOAL participants, many of whom were quite foreign to the weekly practice, especially the version that is enjoyed in Habonim. The evening was rounded out with Mishpachot(families) with all the machanot(camps) getting some time to sit down together and catch up on the week past and prepare for the excitement of the week ahead.

Today the MBIers awoke for their final morning of Machaneh Tnua Achot(Sister Summer Camp). They a peula(activity) after breakfast and participated in a sikkum(summary) of the few wonderful days they shared with their new Israeli friends. Many new connections and friendships were sprung from this time together, as well as a deeper grasp and understanding of what it means to be 16 and live in Israel.

They also got a special shirt to commemorate this special machaneh(camp) to add to the many great memories and things they will be taking away from MBI. After saying many goodbyes the MBIers loaded up on to the buses and headed off for a new meeting of Israeli cultures as the Machatz time period was set to commence.

The MBIers got dropped off at their Kibbutzim by the late afternoon where they were met by Kibbutniks their age. For the next several days the MBIers will be on their respective Kibbutzim, taking part in similar, but unique programs at each Kibbutz. The MBIers got to settle into the homes for the Machatz time period and meet their Israeli hosts. Many had a barbeque to meet the Israelis there age and eat some great food. It should be a great week filled with more exchanges of Israeli culture, an overnight, an avodah project and much more. More to come tomorrow!