Sunday, August 17, 2008
Israel Flights
Alright well the MBIers are through security and customs and should be taking off shortly. The flight to Newark will be 45 minutes late so make note of that in terms of adjusting arrival times to Philadelphia and Baltimore/DC area. The other flights are scheduled to land on time. More of an update later.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Tikkun Olam and the Final Shabbat
Today the MBIers woke up acutely aware of the precious little time left on MBI, but also with a sense of purpose to give back to the country that has given them so much just in this short trip. As such the MBIers set off after breakfast to go the Northern part of Ashdod to take part in a tikkun olam project. They went specifically to the Chof HaDayagim(Fisherman's Beach) to take part in a clean up of the beach there.
When the arrived the MBIers found a beach that was quite neglected, filled with trash, and rather unpleasant to put it mildly. The MBIers recognizing the need, and the power in numbers they had, they set off to clean up the beach. After filling an enormous amount of garbage bags, the MBIers by the end could look back and see a beach that actually looked quite pretty, in stark contrast to the ugly site earlier. This project was coordinated with the Beach Department of the Environmental Ministry in Israel, who were quite thankful for the help and even gave the MBIers hats as a small token of their appreciation.
After resting and eating some lunch on the go, the MBIers set off to swim at a more traditional beach in Ashdod at the Chof Yud Alef. There got some final fun in the sun on the Mediterranean before heading back to Nes Harim for Shabbat. When the MBIers returned to Nes Harim they a peula(activity) that began the sikkum(wrapping up) process for the end of MBI. They also had time to rest, shower and clean up for the final Friday night in Israel on MBI.
They had Mishpachot(family time) where all the machanot(camps) got to reunite and share stories, laughs and catch up on the adventures they all had been having. This was followed by the Rosh's Story which gave Leon one last chance to tell an inspiring tale in his well loved Australian accent. This was followed by a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony that truly captured the spirit of the moment of celebrating Shabbat in Israel.
After Dinner the final oneg(play) was performed by a group of the MBIers to many laughs and reminders of the end being near. The evening was capped off with Rikud(Israeli Dancing) again capturing the special spirit of Habonim and machaneh in the most special of places, Israel. It was a great Friday and a great start to the final weekend of activities.
Tomorrow the MBIers will have a sleep-in, followed by some more traditional Shabbat activities of chugim, Musicale, Havdallah and Medura. There will be more sikkum(wrapping up) activites as well as the final mesibah(party)! Sunday of course will be the end with packing up, having a final tekes(ceremony) and a tear-filled goodbye to Israel, their madrichim(counselors) and of course there many many new friends.
When the arrived the MBIers found a beach that was quite neglected, filled with trash, and rather unpleasant to put it mildly. The MBIers recognizing the need, and the power in numbers they had, they set off to clean up the beach. After filling an enormous amount of garbage bags, the MBIers by the end could look back and see a beach that actually looked quite pretty, in stark contrast to the ugly site earlier. This project was coordinated with the Beach Department of the Environmental Ministry in Israel, who were quite thankful for the help and even gave the MBIers hats as a small token of their appreciation.
After resting and eating some lunch on the go, the MBIers set off to swim at a more traditional beach in Ashdod at the Chof Yud Alef. There got some final fun in the sun on the Mediterranean before heading back to Nes Harim for Shabbat. When the MBIers returned to Nes Harim they a peula(activity) that began the sikkum(wrapping up) process for the end of MBI. They also had time to rest, shower and clean up for the final Friday night in Israel on MBI.
They had Mishpachot(family time) where all the machanot(camps) got to reunite and share stories, laughs and catch up on the adventures they all had been having. This was followed by the Rosh's Story which gave Leon one last chance to tell an inspiring tale in his well loved Australian accent. This was followed by a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony that truly captured the spirit of the moment of celebrating Shabbat in Israel.
After Dinner the final oneg(play) was performed by a group of the MBIers to many laughs and reminders of the end being near. The evening was capped off with Rikud(Israeli Dancing) again capturing the special spirit of Habonim and machaneh in the most special of places, Israel. It was a great Friday and a great start to the final weekend of activities.
Tomorrow the MBIers will have a sleep-in, followed by some more traditional Shabbat activities of chugim, Musicale, Havdallah and Medura. There will be more sikkum(wrapping up) activites as well as the final mesibah(party)! Sunday of course will be the end with packing up, having a final tekes(ceremony) and a tear-filled goodbye to Israel, their madrichim(counselors) and of course there many many new friends.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sof Machatz and heading back to the some familiar places
This morning the MBIers group by group got picked up from their familiar buses as they were gradually reunited with their greater MBI bus and eventually group. Much of the morning was spent saying goodbye to Kibbutz and then traveling to Holon where the main event of the day was to take place. They arrived in Holon to have lunch out and then the buses one by one headed to the Holon Children Museum.
The Museum is a fantastic place that is known for having an incredible Blind Exhibit but the MBIers got a special treat to explore their newest exhibit. This exhibit is a Deaf Exhibit that is called "Invitation to Silence". It is enthralling glimpse into the world and challenges faced by those who are hearing impaired. Participants were given headphones that block out noise in order to become more fully immersed in the experience. One by one each of groups took their turns getting led through the exhibit. The reviews after said it was a fantastic and arguably enlightening experience.
After everyone had their turn the MBIers headed back to familiar place, the air-conditioned cabins of Nes Harim. The MBIers were relieved to be back at what has almost become a second home this summer and were even more excited to be reunited with the larger MBI group. The MBIers had dinner in the chadar ochel(dining hall) as they trickled in from the Museum.
There was a great energy at Nes Harim as friends reconnected and shared stories and compared experiences on their Kibbutzim. The evening activities was more relaxed to the MBIers a chance to catch up with their friends and reflect on their various Machatz experiences. It was a great way to end a week of Machatz and prepare for the final weekend of MBI!
Tomorrow the MBIers will be taking part in a tikkun olam project in morning. They be helping to clean an Ashdod beach near where the beach meets up with Lachish River. It is unfortunately a lovely beach that is on the watch list of many Israeli environmental groups for dumping and other mistreatment and is need of cleaning. Later they will head off to different beach to swimming as the temptation of being on the beach all morning and not swimming would be too great! Much of the rest of the day will be a more traditional Friday afternoon on Shabbat.
As a reminder all of you should already received the travel plan for Monday and you already should have your e-tickets. If you do not please let me know, though I will post all the information on the blog again. I will be out of the office tomorrow for a wedding this weekend so if you to reach me from then until the travel day please call the Habonim Dror cellphone at 917-822-2330. Please understand I will be checking my phone on Sunday to monitor the flight, but it is also the day of the Wedding I will be attending, so please be patient if I don't respond immediately. The final Shabbat of MBI is upon us....
The Museum is a fantastic place that is known for having an incredible Blind Exhibit but the MBIers got a special treat to explore their newest exhibit. This exhibit is a Deaf Exhibit that is called "Invitation to Silence". It is enthralling glimpse into the world and challenges faced by those who are hearing impaired. Participants were given headphones that block out noise in order to become more fully immersed in the experience. One by one each of groups took their turns getting led through the exhibit. The reviews after said it was a fantastic and arguably enlightening experience.
After everyone had their turn the MBIers headed back to familiar place, the air-conditioned cabins of Nes Harim. The MBIers were relieved to be back at what has almost become a second home this summer and were even more excited to be reunited with the larger MBI group. The MBIers had dinner in the chadar ochel(dining hall) as they trickled in from the Museum.
There was a great energy at Nes Harim as friends reconnected and shared stories and compared experiences on their Kibbutzim. The evening activities was more relaxed to the MBIers a chance to catch up with their friends and reflect on their various Machatz experiences. It was a great way to end a week of Machatz and prepare for the final weekend of MBI!
Tomorrow the MBIers will be taking part in a tikkun olam project in morning. They be helping to clean an Ashdod beach near where the beach meets up with Lachish River. It is unfortunately a lovely beach that is on the watch list of many Israeli environmental groups for dumping and other mistreatment and is need of cleaning. Later they will head off to different beach to swimming as the temptation of being on the beach all morning and not swimming would be too great! Much of the rest of the day will be a more traditional Friday afternoon on Shabbat.
As a reminder all of you should already received the travel plan for Monday and you already should have your e-tickets. If you do not please let me know, though I will post all the information on the blog again. I will be out of the office tomorrow for a wedding this weekend so if you to reach me from then until the travel day please call the Habonim Dror cellphone at 917-822-2330. Please understand I will be checking my phone on Sunday to monitor the flight, but it is also the day of the Wedding I will be attending, so please be patient if I don't respond immediately. The final Shabbat of MBI is upon us....
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Towards the end of Machatz
As some of you may or may not have heard, we unfortunately had to send home another three MBI participants. On one of the Kibbutzim there is an area where the 18 year old army aged Kibbutzniks live and the MBIers there were warned not to go spend time there. Unfortunately, despite no less than two separate warnings about spending time there, two nights ago several MBIers went there after they were supposed to be asleep and these 18 yr olds provided alcohol to these MBIers. The three MBIers were caught partaking in this alcohol and as had already been made clear, is against our rules and results in dismissal from the program.
It was sad and unfortunate to have this happen again despite having the MBIers witness the consequences of others who partake in similar actions. Despite providing a safe environment with overall consistent supervision(Approx 1:6 madrich/chanich ratio) and clear rules, we cannot always prevent the unfortunate breaking of our important rules. We have and will continue to enforce our policies and evaluate the circumstances of these instances to try figure out if there is anything we can do in the future to prevent this from happening. The fact remains that by and large our program participants follow our rules, as part of creating a positive social environment that is crucial to the spirit and success of MBI and Habonim Dror.
Today the MBIers had their final full day of Machatz with a variety of activites. Many of the Kibbutzim were wrapping up their respective tiyulim. Some participants had mornings by the Kinneret packing up, hiking and heading back to their Kibbutz. Others partook in more aspects of their tiyul, enjoying the beauty of the areas near the Kinneret and the Golan Heights.
Many of the MBIers also took part in work projects on the Kibbutz. Some of them had the opportunity to join different anafim(work groups) whether they were working in the fields, landscaping, working with kids, or others. Most of the MBIers got some time after avodah and coming back from tiyul to relax and have fun at the great Kibbutz pools. The pool on a most Kibbutzim is a social place and usually quite nice as swimming pools go.
In the evening most of the MBIers had dinner with their host family as a farewell but also to have delicious home cooked meal. It was a final chance to connect with their host family and a chance to have a more traditional Israeli meal. Many of the MBIers had the chance to watch the Olympics and cheer on Israel, the US and Canada. The evening was rounded out with a farewell mesibah(party) with their new Kibbutz friends as their special time on Kibbutz was coming to a close.
Tomorrow the MBIers will be picked up from their buses to head towards the center of the country. They will all head down to Holon where they will meet up for lunch and then have a fascinating afternoon at the Blind Museum which is unique is attempting to have museum-goers to experience what it's like to be blind. In the evening they will head to a familiar and welcome stomping ground of the air-conditioned cabins at Nes Harim. Just a few more days of MBI...
As a final note that I will post tomorrow. I will be out of town from Friday until Sunday night at a close friend's wedding. As always I can be reached on the Habonim Dror cellphone during that time should any issues arise.
It was sad and unfortunate to have this happen again despite having the MBIers witness the consequences of others who partake in similar actions. Despite providing a safe environment with overall consistent supervision(Approx 1:6 madrich/chanich ratio) and clear rules, we cannot always prevent the unfortunate breaking of our important rules. We have and will continue to enforce our policies and evaluate the circumstances of these instances to try figure out if there is anything we can do in the future to prevent this from happening. The fact remains that by and large our program participants follow our rules, as part of creating a positive social environment that is crucial to the spirit and success of MBI and Habonim Dror.
Today the MBIers had their final full day of Machatz with a variety of activites. Many of the Kibbutzim were wrapping up their respective tiyulim. Some participants had mornings by the Kinneret packing up, hiking and heading back to their Kibbutz. Others partook in more aspects of their tiyul, enjoying the beauty of the areas near the Kinneret and the Golan Heights.
Many of the MBIers also took part in work projects on the Kibbutz. Some of them had the opportunity to join different anafim(work groups) whether they were working in the fields, landscaping, working with kids, or others. Most of the MBIers got some time after avodah and coming back from tiyul to relax and have fun at the great Kibbutz pools. The pool on a most Kibbutzim is a social place and usually quite nice as swimming pools go.
In the evening most of the MBIers had dinner with their host family as a farewell but also to have delicious home cooked meal. It was a final chance to connect with their host family and a chance to have a more traditional Israeli meal. Many of the MBIers had the chance to watch the Olympics and cheer on Israel, the US and Canada. The evening was rounded out with a farewell mesibah(party) with their new Kibbutz friends as their special time on Kibbutz was coming to a close.
Tomorrow the MBIers will be picked up from their buses to head towards the center of the country. They will all head down to Holon where they will meet up for lunch and then have a fascinating afternoon at the Blind Museum which is unique is attempting to have museum-goers to experience what it's like to be blind. In the evening they will head to a familiar and welcome stomping ground of the air-conditioned cabins at Nes Harim. Just a few more days of MBI...
As a final note that I will post tomorrow. I will be out of town from Friday until Sunday night at a close friend's wedding. As always I can be reached on the Habonim Dror cellphone during that time should any issues arise.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Machatz Continues...
The MBIers were busy having fun experiences on their various Kibbutzim. Below I will list a glimpse into some of the activities that took place on each Kibbutz. Given that there are 8 Kibbutzim, they all are having varied, but similar experiences will slightly different schedules.
On Kibbutz Afikim the MBIers woke up early to some work doing some landscaping, cleaning up and pruning some trees on a nearby orchard on the Kibbutz. Later on they set off for a tiyul which included going Kayaking on the Jordan River. They also will be sleeping out under the stars with their new Kibbutz friends as part of the tiyul.
Today Bet Haemek set off for their tiyul which included going to the Achziv beach on the Kinneret to both relax and to take in some fun water activities. They also slept out on the banks of thr Kinneret where they a bonfire, sang songs and enjoyed the starry sky above.
On Maayan Baruch they actually headed into a nearby forest to take part in a day of "Survivor". Many different games and competitions took place in this day of outdoor fun and bonding.
Shaar Hagolan went on a Jeep tour of the Golan and later on went Banana Boating on the Kinneret.
Metzuba had a more relaxed enjoying the amenities of the Kibbutz and enjoying swimming in the Kibbutz pool among other activities. At Kibbutz Kinneret they too had a time to swim, play and enjoy the pool. Later on they had a learning tour about Naomi Shemer who is a famous Israeli singer and songwriter who is from the Kibbutz and passed away several years ago. Lastly Kibbutz Ammiad also had a tiyul where they went to the Chof Chalukim at the Kinneret and took part in various water activities. They too had the thrill to also sleep out on the banks of the Kinneret.
On Kibbutz Afikim the MBIers woke up early to some work doing some landscaping, cleaning up and pruning some trees on a nearby orchard on the Kibbutz. Later on they set off for a tiyul which included going Kayaking on the Jordan River. They also will be sleeping out under the stars with their new Kibbutz friends as part of the tiyul.
Today Bet Haemek set off for their tiyul which included going to the Achziv beach on the Kinneret to both relax and to take in some fun water activities. They also slept out on the banks of thr Kinneret where they a bonfire, sang songs and enjoyed the starry sky above.
On Maayan Baruch they actually headed into a nearby forest to take part in a day of "Survivor". Many different games and competitions took place in this day of outdoor fun and bonding.
Shaar Hagolan went on a Jeep tour of the Golan and later on went Banana Boating on the Kinneret.
Metzuba had a more relaxed enjoying the amenities of the Kibbutz and enjoying swimming in the Kibbutz pool among other activities. At Kibbutz Kinneret they too had a time to swim, play and enjoy the pool. Later on they had a learning tour about Naomi Shemer who is a famous Israeli singer and songwriter who is from the Kibbutz and passed away several years ago. Lastly Kibbutz Ammiad also had a tiyul where they went to the Chof Chalukim at the Kinneret and took part in various water activities. They too had the thrill to also sleep out on the banks of the Kinneret.
Monday, August 11, 2008
First Full Day of Machatz
With MBIers getting a taste of Kibbutz on their various Kibbutzim, varied but similar experiences are being had by all the MBIers. I am going to try to list some of the many different activities the MBIers are taking part in. Some of the activities done on one Kibbutz will be done later in the week or possibly not at all. Overall the Machatz(Kibbutz) has and will be a memorable one. Most of the MBIers have Kibbutz families who are again providing a new insight into Israeli life and culture on the most basic level.
Last night was a fun night to get to know the Kibbutz and the Israeli Kibbutzniks that are the same age as the MBIers. Today continued the cultural exchange through a variety of activites. On one Kibbutz the MBIers set off for a great hike along Nachal(River) Ziv and ended up sleeping out near the Jordan River and will do some more hiking tomorrow.
Other Kibbutzim had more relaxed days with hikes planned for tomorrow. One Kibbtuz had a dance party at the Kibbutz Disco tonight which was a fun look into Israeli music and the Israeli integration of Western culture and music. Another group took part in an Israeli culture night to learn more about what's new and cool in Israeli music as well as eating delicious humus among other Israeli foods.
Many of the Kibbutzim had time to go swimming today in the Kibbutz pools which often are quite lovely and fun to swim. Two of the Kibbutzim had fun night of "al haesh"(on the fire) or barbequing by the fool while meeting and spending time with the Israelis their age. Many of the Kibbutzim had activities led by their madrichim(counselors) and also gave the MBIers that chance to catch up on some sleep as they were aware of the busy schedules of MBI and the relaxed atmosphere often found on Kibbutz.
Tomorrow several groups are taking part in their avodah(work) projects, with waking up early and heading out to the banana and lychee orchards. One group is taking a jeep trip through the Golan. Many of the groups are going on tiyul tomorrow at the Kinneret where the MBIers will get more time to swim, sun and sleep out on the beautiful banks of the Kinneret. It is a great mix of fun, relaxing, and ultimately a slice of Kibbutz life in Israel today.
Last night was a fun night to get to know the Kibbutz and the Israeli Kibbutzniks that are the same age as the MBIers. Today continued the cultural exchange through a variety of activites. On one Kibbutz the MBIers set off for a great hike along Nachal(River) Ziv and ended up sleeping out near the Jordan River and will do some more hiking tomorrow.
Other Kibbutzim had more relaxed days with hikes planned for tomorrow. One Kibbtuz had a dance party at the Kibbutz Disco tonight which was a fun look into Israeli music and the Israeli integration of Western culture and music. Another group took part in an Israeli culture night to learn more about what's new and cool in Israeli music as well as eating delicious humus among other Israeli foods.
Many of the Kibbutzim had time to go swimming today in the Kibbutz pools which often are quite lovely and fun to swim. Two of the Kibbutzim had fun night of "al haesh"(on the fire) or barbequing by the fool while meeting and spending time with the Israelis their age. Many of the Kibbutzim had activities led by their madrichim(counselors) and also gave the MBIers that chance to catch up on some sleep as they were aware of the busy schedules of MBI and the relaxed atmosphere often found on Kibbutz.
Tomorrow several groups are taking part in their avodah(work) projects, with waking up early and heading out to the banana and lychee orchards. One group is taking a jeep trip through the Golan. Many of the groups are going on tiyul tomorrow at the Kinneret where the MBIers will get more time to swim, sun and sleep out on the beautiful banks of the Kinneret. It is a great mix of fun, relaxing, and ultimately a slice of Kibbutz life in Israel today.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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!
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!
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