First Hike and MBI Shabbat

Friday morning, MBI packed up and loaded the buses to leave Tel Chai and set off for their first hike of the summer. They went to a stream called the Hatzbani. This is one of Israel's 3 main water sources that leads to the Jordan River. It sits at the foot of the picturesque Hermon Mountain. This is a great hike due its beauty and was a nice break from the heat as the MBIers had the opportunity to go in the water.

After the hike, they drove to the next camp site, Yaar Lavi (lavi forest) where they will be spending the weekend and had some time to get ready for their first Shabbat.

Friday night on MBI looks very similar to Shabbat at machaneh. They started off the evening by sitting in groups by machaneh. At camp this is called mishpachot (families) and it is an opportunity for everyone to sit in smaller groups and reflect on the week. On MBI this is an opportunity to see all of their home camp friends who are on different buses.

Mishpachot was followed by Kabbalat Shabbat (a "ceremony" before dinner to bring in the Shabbat). Following Kabbalat Shabbat, Gil, told a rosh story about what his first day at camp was like, his first summer at a Habonim Machaneh.

Following dinner the MBIers had Shabbat Shira and sang hebrew songs that many of HDNA's machanot sing each friday night. Shabbat Shira ended up going so long that the dining hall staff asked the group to leave so they could close up. All of the tzevet and MBI-ers went outside the chadar ochel (dining hall) and the tzevet thought Shabbat Shira was over. But the MBI-ers kept going outside in one large circle, and sang together for another 45 minutes.

Then MBI was treated to an Oneg (a short and funny play) planned by 3 of the MBI-ers for the rest of the group. Following the Oneg they had the opportunity to participate in one of our best camp traditions, Rikudei Am (folk dancing). Rikud is something that happens at all the machanot in a slightly different way so this is a great time for the chanichim to share their traditions and learn new dances. The group was dancing with such energy, that another group of Israelis also staying at the campsite came over and asked if they could join.

On Saturday the MBIers had a day full of meaningful conversation and relaxation "chill time" They enjoyed a slight sleep in before delving into some important issues. The day included a peula about why MBI is in Israel and the importance of Israel to our movement and their own identities. An important topic to discuss and keep in mind throughout the summer as they travel around.

Along with this peulah they enjoyed 2 sets of chugim (interest groups) These are discussions and activities that are run everyday at machaneh and on Saturday sometimes take on a more serious tone. The first session of chugim was run by the madrichim and the second set was run by some of the chanichim. This was an incredible opportunity for peer leadership and a way for the MBIers to share their interest with one another.

After dinner they took part in another amazing camp tradition, Medura and Musicale. This is a time when anyone who wants to sign a song, play an instrument, read a poem, etc. can do so. Over the years musicale has been a space where kids can express themselves artistically.

From the sounds of it MBI has a lovely restful Shabbat in preparation for their 2nd week.

Till next time,

Ari

Hebrew Words:

Machaneh - camp

Mishpachot - families

Kabbalat Shabbat - service bringing in the shabbat

Shabbat Shira - singing songs for shabbat

Chadar Ochel - dining hall

Rikudei Am - Israeli/Jewish folk dances

Chanichim - campers/participants

Peula- activity

Medura- campfire talent show

Musicale - open-mike performance