On Thursday the MBI groups were matched up with kenim and each small group went on a short hike near the camp site. This was a great way to create informal but structured bonding time right off the bat. During the hike they took several stop where they played a variety of name games and ice breakers. During the hike they took a break to make their own traditional Israeli "hikers" breakfast of pita, salad and spreads.
After returning to the camp site each small group gathered for their first peulah (educational activity). This was another "get to know you" activity. Each chanich (camper) got a booklet entitled "my ken". They filled out the book drawing pictures and writing descriptions of their kenim and machanot (camps). This was an opportunity to start to learn about the differences and similarities between the two movements and to get an idea of the cultures that each of the chanichim are coming from. In the evening they had a fun night activity altogether. Each night during Tnua Achot, MBI is sleeping at Ya'ar Lavi in tents that are mixed between the Israeli Youth and our MBI-ers.
Friday was an intensive but good and thought provoking day. They had several peulot throughout the day which challenged them and gave them new perspectives and ideas about topics they have already learned about. They had a peulah where they discussed their own Jewish identity and the connection between Judaism and Zionism. This was an eye opening experience for both the MBIers and the Israelis. Later they had a peulah about tzedek (justice) and tzedaka (charity). Here they discussed the differences and the impact that both forms of action have on the world, and how to incorporate these ideas into their lives.
Earlier in the day in order to break up the peulot they also had creative chugim (interest groups). There were a variety of chugim for the chanichim to participate in such as a "jam session" where people brought several instruments and played music, rikud where they taught each other dances, and making fimo (a kind of soft clay). This was an opportunity for them to meet new kids from other groups and to bond over their creative interests and talents.
In preparation for Shabbat in the afternoon some of the MBIers exlained Habonim Shabbat traditions including kabbalat Shabbat, havdallah and musicale. This was to make sure the Israelis understood what was happening when the MBIers hosted kabbalat Shabbat and to invite the Israelis to prepare musicale acts for the traditional Saturday night musicale. After dinner the camp participated in something called a salatron which is a crazy fun and ruach (spirit) filled competition. They have silly tasks such as eating a watermelon without using your hands, having an improv dance competition and who has the most team spirit. The energy from the activity carried them into a rousing rikud session. A good time was had by all.
In preparation for Shabbat in the afternoon some of the MBIers exlained Habonim Shabbat traditions including kabbalat Shabbat, havdallah and musicale. This was to make sure the Israelis understood what was happening when the MBIers hosted kabbalat Shabbat and to invite the Israelis to prepare musicale acts for the traditional Saturday night musicale. After dinner the camp participated in something called a salatron which is a crazy fun and ruach (spirit) filled competition. They have silly tasks such as eating a watermelon without using your hands, having an improv dance competition and who has the most team spirit. The energy from the activity carried them into a rousing rikud session. A good time was had by all.
Tomorrow they will have a sleep-in for Shabbat morning and then another day of living and learning with their new friends. But more on that next time...
Shabbat Shalom to all,
Ari
