Saying goodbye to kibbutz and reuniting with MBI

The MBIers continues to enjoy the time with their kibbutz friends. On Wednesday all of the kibbutzim headed out for their day or overnight trips. Activities ranged from kayaking down the Jordan river, banana boating on the Kinneret, taking some beautiful walks in the Golan to an area with natural pools. The rest of the their time on kibbutz also included more pool parties and evening activities.

after a relaxing few days the MBIers said goodbye to their new Israeli friends and headed to the Sataf to meet up with the rest of MBI. The Sataf is a short hiking trail and spring in the Judean Hills near Jerusalem. This was a nice way to start their last Shabbat together and nice way to cool down as they had a chance to get a little wet and splash around in the stream.

After lunch the group headed to their next hostel, Nes Harim which is tucked away in the hills of Jerusalem where they had the afternoon free to reconnect with friends they hadn't seen in a a few days and prepare for Shabbat.

For Shabbat, they enjoyed a lovely story told by Gil describing the types of choices he has had to make in his life and after dinner each kvutzah (group) presented a few memorable moments from their MBI experience which of course was followed by traditional Friday night rikud (folk dancing).

MBI Return travel information

Flights

Return to Newark

EL AL LY 27
Depart: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Ben Gurion APT, Tel Aviv, Israel(TLV) 00:05 Term. 3
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Newark, Newark, NJ, USA(EWR) 04:45 Term. B

The bus to PA/MD will meet the kids at Newark airport.

Bus Information
Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park PA- 8:30am
White Marsh Park and Ride, White Marsh MD- 10:30
Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring, MD- 11:30am


Return to JFK

EL AL LY 1
Depart: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Ben Gurion APT, Tel Aviv, Israel(TLV) 01:00 Term. 3
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 John F Kennedy Intl APT, New York, NY, USA(JFK) 05:40 Term. 4

There will be Habonim staff at JFK to help MBIers find their connecting flights.

Return to Toronto

Delta DL 153
Depart: Wed. 05 Aug. 2009 Ben Gurion APT, Tel Aviv, Israel(TLV) 23:35 Term. 3
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Hartsfield Intl APT, Atlanta, GA, USA(ATL) 05:50 Term. S


Delta DL 5492
Depart: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Hartsfield Intl APT, Atlanta, GA, USA(ATL) 07:45 Term. S
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Lester B Pearson Intl, Toronto, ON, Canada(YYZ) 09:57 Term. 3

There will be a Delta representative meeting the MBIers to take them to their connecting gate.


Return to Vancouver
Delta DL 153
Depart: Wed. 05 Aug. 2009 Ben Gurion APT, Tel Aviv, Israel(TLV) 23:35 Term. 3
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Hartsfield Intl APT, Atlanta, GA, USA(ATL) 05:50 Term. S

Delta DL 1105
Depart: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Hartsfield Intl APT, Atlanta, GA, USA(ATL) 08:20 Term. S
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT, USA(SLC) 10:19 Term. 2

Delta DL 4870
Depart: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT, USA(SLC) 10:55 Term. 2
Arrive: Thu. 06 Aug. 2009 Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada(YVR) 12:19 Term. M

There will be Delta staff at all connections to help MBIers find their connecting flights.

More Pictures from Gil

Some Pictures

Since they are on kibbutz I have received some pictures from one of the madrichim. There are not pictures of everyone as this is from one person's camera but here is a little taste of MBI.

Kibbutz Time!

Yesterday afternoon the MBIers parted ways and headed off to kibbutz. After arriving to their kibbutzim in the evening the chanichim met the Israelis who are hosting them for their time on kibbutz. After playing some name games and "breaking the ice" the kids split off to drop off their luggage and meet their host families and relax.

Today most of the chanichim cooled off by the pool or beach and continued to spend time with their kibbutz peers. Most of the kibbutzim also had another "get to know you" peulah (activity) as well as a discussion about the kibbutz and how they have changed from their beginning to become what they are today.

After more relaxing time in the afternoon each kibbutz had an evening activity.

Kibbutz Afik enjoyed a bit of friendly competition with a Iron Chef style cooking challenge where small groups were given ingredients and they had to cook dinner using those ingredients. When they completed everyone got to enjoy each others "concoctions".

Kibbutzim Afikim and Ein Gev met up for the night and enjoyed dinner and pool party.

Kibbutz Shamir enjoyed a nice relaxing movie night in the kids moadon (club house).

Kibbutz Chanita were welcomed with a nice home cooked meal with their host families and then all of the kids came to the moadon (club house) for a kumzitz (sing along) where they taught each other Hebrew and English songs they know from camp.

Kibbutz El Rom endured some "labor" and had a pizza party where they took part in cooking their dinners.

Kibbutz Gvat took a little field trip to creek off the kibbutz during the afternoon and then relaxed with a movie.

Kibbut Moledet ended out their first day with a pool party and night swimming.

All of the kids have enjoyed their first day on kibbutz and will all be heading out on their tiyul(trip) tomorrow.

Tnua Achot (sister movement) ends and Machatz (kibbutz) begins

This morning the MBIers had one last "wrap-up" peulah with their new Israeli friends at the camp with Hanoar Haoved. After this peulah all participants gathered together and sang a few songs they had learned together over the weekend and had a closing ceremony where they received a chultzah tnua (movement shirt) signifying their completion of the camp.

After goodbyes were said and emails were exchanged the MBIers loaded onto the buses and headed off to their kibbutzim, where they will meet another group of Israeli teenagers and experience a different sector of Israeli society.

The kibbutzim are as follows.

Group 1A-Tilly and Michal
Kibbutz Gvat

Group 1B- Sarah and Tamir
Kibbutz Afikim

Group 2A- George and Mirjam
Kibbutz El Rom

Group 2B- Shnel, Na'ama and Yali
Kibbutz Ein Gev

Group 3A- Reut and Maya
Kibbutz Afik

Group 3B- Fabian and Arik
Kibbutz Shamir

Group 4A- Leah and Yonah
Kibbutz Chanita

Group 4B- Elon and Meital
Moledet

I have created a map of the kvutzot and have added the link here.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109425717699132861453.00046fb1fac0b7ef08632&ll=32.558678,35.392971&spn=0.142657,0.234489&z=12

Machane Tnua Achot in full swing

On Friday the MBIers set off from the picturesque Judean Desert and headed to Ya'ar Lavi (Lavi Forest) for the highly anticipated Sister Movement machane, with chanichim from our sister movement in Israel, Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed(NOAL). The MBIers were split into smaller groups, and introduced to the group from Hanoar Haoved that they would be spending their educational activities together with. They spent their first afternoon together learning each other's names, backgrounds, and languages. It provided the MBIers with a great opportunity to expand their hebrew vocabulary, and also to help in strengthening the english levels of their Israeli partners.

Afterwards they had a peula(activity) where they exchanged their movement experiences, and examined some of the differences between Habonim Dror and Hanoar Haoved. While Habonim Dror North America is largely structured around our machanot(summer camps) and kenim activities during the year, the Israeli structure is quite different. While they do have summer camps, they are often 5 days to a week long and the focus is much more on the activities in the ken. In most areas the ken meets 1-2 times a week and clearly plays a different role then in North America. It was a great exchange of ideas and sparked a great energy and connection between the MBIers and the NOAL Israeli participants. It also armed the MBIers with some great ideas to bring back to their movement and their communities.

After a hearty shabbat meal together, the MBIers partook in a great Hanoar Haoved activity, the Salatron. Salatron is a night activity which is often done in the movement in Israel, where small groups compete in fun challenges and tasks, based around creating things together as a group. Once the laughter died down, the MBIers took over and led their counterparts from Hanoar Haoved in a long and tiring session of Rikudei Am (Israeli folk dancing).

On Shabbat, the MBIers and the chanichim from Hanoar Haoved spent a bonding and relaxing day together. They did 2 educational activities together, which examined concepts in Judaism such as tzedaka and tikkun olam, and how they relate to them within their families, their movements, and their communities. They also did shabbat chuggim together, which gave MBIers the opportunity to run small discussion groups on issues prevalent within their own lives and societies, and another platform with which to engage and learn together with their Hanoar Haoved counterparts.

The evening was spent with the whole of MBI together, in 2 of Habonim Dror North America's favourite shabbat activities - Medura and Musicale. It allowed the MBIers and the Israelis to express their collective acting and musical talents, and was another way which brought them together, and created real friendships.

Today the MBIers and the chanichim from Hanoar Haoved spent the morning doing a short tiyul (hike), which also inolved a great Israeli camping pastime, bishul b'shetach (outdoor cooking). The MBIers cooked laffot (flat bread) galore, and had plenty of labne (white cheese), vegetables, and zatar to spice it up. It was a warm and delicious start to the day!

The MBIers then spent the afternoon in their small groups talking about the differences and similarities that they had learnt and seen from their two days together, and examining what things they could take from the other movement and incorporate into their own machane/ken experience.

The evening was spent doing an activity that is well known within both movements - bet cafe (coffee house). Here, the MBIers and Israeli chanichim had a chance to enjoy each other's company in an informal setting, where they were given coffee, tea, and snacks, and could talk over anything and everything that they wanted. It also gave them a chance to get to know some other people outside of their small group.

Tomorrow, the MBIers will be finishing things up on Machane tnua Achot, and saying goodbye to their newly made Israeli friends, and will be heading off to their kibbutzim for the kibbutz period. They will be hosted by families on their respective kibbutzim, and will get to experience modern kibbutz life and it's different facets, from kibbutz work, to communal dining, to one of the kibbutznik's favorite summer activities - pooltime!

The lowest place on earth!

This morning the MBIers woke up before the sun rose, and hopped on the buses to make their way to one of the most amazing and historical sites in Israel - Masada. The MBIers trudged up a path known as the snake trail - a winding staircase that leads the way up to the peak of the mountain. The group arrived just in time for one of the most beautiful sites one can see - the sun rising above the Moab mountains, reflecting down onto the Dead Sea. The MBIers were given an in-depth tour of the site, and the madrichim also put on some role plays as some of the most famous historical personalities linked to Masada, including King Herod, the last Hasmonean king, and Elazar Ben Yair, the leader of the Rebel Zealots against the Romans at Masada in 73 AD. Masada is one of the most unique and remarkable architectural structures in the world - sitting atop a mountain that, at it's highest points, reaches almost 400 metres above the floor below. Masada has the ruins of Herod's temple, as well as all the signs of Jewish communal life, from the synagogue, to the mikvah, to the houses.
As the temperature started to rise, the MBIers headed down from Masada the easy way - on the sites state-of-the-art cable cars! While the group panted and huffed their way up to the top in the morning, they barely broke a sweat on the way down, with the Dead Sea right in front of their eyes.
The MBIers then headed into the hostel at Masada where they enjoyed a hearty and well-earned breakfast. They then headed out to the Dead Sea, both the lowest and the saltiest area on the earth's surface. The Dead Sea is currently in a hotly-contested competition for the world's '7 natural wonders'. The MBIers got a chance to float around for a while, before the heat of the sun set in and they headed indoors - to the Ein Gedi hostel. There the MBIers got the chance to nap right through the afternoon, after a long morning of hiking and soaking up the sun.
After dinner, the MBIers did an educational activity to prepare them for the coming days, where they will be spending some time with our sister movement, Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed (working and learning youth) at Machane Tnua Achot (Sister movement camp). The MBIers will be leaving the serene and tranquil surrounds of the Judean Desert tomorrow to head off to the machane, where they will be doing educational activities with 16 year old members of Hanoar Haoved from all over the country. It gives the MBIers a great opportunity to hear what it is like for young Israelis growing up in a youth movement, and in Israeli society. And, like every year, there will definitely be some strong friendships made, that will last well beyond the machane itself.

Adventuring through the South

Yesterday morning the MBIers started by doing an educational activity together, and discussing their experiences thus far, and talking about what was to come. They then had lunch at Sde Boker, before heading to the grave of David Ben-Gurion, who is buried at Sde Boker. Ben-Gurion was the first prime minister of the state of Israel, and one of the most influential and important figures in the development of Zionism and the creation of the Jewish State. The MBIers then travelled to kibbutz Sde Boker, for a tour of Ben-Gurion's hut. David Ben-Gurion lived the final years of his life as an active member of this flourishing desert community, and lived out the last stages of his life following his dream of 'making the desert bloom.'
The MBIers then had some free time in the evening before dinner, to mingle amongst old machane friends, as well as make some new ones. It was also a perfect time for lots of pictures to be taken, with the breathtaking view of the desert mountains behind them. Just before dinner the MBIers had a tekkes (ceremony) together, where they all received their brand new movement chultzot (shirts), which they will hopefully use for years to come!
After dinner, the MBIers were taken out for a treat, only possible in the desert. The 'scorpion hunt' is one of the highlights of every year of MBI, and this year was no exception. Guided by professional guides, each bus was taken out to search for scorpions under the night sky. Groups travelled round with UV flashlights, hoping to catch a glimpse of this small but dangerous desert animal. Scorpions illuminate under UV light, so it was exciting to see the sight of a small, scuttling scorpion in the desert sand for all. But don't worry, we're glad to report that there were no bites! Aside from the odd mosquito or two.
This morning the MBIers woke up early and headed off for two of the desert's most beautiful hikes and landmarks. The morning hike was done in Ein Avdat, which goes through the Avdat ruins. Avdat is an ancient desert city, which was inhabited by a Nabbatean tribe roughly 2,500 years ago. The city was a major stop on the trade routes, and the ruins exist there until today.
The afternoon was spent travelling through the large machtesh in the desert, a huge naturally formed crater right in the middle of the Negev Desert. The machtesh is a universally studied phenomenon, as it is one of the few in the world that was not created by a meteor or impact of a large object, but rather by the movement of the land underneath it. It is an overwhelming experience to look over the cliffs of the machtesh and see the splendour of the huge sunken area.
The MBIers then headed off to Kfar Nokdim, a Bedouin hospitality site. Here, the MBIers were treated to a huge Bedouin meal for dinner, as well as given an insight into Bedouin culture. They were also treated to some delicious sweet Bedouin tea, and spent some time together as the whole of MBI around a large bonfire.
The MBIers will spend tonight sleeping in a big tent, ala bedouin style, before setting off to the historic site of Masada in the wee hours of tomorrow morning.

Gearing up for an exciting new week

After a relaxing weekend for all the MBIers reunited on Sunday afternoon in Tel Aviv for a few hours of sightseeing. Then they headed to Jerusalem where they joined up with hundreds of other teens on summer programs for the Israel Experience Mega Event. This is a concert sponsored by our program provider for all participating groups. This was very exciting for the MBIers to be surrounded by so many teenagers and to meet up with friends on other programs. They also saw two Israeli supergroups at the event - Hadag Nachash and the Idan Reichel Project - live on stage!

Today MBI headed for their first day in the most historical and spiritual of cities in Israel - Jerusalem. They started their day in the Davidson Center of the old city of Jerusalem, which is situated right next to the Kotel (Western Wall). The Davidson Center is a museum of archaeological finds and discoveries in the area, and also has an excellent interactive exhibit which shows an electronic model of the 2nd temple, and when the MBIers clicked on certain areas, it showed the reality of how it looks today. From the marketplace, to the entrances to the Temple, to the Temple mount itself, the exhibition gave the MBIers a great insight into the life and times of Jerusalem's old city 2000 years ago.
The Davidson Center is also the entrance to the southern excavations of the old city of Jerusalem. These ruins are the remains of the city of David, the first permanent residence over 3,000 years ago, built by King David. In the excavations, the MBIers got a chance to walk around and feel the sense of community and structure that were parts of Jewish life in David's citadel, and the beginnings of the legacy of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem that thrives to this day.
The morning was rounded out with a tour of the Jewish quarter of the old city, starting with the Kotel. The Kotel is part of the surviving outer wall from the 2nd temple period, and is the most spiritual and central location of Judaism today. It was an overwhelming experience for the MBIers to come face to face with such a meaningful and historical place. The MBIers also went on a tour of other well known sites in the Jewish quarter, including the historic Hurva synagogue. Built in the 17th century, the synagogue was destroyed in the war of Independence, except for one arch which stood alone for 6 decades. The synagogue is now in the process of being rebuilt.
After lunch, the MBIers headed to the Time Elevator in Jerusalem. This unique experience gives a visual history of the city of Jerusalem while the viewers stay in their seats, occasionally bring moved around or even having water sprayed on them to heighten the interactive element of the experience. It is an activity which is always enjoyed, and gave the MBIers another fun and unforgettable way of learning about the history and beauty of Jerusalem - in the past and today.
The MBIers then settled onto their buses for a long drive down to one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of Israel, the Negev Desert. The MBIers arrived at Sde Boker, the desert kibbutz and settlement that was home to David Ben-gurion in his later years, just in time for dinner.
The evening was a time for MBIers to relax with some informal time together, under the bright and tranquil starry sky of the desert. After a number of days of hustle and bustle, a night in the peaceful serenity of the desert was a welcome change!

Fun in the Sun

After a few days of sightseeing and taking in a great amount of Israel's history, everyone enjoyed a relaxing day on the beach at Yom Habonim Dror (Habonim Dror Day). This is a day hosted by the World Office of Habonim Dror, where anyone who is in Israel from Habonim Dror is invited to come to the beach at Sdot Yam. This includes MBI, the British, South African and Dutch teen trips, the Australian gap-year students, movement graduates who have made aliyah, and members from all over the world visiting Israel. It is a very exciting sight to behold especially for MBIers who are getting their first taste of what it is like to be involved in a worldwide organization.

Most of the day was spent playing in the water, eating scrumptious food, and meeting peers from different countries. In the afternoon the group had a formal meet and greet activity where they sat in small mixed groups and introduced themselves to participants from other countries. After this activity they were greeted and inspired by our World Secretary, Silvio Joskowicz who told them how happy he was to see them in Israel.

After a pleasant day at the beach the group headed back to Nordiya and packed for free weekend. This morning the group headed off in different directions to meet up with Israeli family and friends or stayed back at Nordiya to enjoy a rejuvenating weekend.

Discovering Israel's Metropolis

This morning the group left from Hukuk and the surrounds of the kinneret to the hustle and bustle of Israel's metropolitan center, Tel-Aviv. The MBIers started this morning in the old port city of Jaffa, in the southern reaches of the Tel-Aviv area. There they heard the stories and legends of Jaffa, ranging as far back as the biblical Jonah, who left on his perilous sea journey from the port of Jaffa, through to Napoleon's conquest of Jaffa, and as late as the Israeli War of Independence and it's effect on the Arab population in Jaffa.
The MBIers then got a chance to take in the beauty of the ancient Jaffa port through lunch, which they ate overlooking the soothing waters of the Meditarraenean. Then they were given some free time to scout out and rummage through the potential treasures and gifts in the Jaffa Flea Market, Shuk Hapishpushim.
In the afternoon the MBIers travelled into the heart of Tel-Aviv, stopping first at the Hall of Indendence for a guided tour. The museum was created in the same house that was used to make the declaration of Independence for Israel on May 14 1948, which was originally the house of Tel-Aviv's first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. It gave the MBIers a chance to hear David Ben-Gurion's original speech of Independence in the hall in which it was given.
Then the MBIers went off to Rabin Square, right in the centrer of Tel-Aviv. The square was originally named the King of Kings square, until the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995. There the MBIers were able to see firsthand the tragedy of the Rabin assassination, and the public outcry in its' aftermath, through the commemorative exhibition and memorial. The MBIers were able to see the damaging effects of the assassination on Israeli democracy.
During the evening the MBIers did a photography activity on Shenkin street, in the commercial heart of Tel-Aviv. In small groups, the MBIers journeyed around the streets of Tel-Aviv, soaking up the sights and sounds of the Tel-Aviv shopping district, through the lens of the camera.
Once the group arrived back to base in Nordiya, they had an activity to make collages of their new-found understandings of Tel-Aviv. It gave them a creative outlet to express the new concepts and horizons that they had learnt through the day.
Tomorrow the MBIers will be going to Yom Habonim Dror at the beach at Sdot Yam, the annual event that Habonim Dror Olami holds for all Israel program participants, olim, and workers, which is attended by up to 1,000 Habonim Dror members from all over the world! It's definitely going to be another day of highlights for the MBIers.

Exploring the Kinneret and the Northern coast

Having taken in much of the beauty and uniqueness of the northernmost area of Israel, the MBIers set out due south on an exciting day around the kinneret (Sea of Galilee). The morning started with a hike down one of the most beautiful declines in the area, Mt. Arbel. The Arbel is the only free-falling cliff surrounding the kinneret, and has a picturesque view of the lake and its surrounding settlements the whole way down. The history of the Arbel dates back to the Roman period, where it was often used as a place of torture and criminals or political enemies of the Roman Empire were thrown off the cliff. Nowadays, the only thing that can be torturous about the climb is the summer sun in Israel, but thankfully all of the MBIers have become accustomed to drinking water regularly and putting on their sunscreen.

After a well-earned break and a hearty lunch, the MBIers spent the afternoon at one of the most historically significant places by the Kinneret- the chatzer Kinneret (Kinneret courtyard) and cemetery. Founded in 1909, the Kinneret courtyard was the first agricultural training farm in the history of modern Israel, where young people would come through in small groups and learn to work the land, before leaving somewhere else for permanent settlement. The MBIers heard stories of young people from Eastern Europe who came to Palestine and the hardships, dilemmas, failures and numerous successes that they endured in their time at the chatzer.

Just across the road from the Chazter Kinneret is the old Kinneret cemetery. Here, the MBIers could hear the stories of some of the most famous personalities in the history of Israel and Zionism, ranging from the early Socialist Zionist thinkers and writers Moses Hess and Dov Ber Borachov, to the early Chalutzim (pioneers) Berl Katznelson and Rachel, the poetess to some of the integral figures of the modern state, such as Israeli song-writer Naomi Shemer. Needless to say, the MBIers left the day with a real feel of the spirit of the chalutzim and an understanding of the uniqueness of the young people who were so essential in the establishment of the Jewish State.

The MBIers then drove off to Hukuk, a kibbutz guest house not far from the chazter, to have dinner. After dinner they did a big MBI-wide activity, involving lot of fun and giving them an ability to both see long time camp mates and also meet new friends who aren't on their bus.

On Tuesday after a delicious breakfast the chanichim had a peulah (educational activity) discussing their connections to Israel. In small groups they filled out booklets answering questions and illustrating the different aspects that create a connection to Israel and what they want to get out of MBI in relation to Israel. They then discussed how they can both love and criticize Israel responsibility.

After a thought provoking morning they set out for Rosh Hanikra, a geologic formation in located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the Western Galilee near the border with Lebanon. The Rosh Hanikra grottoes are cavernous tunnels formed by the sea action on the soft chalk rock. The grottoes branch off in various directions with some interconnecting segments. The chanichim went down to the grottoes and were mesmerized by the way the water gently ran up against the rocks and then seconds later came crashing down with great force.

After this lovely excursion MBI headed to Akko, a coastal city just north of Haifa. Akko is the second oldest port city in Israel and a stop for the crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. Akko is well known as being a city of coexistence with Jews and Arabs. the chanichim enjoyed a scavenger hunt around the city run by the tour guides. Some of the stops included walking along the city wall, visiting the old crusader fortress, checking out the fresh produce and fish at the shuk (open air market)and enjoying the local fare such as baklavah and knaffe (a sugary cheese snack).

Following two eventful historic locales the MBIers went to Tiberias where they enjoyed some free time on the Tayelet (boardwalk) for dinner and shopping before embarking on the disco boat. This was an opportunity for the kids to let loose and enjoy some music and dance for the evening.

An updated itinerary is now on the website at www.habonimdror.org on the MBI Chai page. There have been minimal changes so it looks similar to previous itineraries.

Free Weekend Information

Hello Families,

Here is the free weekend information.

Friday July 17th, buses will be departing from Nordiya at 9am

Drop off points -
Tel Aviv (2 buses) at Reading Terminal parking lot (arrival at 9:30am)
Jerusalem at Gan HaPa'amon parking lot (arrival at 10:30am)
Haifa at Kenyon Lev HaMifratz parking lot (arrival at 10:00am)
If you are picking up at Nordiya please be there at 8:30 am.

Pickups will be at the same places on Sunday July 19th.

Timing:
Tel Aviv 1:00pm
Jerusalem 12:15pm
Haifa 11:15am

If Israeli hosts have any questions or emergencies regarding free weekend they should be in touch with Gil Browdy at 052-604-8330.

Week #1 ends and we welcome in week #2

After a strenuos and exciting first week, MBI spent Shabbat relaxing at the beautiful Tel Hai youth hostel. On Saturday after breakfast the MBIers split up by machaneh (camp) and spent a few hours checking in and talking about their week. This was a really meaningful time for the chanichim to come together with their camp friends and share their experiences and their feelings about the trip so far.

After lunch, each small kvutzah (small group) sat together and had a peulah called Beit Cafe (coffee house). This was a time for the MBIers to sit in small groups and get to know their kvutzah better. This was a time for them to talk about their interests, home life, school and camp experiences. After Beit Cafe until dinner everyone enjoyed some free time. This was unstructured time for MBIers to hangout, meet new people and nap.

After dinner they had the traditonal camp saturday night activities of Havdallah, a ceremony in which we say goodbye to Shabbat and welcome the new week. They also had Musicale and Medura, two acitivities where the kids are able to show off their talents through singing, musical and comedic acts.

After a restful Shabbat, MBI headed off for their first hike. They went to a stream called the Hatzbani. This is one of Israel's 3 main water sources that lead to the Jordan River. Its 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 they had the opportunity to go in the water.

After a morning hike MBI traveled into the Golan to an area called Har Ben-Tal. This is an old IDF lookout point with a great view of Syria. Here the chanichim learned about the Yom Kippur war and the long and difficult battle that the IDF faced. They learned about the tradegy of the Yom Kippur war and the political complexities of the Golan Heights today. Since the military bunkers are still there the kids also got to briefly see what it would have been like to be a soldier at this lookout. The group then went to the Golan Heights Visitors Center where they watched an audio-visual light show called Kesem Hagolan about the history and importance of the Golan Heights.

MBI then travelled back to the hostel, enjoyed dinner and a bit of rest time and then had a peulah (educational activity) about chalutziut (pioneering) in preparation for tomorrow activities where they will learn about Israel's early pioneering movement.

Come Sail Away

On Thursday the MBIers had an early morning start to complete the boats. They worked through the morning and by the afternoon each group had completed construction and were ready to test out their creations. After two days of hard work 8 boats successfully sailed across the Kinneret.

For everyone involved this was amazing opportunity to bond with their kvutzah over a shared project and to work together to accomplish such a big task. It was also great for the madrichim to help their chanichim and to watch them create something they could take pride in. All in all Rafsodia was a success and great way to kick off MBI.

When all of the boats were disassembled the headed up to Tel Hai, where they enjoyed a quick dinner and all went to bed early to rest up for their first day of touring.

On Friday the well rested group headed to the Tel Hai monument to learn some early Israeli history. Here they enjoyed some historical skits performed by the madrichim presenting the story of Tel Hai and Trumpeldor. The MBIers met a girl who lives in the village and told them what life was like in Palestine under the British Mandate, they discussed military strategy and reasons to stage a revolt with the hero of the story, Joseph Trumpeldor, and witnessed a re-enactment of the battle of Tel Hai.

After a morning of history the chanichim enjoyed a packed picnic lunch before an afternoon of Kabbalah and mysticism. They headed up to Rosh Pinna, a community north of the Kinneret. Rosh Pinna, was founded in 1882 and is one of the oldest Zionist settlements in Israel. They then visited the city of Tzfat. In the 16th century Tzfat became the center of Kabbalah and many religious leaders moved to this city. It remains a very religious city and a symbol of the Kabbalah movement as well as the home of large artist colony. The chanichim enjoyed a walking tour of this quaint city, visiting the old synogouge and viewing religious art.

The chanichim then headed back to the hostel to get ready for their first Shabbat together. After a bit of time to rest and shower the chanichim gathered on the main lawn at the youth hostel with great view of the Golan Heights. It was a lovely location to start Kabbalat Shabbat. They enjoyed a traditional machaneh Kabbalah including mishpachot(machaneh time) and a rosh story told by Gil. Later tonight each kvutzah will perform a short skit or song for the rest of the group and they will then have rikud and some free time to hang out.

Everyone is looking forward to a meaningful and restful Shabbat.

Let the fun begin

After a very long 2 days of traveling the chanichim (campers) from Vancouver finally arrived in Israel yesterday and joined up with MBI just as they were finishing dinner.

After relaxing for a bit the chanichim were split into their buses as well as their smaller groups within the bus.

This year there are 4 buses with 4 counselors and tour guide on each bus. In order to further the idea of "kvutzah" (tight knit group)and to give MBI a camp type feeling each bus is split into 2 smaller groups with designated madrichim (counselors) for that group. This allows for activities in smaller groups and helps foster a closer relationship amongst chanichim and madrichim.

After splitting up into buses they had some activities run by the madrichim. This included a few rounds of name games and bit of getting to know you activities before heading to bed to rest up for a very exciting day.

Today, July 8th, MBI started a project called Rafsodia. This is a 2 day group building and outdoor training activity which will bring the group closer by working together to build a raft that they will then be able to sail across the Kinneret. The group arrived bright and early this morning and got to work. Each kvutzah was given materials and instruction for raft building (they were supervised of course). They spent today building the foundations for their rafts and 3 groups even have their masts assembled. The rest of the materials will be delivered tomorrow morning and each group will then finish their rafts.

This was a very hot and intense day of work on the banks of the Kinneret but everyone finished the day with a great sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. They will spend tonight on the beach near the Kinneret with a cookout for dinner made by Habonim Dror members who live in Israel. This is a great opportunity for MBIers to meet more people involved with Habonim Dror in Israel. Tomorrow they will finish the project and head north to Tel Hai where they will enjoy a restful Shabbat.

I have created a map which includes markers of all the hostels they will be staying at. The link is:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109425717699132861453.00046e33278008d408742&z=8

MBI has begun!

After a long day of traveling all of the chanichim of MBI 2009 have arrived in Israel.

Today the chanichim relaxed, got to know each other and the madrichim, playing bonding games and name games.

The last group of kids will be meeting up with the group and then MBI will be under way.

Free Weekend Information

Friday July 17th, buses will be departing from Nordiya at 9am

Drop off points -
Tel Aviv (2 buses) at Reading Terminal parking lot (arrival at ~9:30am)
Jerusalem at Gan HaPa'amon parking lot (arrival at ~10:30am)
Haifa at Kenyon Lev HaMifratz parking lot (arrival at ~10:00am)
If you are picking up at Nordiya please be there at 8:30 am.

Pickups will be at the same places on Sunday July 19th.

Timing:
Tel Aviv 1:00pm
Jerusalem 12:15pm
Haifa 11:15am

Friday July 17th, buses will be departing from Nordiya at 9am

Drop off points -
Tel Aviv (2 buses) at Reading Terminal parking lot (arrival at ~9:30am)
Jerusalem at Gan HaPa'amon parking lot (arrival at ~10:30am)
Haifa at Kenyon Lev HaMifratz parking lot (arrival at ~10:30am)

Pickups will be at the same places on Sunday July 19th.

Timing:
Tel Aviv 1:00pm
Jerusalem 12:15pm
Haifa 11:15am

Please let me know if there are any questions.
Shani

MBI Day #1

Hello MBI Families,

The Toronto flight and the NY flight have arrived in Israel safe and sound and are on their way to the youth hostel in Nordia.

The madrichim are excitedly waiting their arrival and have been working hard for the last week planning for an incredible summer.

If you have any questions throughout the summer please feel free to be in touch with me. I will be in NY for the duration of the program.

Free weekend information will be settled in the next day or 2 and I will post that information on the blog and send out an email. Due to the overwhelming number of requests I am asking that parents be in contact with the host families in Israel.

Again, if you have any questions please be in touch.
Shani

A few more reminders

Hello Families,

As MBI approaches quickly there are a few more packing reminders.

Your child should make sure to pack swimsuits (1-2) and towels (1-2).

VERY IMPORTANT!!
Please make sure your child has their passport before leaving for the airport!

Here in the office and the staff is Israel are busily preparing for what is going to be a great summer. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Shani