Poland

The HDNA workshoppers and HDUK shnatties outside Grochov, a training farm in Warsaw, for Dror members in the 1930's and 40's.
As everyone is aware, we have all returned safely from our Poland journey, after surviving the extremely cold temperatures! Everyone is currently on chofesh - winter break - and are due to return to the program on January 3rd. We will post in the coming days a wider update.

Quick Update

I hope you are all doing well in this post-Hanukah holiday season. I spoke to Vered briefly yesterday and it seems as through the trip is going quite well. It of course is cold and a very intense, emotional experience, but all in all in Vered was quite satisfied with how things are going.

After they get back on Sunday they will head back to the Kibbutz to process and wrap up the Poland trip. Monday morning begins their chofesh and the Workshoppers can be picked up on Kibbutz or they will head out to meet family wherever you are located.

Also when Vered gets back from Poland she will give an update that will include more information about the seminar weeks and their locations during that time. For those of you who will be seeing your Workshopper whether in Israel, Europe, or North America I hope you have a great time reuniting. And to those who will not be seeing their children I hope the chofesh affords your Workshopper perhaps with some more time to be in touch and reflect on their experience thus far.

Starting tomorrow I will be at a retreat center outside Baltimore for our annual Winter Seminar/Veida. I will be reachable by the Habonim Dror cell phone and will have limited access to the email during this time. As always if there is an urgent matter or emergency please call me on the Habonim Dror cell phone.

Have a great break and I look forward to the start of the next exciting chapter of the Workshop tochnit!

The final week of Boneh certainly finished with a bang, with busy pre-Poland preparations taking place all week. The seminars focused on sikkum (conclusion) of the Jewish History course the workshoppers have been participating in throughout Boneh. Workshoppers were challenged to think about their Jewishness, and understand that just as we have been influenced by history and decisions made throughout, we in turn have a role as the makers of history and a duty to create in a positive and educationally based manner.

The excursion during this week was to the Palmach museum, a very unique and interesting museum in Tel Aviv which looks at the elite strike force of the Hagana and its critical role in securing Israel's independence. This was a great way to finish the siyurim on Boneh.

There were 2 chavura sessions during the week, where mixed groups of workshoppers and shnatties from England prepared processing and concluding peulot for the Boneh period.

On Thursday afternoon a final tekes (ceremony) was held where each kvutsa made a presentation and the madrichim/rakazim (coordinators) also said a few words. That night a lovely barbeque dinner was organised (see picture above) which really turned into a feast!! Most impressive were the delicious cakes at the end.

Friday and Saturday have been filled with cleaning and packing. Tonight the workshoppers have organised having havdallah and a musicale, before setting off for the airport in the early morning hours.

If you have questions while we are away, please contact the HDNA central office. Otherwise, until next week...

Hi everyone,
This is the final week of the boneh segment of workshop. Currently, the workshoppers are on their way back to Netiv HaLamed Hey from their final pre-Poland seminar. The seminar was held both at the Shlomi youth hostel and the Ghetto Fighters Museum on Kibbutz Lochamei HaGetaot. It was a very intense seminar which covered a lot of historical background to the Shoah, and introduced a lot of the dilemmas faced including our relationship and duty as youth movement members, to the atrocities that took place. The museum was fairly empty for most of our time there, so we were able to go through exhibitions in depth, and also sit and have discussions throughout the museum. We also watched a fascinating documentary "Confessions of a Hitler Youth."
Last week, the subject of the seminars was modern Israeli society, from roughly the time of Independence (1948) to the Camp David Summit in 1977. A whole slew of information was covered - the Declaration of Independence and the Law of Return, and the basic situation in Israel during the 50's and 60's (mass immigration and subsequent absorption; beginnings of tensions between Sepharadim and Ashkenazim; etc) and the main wars fought in Israel - Independence; Sinai Campaign; 6 day war and the Yom Kippur War. While there is still a lot of more modern Israeli history to come, this will be mainly covered in classes during the Kaveret portion of the program.
One of the kvutsot had avoda (work) on Netiv Halamed Hey, while the other kvutsa picked clementines with Table to Table. The Hadracha classes looked at Games and Peulah (program) planning (1 kvutsa) and Counselling and Duty of Care (the other kvutsa).
The siyur (excursion) last week was to Mt Herzl and Givat Hatachmoshet (Ammunition Hill) in Jerusalem. Mt Herzl is the military cemetery in Jerusalem, and largest in Israel. It is the burial site of many great Israeli leaders, as well as thousands of soldiers and policemen. Ammunition Hill is a site near Mt Scopus, where one of the bloodiest and most difficult battles of the 6-Day war took place. Today, the site serves as a memorial to all those who fell in battle in the 6-Day War.
This week ahead is looking very hectic with Boneh sikkumim (concluding peulot) and a few chavura groups, together with the final hebrew classes, a siyur to the Palmach museum, the general cleanup and the Poland preparations. If for some reason you did not receive the Poland information via email, please contact Michael Kanter. I will post at least one more blog update this week before we depart for Poland. Until then...

Hi everyone,
Just a short update on the rest of this weeks activities. As mentioned before, the seminar theme was partnership through the years of the British Mandate period in Palestine. The various aspects looked at included The Arab Riots of 1929 and 1936-1939; the British Commissions and White Papers in 1937 and 1939; limitations placed on Jewish Immigration; the resulting illegal immigration (Aliya Bet and the “Bricha”); as well as the various Jewish defence forces of the Hagana, Lechi and Etzel and their merging to create the IDF, together with the many dilemmas faced by the fledging state such as the King David Hotel Bombing and the Altalena.

On Tuesday night, the chavura group ran a peula on the King David Hotel Bombing. On Wednesday night, the participants on Habo U (a program for Habo madrichim in partnership with Haifa University) ran programming for all the Boneh participants. On Wednesday morning, one of the kvutsot picked Butternut Squash and Oranges with Table To Table; while the other kvutsa worked on the Kibbutz – mainly in the dining room/kitchen however a few were lucky enough to work in the refet (cowshed).

Today the workshoppers had a tour of the Atlit illegal immigration camp which was the detention centre set up by the British to contain all the illegal immigrants coming over mainly by ships from Europe from 1939-1948. It was a very interesting parallel experience, and the tour involved seeing the physical barracks and disinfection rooms combined with high tech audiovisual shows, telling the stories of some of the immigrants or the volunteers who were helping on the boats. It is a very special date, as today 60 years ago was when the United Nations had the partition vote which was the precursor to the establishment and Declaration of Independence in Israel. This led to the 2^nd part of the excursion, which was to the Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, where the 1^st mayor of Tel Aviv Meri Dizengoff lived and where the Independence was Declared. The tour included a short audiovisual presentation, listening to parts of the actual UN vote and the actual declaration, together with more background and anecdotal stories from this very important event in history. Currently the workshoppers are having their weekly processing with madrichim, and this weekend they have their final free weekend until the winter chofesh period.

In the next few days, an itinerary and contact details will be sent to families via email regarding the journey to Poland in approximately 2 weeks.

Shabbat Shalom

Hi everyone,
To start off backwards, this afternoon the workshoppers have been informed that their Kaveret locations will be Carmiel and Acco. It has not yet been determined which kvutsa will be in each of the locations – but this should be finalized over the next month and we will inform the workshoppers as soon as it has been.
Last week I neglected to mention that the guest speakers were from the Parents Circle - Families Forum (www.theparentscircle.com). The Parents Circle is a grassroots forum of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families which meets and promotes reconciliation. The talk was fascinating and very touching to hear personal stories of parents who have lost their children.
On Wednesday, the excursion was to the Museum of the First Aliya in Zichron Yaacov. The museum has recently been renovated and has many short videos throughout, describing the hardships of a family who left Rumania to fulfill their Zionist Dream in the 1880's. It was a very interesting tour and complimented the seminars nicely. We were also lucky to be in Zichron, which for a few days turned into the rainiest place in Israel, and we were witness to the most immense downpour!
The seminars looked at different stories of the 2nd and 3rd Aliya, and events which were taking place in Israel at the time, such as the birth of kibbutzim and the foundations of the State of Israel; together with the story of the beginning of the Youth Movements worldwide – and specifically Habonim in the UK and North America.
Over Friday and Saturday, the first Pre-Poland Journey Preparation Seminar took place. The seminar was an introductory one, and highlights include the "Shteitel" Night on Friday, where everyone was given a character for the shteitel wedding, and we watched Fiddler on the Roof while eating some traditional Kugel. Also, the Family Tree Activity, in which many workshoppers ended up on the phone with their parents finding out about their family history, and sharing the most interesting thing that they discovered from their past (and from all accounts there were some very surprising things to be found!).
This weeks seminar theme is Partnership looking specifically at the British Mandate Period in Palestine, leading up to the Establishment of the State of Israel. On Sunday the guest speakers were Rabbi's for Human Rights (http://www.rhr.israel.net/) who are a fascinating group of Rabbi's who consider themselves to be the rabbinical voice of conscious in Israel, focusing on human rights from a Jewish standpoint. Hadracha (leadership) looked at Troublesome chanichim and punishment (one kvutsa); and Counselling and Duty of Care (the other kvutsa). The excursion on Thursday is to both the Illegal Immigrants Camp in Atlit, and the Hall of Independence in Tel Aviv. This weekend is a free weekend.

Hi guys!

Last week the Workshoppers enjoyed an excellent tiyul in the South of Israel. On Monday, they had a short hike in British Park, situated in the Ella Valley, just near Netiv HaLamed Hey. This gave them a chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings where they have been situated in for the first portion of the program. Lunch was eaten down at Golda (Meir) Park, just south of BeerSheva, before continuing further south to Mitspe Ramon youth hostel. Mitspe Ramon overlooks the Ramon crater, which is the largest of the 3 craters in the Negev desert. That night a fun activity involving star gazing was run, and everyone experienced the true depths of cold that the desert night provides!!!

The next day, the hiking was to Saharonim Spring, the lowest point of the Crater, which is also the only water source, and also contains remains of the ancient "spice trail" - a trade route used by the Nabateans some thousands of years ago. Afterwards, the workshoppers travelled down to the Eilat youth hostel where they spent the next 2 nights. That night they had an exciting scavenger hunt around Eilat, where they had to collect ingredients to help concoct a potion in order to save Amir!

On Wednesday, the hardest hike of the tiyul was to the top of Mt Shlomo. It was a triumphant climb, where from the very top you can see Egypt (Sinai), Jordan and Saudia Arabia - the only known spot in Israel where you can see 4 countries (including Israel of course!). It was a long and hard hike, and that evening the workshoppers had a free night to chill out around Eilat.

Thursday morning was spent at the beautiful Eilat beaches, before travelling back to Netivaleh. Overall a great time was had by all, and it was a wonderful and rejuvenating break to the Boneh routine.

The weekend was a free weekend for all, and Boneh resumed classes yesterday. This weeks seminar theme is on the 2nd and 3rd Aliyot to Israel, where the stories of the chalutzim (pioneers) of the State of Israel will be explored in depth. On Sunday the 3 Aleph level Hebrew classes had an excursion to the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem. On Wednesday, an excursion to Zichron Yaacov will take place. Thursday is a free day with no programming, as there is the first intensive pre-Poland preparation seminar taking place on Netivaleh over Friday and Saturday.

Hi everyone,
This past week has been a fairly standard one on Boneh, with the seminar theme focusing on Modern Enlightenment and the Realm of Choice. The seminars are moving into much more modern times, and hopefully much of the background the workshoppers have been looking at over the past month has laid a good foundation for these seminars and themes.

Through looking at the French & Russian Revolutions, the Bund, the Pale of Settlement, and the story of Moses Mendelsohn, the seminars sought to explain how emancipation led to the active participation of Jews in civil society across Europe. As a result, many Jews who earlier were practically locked out of the rest of society, turned to Jewish political movements (ie Zionism), or revolutionary movements or were able to emigrate to countries of better opportunities.

The chavura group this week had the theme of the Russian Revolution, and used an interesting method of a somewhat dodgeball-style activity. This week one of the kvutsot picked Jerusalem Artichokes with Table to Table, and the other kvutsa worked in various work branches on Netiv HaLamed Hey. Hadracha class this week looked at a basic introduction to Youth Psychology and general Youth Development.

Today the siyur (excursion) was to the settlement of Gedera (just south of Rehovot), to the museum on the history of Gedera and the Biluim. The Biluim, being the pioneers from Bilu - the first activist Zionist movement. The siyur comprised of both a tour in the museum, but also in the outdoor, surrounding buildings of the settlement. This siyur was an introduction to the upcoming seminar which moves into 1st, 2nd and 3rd Aliya and the Modern Zionist era.

Next week (aside from Sunday which is a regular day), the workshoppers will be on a 4 day hiking trip, mainly in the south of Israel. More information on this will follow in the next few days.

Housekeeping

As Workshop continues to hum along I wanted to address a few issues that have been brought to my attention. First off I would like to point out that by and large the program is going quite well. While at times minor frustrating technical issues have arisen, the seminars, tiyulim, and kvutsah experiences are going well. I also would like to apologize for delays in communication that have occurred recently. I continue to be slowed down and frustrated as it turns out I have a bone contusion in my right foot. That being said I will be making every effort to address all issues and concerns in as timely a manner as possible.

That being said a couple of issues which bear addressing and explaining have been brought to my attention. As some of you have emailed and called me about, there has been some issue with the quality and consistency of meals on Kibbutz. From my experience there and the feedback I have gotten from parents and the madrichim, often the meals in dining room are quite good or decent. Unfortunately at times the meals are just inadequate and this inconsistency is very problematic.

We have been working aggressively with the mitbach to address this issue of consistency at meals as parts of our agreement and meal plan with them have not entirely been held up on their end. It seems we have been making progress as some limited reports I have suggest that the food is getting better. I will continue to monitor the situation and assess what other measures might need to be taken to insure there is an acceptable meal and food situation for the Workshoppers.

It has also been brought to my attention that the computers in the moadon(clubhouse) have been broken. This has been frustrating on both sides as the PCs were apparently tampered with and have delayed the repair process. All the computers though are coming back online, albeit slower than was expected. There is still wireless internet and apparently a number of laptops owned by various Workshoppers so a connection to the internet should still be readily available.

Also in case it was not known to all the Workshop parents, but their is in fact a parents listserv that was created by a fellow Workshop parent. If you would be interested in joining please don't hesitate to email me and I will give you this person's contact information. The listserv is a forum for you the parents to talk to each other about your experiences and questions you might have for each other. If you have questions or concerns that you would like me to address I would strongly encourage you to contact me directly via phone or email if you would like a timely answer.

Lastly I will be going to Israel in the evening of November 12th until November 25th for a conference. I will also have the opportunity to spend some time with the Workshoppers and on Kibbutz to check in on how things are going. During that time I will be checking my email but will be slowed down in my response time. I will also be reachable by cellphone which I will keep on at all times and will give you all the number soon.

Hi again,
This week on Boneh the focus was on the period that lasts from the destruction of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem, to the beginning of the Emancipation. This is a very large period of time, most of which is commonly referred to as the Great Exile, and it marks the beginnings of the Diaspora.
On Sunday, a giant board game was played which aimed to give all the workshoppers an overview of what was going on with the Jewish Nation throughout the Exile period; to understand and examine the decisions made by Jews to ensure their survival; and to start thinking about the complexities of survival in the face of persecution. A look was taken at the transition from Beit Hamikdash (the Temple) to the formation of the Synagogue in the Diaspora. A further look was taken at the concept of Messiah, and how that has shaped the Jewish people throughout the exile period.
On Tuesday, an in-depth look at Spanish Jewry started with the viewing of a video on Torquemada, the chief inquisitor in Spain. This was followed by a long discussion and overview of the Golden Age of Spain, followed by the Inquisition and subsequent Expulsion. Many fascinating facts were discovered throughout the discussion, as it was a topic that was new to many of the workshoppers. That evening, a chavura group ran a peula on the Spanish Inquisition, which involved a lot of candy and chocolates, and some very amusing skits!
The siyur this week was to the Diaspora Museum in Tel Aviv, which focuses on the question of how Judaism was able to persevere throughout such a lengthy period in Exile. The highlight was definitely the Synagogue displays where there was a model of the very uniquely designed Conservative synagogue from Elkins Park, PA, which some of the workshoppers are very familiar with! Afterwards, we traveled to Yavne, which is where the spiritual centre for Jews was created by Yochanan Ben Zakkai, which entirely shaped the way we look at Judaism up until today. All that remains of the original settlement which stretched back to Biblical Times is a small hill (tel) which is fairly dilapidated, but has great views of the area. We then had a short walk through the town to the Synagogue where Rabban Gamliel is considered to be buried. There we had a discussion focusing particularly on the Pesach Hagaddah and the influence Gamliel had in its creation.
This week some of the workshoppers also worked on the Kibbutz, at various branches such as kitchen, dining room, gardens and laundry. Other workshoppers picked beetroots with Table To Table.
This Friday & Saturday is a weekend seminar focusing on the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin z"l, together with all Habonim Dror Long Term Program Participants. The seminar will finish with the annual Rabin memorial ceremony, held at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv.
Shabbat Shalom

Hi again,
My apologies for the delay in updating the blog - we experienced some slight technical delays which I hope will not occur again!

To give a short recap of the past few weeks… The workshoppers last Wednesday (17^th) picked radishes with the Shulchan l’Shulchan (Table to Table). For those who don’t know, Shulchan L’Shulchan is a great project which aims to feed and provide for needy families with fresh and healthy food. So combined with having fun and some time outdoors, everything the workshoppers are doing is going to a worthy cause too. On Thursday (18^th) the excursion was to the Museum on the Seam in Jerusalem. Museum on the Seam is a unique museum in Israel, displaying contemporary art that deals with different aspects of the socio-political reality. It is also called the Coexistence Museum as most of the material it deals with, calls for listening and discussion, for accepting the other and those different from us and respect. After the museum, the workshoppers had processing time with their madrichim, before departing for a free weekend.

Also last week was the first chavura session, which is the peer-led sessions where the workshoppers together with the UK participants, are split into smaller groups with themes. Each group presents their peula on Tuesday nights, and last weeks was on the Story of Job.

This past week the seminar theme was "Sovereignty" and covered the period of time between the Egyptian exodus and the Roman exile (the Temple Periods up until the destruction of the 2^nd temple in Jerusalem). This was a chance to explore a period of time where the Israelites were primarily living “at home” in (ancient) Israel.

The seminars explored the differences between Priests and Prophets, Leadership, Kings and Civil Society (with a focus on King Solomon’s reign), Hellenism vs Judaism (To what extent did the Jews (both their leaders and the masses) embrace the surrounding values and culture and assimilate, and to what extent did they rebel and attempt to keep their own values intact?) and also different examples of Jews revolting (the Macabees & the story of Chanuka, Masada & the revolt against the Romans, Bar-Kochva)

The Excursion on Thursday was to Horbat Midras, which are also called the Bar Kochba caves. These caves were considered an ideological strongpoint, but were also considered very impoverished (as comparable to the nearby Tel Maresha caves which were considered to be very wealthy, but lacking in Jewish symbols), and were a vital link in Jewish defence and rebellion. Some of the walking involved squeezing through small cave openings, which proved a bit too claustrophobic for some of the workshoppers! Afterwards, the siyur continued to the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem. The museum covers the history of the city of Jerusalem across the past 4000 years, focusing on the main events of each period. Afterwards, the workshoppers had processing with their madrichim in Jerusalem.

Also this past week the workshoppers looked at Communication, Delegation and Motivation in the weekly Hadracha class. The peula involved each kvutsa making a newspaper within a certain time limit, and various problem solving ideas.

The chavura group for this week led a program surrounding the birth of Christianity, using a very unique method of TV and commercial slots in the moadon.

The upcoming week is jam packed, with a Solidarity Event on Sunday night for the Kidnapped Soldiers; and seminars on the theme of Survival and Preservation, looking at the time period of the Exile until Emancipation, with an excursion to the Diaspora Museum and Yavne; together with all the usual Boneh activities.

Shabbat Shalom

Hi again,
Last Wednesday morning the workshoppers picked Butternut Squash and Green Bell Peppers, with the Table to Table project once again at Kibbutz Kvutsat Shiller next to Rehovot. Afterwards, they had Hebrew classes on the Kibbutz. Last Thursday, the excursion was to Neot Kedumim, a biblical landscape reserve, situated near Ben Shemen. Neot Kedumim has recreated the physical setting of the Bible, in an attempt to bring the Bible and its commentaries to life. The excursi0n there was in order to get a more visual and hands on feel for the stories which the workshoppers are reading.
This weeks seminar theme was the Exodus, continuing on in the story, and seminars were held on Sunday and Monday. The workshoppers revisited the concept of "Freedom To and Freedom From", looked at the Ten Plagues and devised modern day plagues in society, Nachshon - someone who wasn't afraid to take a leap of faith, and the Ten Commandments as a possible fundamental structure which is needed to create a model society. On Monday afternoon, the workshoppers had Hadracha class, and discussed concepts crucial to working as a tzevet (team).
This week has Yom Kvutsa on Tuesday, avoda and ivrit on Wednesday and an excursion to Museum on the Seam in Jerusalem on Thursday.

This past week, the theme on Boneh has been the introduction to the Tanach. On Sunday, the workshoppers had Hebrew class in the morning and then in the afternoon looked at stories of Creation and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, after a general Biblical Overview. The 1st two chapters of Genesis were looked at from a feminist perspective and the story of the Garden of Eden was looked at from a somewhat obscure 17th century Socialist perspective of Diggers and Levellers which provided a very interesting discussion for all.
On Sunday night, on their own initiative, a number of workshoppers travelled to Beit Shemesh in order to donate blood at the Magen David Adom station. As you may or may not know, there is currently a blood shortage at the blood banks across Israel.
On Monday, the workshoppers had Hadracha class in the morning where different leadership theories and methods were discussed in a conventional Leadership vs Management dynamic, together with a more relevant Habonim Dror hadracha context. This was followed by Yom Kvutsa, together with each kvutsa's respective madrichim.
Most of today was in seminar sessions. In the morning, there was a session on Noah, and a session looking at the Tower of Babel. After recapping the story of Noah and the great flood, we related to the issues of breakdowns in society and the corruption which exists in our lives. The Tower of Babel story, a rather bizarre addition in the middle of the chapter, looks at communication and language and the scattering of peoples across the globe - we used this to talk about common language in our kvutsa, movement and lives. In the afternoon we summarized the week and looked at Joseph and Dreams, using our own dreams as a trigger to see how well we can intepret them! In the late afternoon, the chavura planning groups split up to begin planning their activties. Chavura is an opportunity for the workshoppers to plan in mixed groups, evening programming on topics such as The Story of Job, the Russian Revolution, The King David Hotel Bombing and Chanuka.
Tomorrow all the workshoppers will be back at Kibbutz Kvutsat Shiller to pick fruit with TableToTable, followed by Hebrew classes in the afternoon.

Yam L Yam

Hi all,
The workshoppers started tiyul early last Sunday in Achziv, with a short tekes (ceremony) of filling a water bottle from the Meditteranean, which symbolised the journey we were about the set off on, together with all the other Habonim Dror participants from all around the world - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Brazil, Argetina and Uruguay. Altogether, there were approximately 200 people participating in this years tiyul.
On Sunday we hiked part of the Cziv trail, which is near Montfort and Goren Park. The hike ended with the workshoppers arriving to the campsite by foot, just in time for sunset and to set up the campsite. The hike was relatively short (4 hours) but had a very steep incline at the end, which proved very challenging for most of the workshoppers!! For dinner we had a giant barbeque, followed shortly by a world musicale hosted by our very own workshoppers.
On Monday we set off with a short bus ride to Elkosh bridge, and walked along Niria river bed, to Hirbet Homema (near the base of Mt Meron) and then proceeded to climb up to the top of the Meron. Mt Meron is the 2nd highest mountain in Israel, and has stunning views of the entire region. Most of the group then continued down Meron, along towards our campground for the night, Nachal Amud. The Nachal Amud camping ground is situated on the Cross Israel Trail, a very busy hiking track which goes from the north of the country, all the way to the south. Camping right next to us, were 400+ high school chanichim from Hanoar HaOved V'Lomed, our Israeli sister movement!
On Tuesday the workshoppers set off to hike the Upper Nachal Amud trail, but unfortunately, about 45 minutes into the hike, we got a weather update from our cheder matzav (situation room) of the Moked Teva (Nature Hotline) which, due to a heat wave warning, did not let us continue the length of Nachal Amud. Instead, the workshoppers spent some time in the Schia Pools, small pools of water along the track and rested and played games with the other hiking groups. After lunch, we were allowed to continue on another 1.5 miles/2 km and then along a different track towards Sfat, which once again had a very steep incline (anyone familiar with Sfat will know that it is in a very mountainous area!). A short bus ride took the workshoppers back to the Camping Ground. Upon arrival back, the workshoppers were met with the famous sight of the spinning roasting chickens, which provided a sumptous feast for dinner (With vegetarian options of eggplant and tomato stew provided of course!)
On Wednesday, we got up our earliest yet - 5am! - in order to pack up the campsite and after a short bus ride near to Kibbutz Hukuk, start the final leg of the hike, primarily through banana fields, and all the way to the beach at Kibbutz Ginosar. We finished with a short tekes, involving the bottle of water which we had filled up and carried from the Meditteranean to the Kinneret, and the distribution of Yam L Yam shirts!! After that everyone rejoiced in some swimming time and the chance to have a shower finally, before boarding buses back to their destinations for the Simchat Torah chag.
A great time was had by all, and some workshoppers made great friends with various other Habonim Dror participants from around the world. The next worldwide Habonim Dror event, the Rabin Memorial Seminar weekend, will be at the beginning of November.
This upcoming week, the workshoppers return to the usual Boneh schedule. This weeks seminar theme is an Introduction to the Tanach - looking at stories and interpretations from Creation, Noah, Abraham and the founding fathers and mothers.

Hi again. As mentioned before, our annual Yam L'Yam (Sea to sea) hike starts tomorrow and I wanted to take this opportunity to give you some more information.

We set off early in the morning, and will meet all the other Habonim Dror long-term program participants at Achziv beach, which is just north of Nahariya, on the Meditteranean Coast. There are participants from all around the world - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Brazil, Argetina and Uruguay - and this is the first formal opportunity the workshoppers have to meet everyone.

On Sunday the plan is to hike one of a few trails just near to Achziv - Betzet, Sheref or Cziv(which will only be confirmed in the morning, depending on the weather) and we will be sleeping in Goren Park, a JNF reserve just next to Kibbutz Goren. We sleep outside under the stars, although tents will be available for those who wish.

On Monday we will hike from the moshav of Elkosh, up along Mt Meron and around the summit. That night we will sleep in the Nachal Amud Camping Ground, which is located just near the Meron moshav.

On Tuesday we will hike the Upper Nachal Amud trail, and will return by bus to the same camping ground as the previous night.

On Wednesday we will hike either the Lower Amud trail, or a shorter hike through banana fields (again, depending on possible weather restrictions) and finish at Kibbutz Ginosar, which is located on the shores of the Kinneret lake.

I understand some of these places must sound pretty foreign, but feel free to take a look through any of the many mapping facilities available on the internet (eyeonisrael.com maps 2 and 3 cover all the area we are hiking).

Cell phone reception during parts of the hike are very limited, but should you have any urgent concerns, please contact Michael Kanter.

Wishing everyone a Shavua Tov!

Hi all

This past week was action packed on Boneh! This weeks theme looked at Judaism and the relationship between the monothiestic religions. A particular focus was on Jerusalem, given the importance of the city for all the religions - and specifically the workshoppers looked at the History of Jerusalem, the Book of Chronicles, the different conquests that took place over the city, David and Solomon and Solomon's building of the Temple, and Jesus' pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On Tuesday the workshoppers excursion was to the Old City of Jerusalem, with a tour of the Southern Excavations and the Davidson centre. The centre is part of the Jerusalem Archaelogical Park and offered the workshoppers an exhibition of archaeological objects, a real time virtual reality reconstruction of the Herodian Temple, and a hugh definition video of a Jewish pilgrimage to Second Temple period Jerusalem. There is archaeological digs continuing at the moment, but the exhibition allows you to see an example of a street in the 1st century, and ancient mikveh (ritual bath) and various other spots of interest which have been uncovered in the digs.

On Wednesday, the workshoppers celebrated Succot together with the UK participants with an enormous Succot extravaganza. The morning started with a lovely Succot performance, by some of the madrichim. Afterwards, everyone was divided into small groups and had various tasks to complete such as a answering a multiple choice quiz, a Succot-themed music quiz, and a Succah building competition. We finished off by learning some Succot songs.

Early on Sunday morning, we depart for the Yam l'Yam (Sea to sea) Hike. More details will be posted shortly.

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!

Boneh has resumed for a short week, due to the Succot chag starting on Wednesday afternoon. This week has a slightly different schedule, with Tuesday being a seminar day but entirely "in the field" on an excursion to the Old City of Jerusalem, which links to this weeks theme of Monothiestic Religions. Wednesday morning will be a combined Succot celebration with the Habonim Dror UK group, also on Boneh.
Last Wednesday, as part of the Table to Table project (www.tabletotable.org.il), the workshoppers picked an astounding 104 crates of tomatoes! A fun and productive morning was had by everyone. The workshoppers will participate in more Table To Table projects throughout Boneh.
On Thursday, during the visit to the Israel Musuem, the workshoppers watched a movie relating to the 2nd Temple period in Jerusalem, and also saw the Shrine of the Book, which is where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. There was also some time for free time in the museum, for workshoppers to visit exhibits which interested them. Afterwards, there was some more free time in the Malcha shopping mall, before returning to Kibbutz.

short update

Hi all, just filling you in with a short update.
Boneh is progressing well and the workshoppers are slowly settling into Netiv HaLamed Hey and the Boneh schedule. They have sorted out rooms and finally started unpacking the mass of luggage/stuff that they brought with them!
Sunday and Tuesday this week were both seminar days, and the workshoppers had a broad introduction to Judaism, that incorporated many interesting and new themes for all. They also started their hadracha classes which essentially focus on being a madrich and all aspects related to that (leadership skills, youth development/psychology, etc). Tomorrow, Wednesday, all the workshoppers will have their first 'avoda' rotation and both kvutsot will be fruit picking in the morning on Kvutsat Shiller, a kibbutz next to Rehovot. In the afternoon, they start their first hebrew class! On Thursday, the siyur (tour) is to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which will hopefully link many of the seminar themes from the past week, together with the weeks ahead. This weekend, Yom Kippur, is a free weekend again, and most of the workshoppers have opted to stay on Netiv HaLamed Hey.
Gmar Hatima Tova,

Chag Sameach

Hi All
The orientation tiyul has now finished, and all workshoppers are either at their destinations for the chag, or on the way.
The tiyul by all accounts was a fantastic and fun experience where the workshoppers spent a lot of time together, and also with the Habonim Dror UK group. The hikes were challenging, but also rewarding in many senses.
On Monday, the group did the Ein Ovdat track, Tuesday the gorgeous Nachal Arugot (overlooking the Dead Sea) and then spent a few hours floating in the Dead Sea and stretching their muscles. This morning, they did a short hike of Nachal David (also overlooking the Dead Sea) before departing the area. [I will try to put up a few pics later in the day]
The chofesh period lasts until Sunday morning, upon where the workshoppers will have their Ivrit tests, to place them in different levels, and start their first Boneh seminar - Introduction to Judaism!
Wishing you and your families a Shana Tova,
Vered, Michael and the Workshop tzevet!

Boneh kicks off!

Hi all
After a very busy week, the workshoppers arrived on Kibbutz Netiv HaLamed Hey today, to start the Boneh portion of the year.
This past week saw the workshoppers on Kibbutz Hanaton hostel, which proved to be a beautiful scenic setting in which to discuss and further solidify many of their aims of the year ahead. Topics discussed included the definition of the word "Hachshara" (literally in Hebrew translates to "training" but has connotations of preparations for youth movement leadership), the equality of human value, wiping away prior stigmas and starting discussions on responsibility for the year ahead. During this time, after preparatory peulot, the 2 kvutsot were also split. The madrichim for the 2 kvutsot are Ruth & Amir, and Itamar & Lihi.
Friday and Saturday were a free weekend, with the majority of the workshoppers taking advantage of accomodation provided by Habonim, at Ramat Efal Seminar Centre (just outside Tel Aviv).
Today, the Boneh portion started, with some formal and informal gibush (bonding/getting to know you activities) with the Habonim Dror UK group, who are also present on Netivaleh for Boneh. We also had a short tour of the kibbutz (as scene above), and some basic orientation information was gone over. The rest of the evening was time to prepare for tiyul tomorrow, and relax a bit!
Tomorrow the workshoppers are on tiyul in the Sde Boker/Judean desert region. The plan is for them to set off relatively early on Monday morning, and hike in the Ein Ovdat region, and then sleep in a camping ground next to Midreshet Sde Boker - called Chan HaShayarot. On Tuesday, they will hike in the beautiful Dead Sea area, followed by some swim/floating time in the Dead Sea, and spend the night at the Masada youth hostel. On Wednesday they will either have a short hike, or possibly more Dead Sea time, depending on how Tuesday pans out! The buses will then do a drop off for the Rosh Hashana chag weekend.
Hoping everyone is well,
Vered

Orientation Continues..

Hi again,
The workshoppers have now moved onto Kibbutz Hanaton guest house for the 2nd part of their orientation, after a nice and relaxing weekend in Jerusalem. During the weekend, workshoppers got an introduction to Israeli culture both through various tasks they had to complete on Emek Refaim street; and a giant jeopardy/quiz game including subjects such as "The Price is Right" (where workshoppers had to guess prices of fairly random but common Israeli items). A definite highlight was the leisurely Friday evening stroll from the hostel through the Old City to the Kotel.
I have received a request for the mailing address for all workshoppers for the next few months, while they are on Boneh. It is:
[Participant Name]
Habonim Dror
Kibbutz Netiv HaLamed Hey
D.N. HaElla 99855
ISRAEL.
Until next time,
Vered

Workshop arrives!

Hi everyone,
The 57th workshop group has arrived safe and sound in Israel!
They are presently checking into the hostel in Jerusalem, and shortly will be receiving their cellphones from Israel-phones and eating dinner.
Please note that during orientation they have fairly limited to no internet access, and during activities, cellphones will be turned off. Please don't be alarmed if your son/daughter/family member does not answer their phone on first try!
Of course if there are any concerns please feel free to contact staff.
Vered

Workshop 57 starts very soon...

I am writing to you from sunny and hot Israel where I will be until September 9th. As such I can be reached in case of emergency or urgent need to talk at 011-972-52-580-7124. That is the number for the cellphone I will have on and with me at all times. Of course if possible please keep in mind the time difference of 7 hours on the East Coast and 10 hours on the West Coast.

As such on the travel day I will not be at the airport in Newark but Jamie Beran, Kenan Jaffe, Gil Browdy and Hezi Nir(all members of the Mazkirut Artzit) will be at the airport to meet everyone and take them to their connecting flight to Israel. If you need to reach any of them on the travel day please call the Habonim Dror cellphone at 917-822-2330.

Please keep in mind that at least one member of the Mazkirut Artzit will be there to meet each flight and if for some reason they are not immediately there please wait for them. They will be wearing their movement shirts(blue with red strings). Also since the flights are on Continental you should be able to check your bags through to Israel which should make things easier in terms of making your connecting flight to Israel.

I will be at the airport on the other side at Ben-Gurion with Vered and their madrichim, Itamar, Ruth, Amir, and Lehi. Having sat with their madrichim(counselors) and Vered, their is definite sense of excitement and optimism about the group, the tochnit, and the potential of Workshop 57 and its 48 participants to have an amazing experience.

Talk to you all soon,
Michael

Meet the tzevet !

Meet the workshop/shnat tzevet for 2007-8, hard at work preparing peulot (and enjoying the great weather!)

Back row - Ilan (UK madrich), Itamar & Amir (Workshop). Front - Ruth & Lihi (Workshop), Nitzan (UK Madrich)

See you guys soon!

Workshop in less than a week

Welcome to Workshop 57 Blog!

Vered and I will be posting updates throughout the year about the weekly activities of the Workshoppers. It is our hope to foster an efficient method of communicating updates as well as create a common link with the Workshop families. The updates will be at least once a week with occasionally more frequent smaller updates. We hope the blog will be something to look forward to and a good source of information about the program!

Below is an update from Vered but I wanted to point out one one thing before I give her the floor. I will be leaving for Israel this coming Sunday afternoon. I will be in Israel until the 9th of September. As such the rest of the Mazkirut Artzit(Central Office) will be in the office and will be at Newark on the travel day. I will be giving a cell phone number that I can be reached on while I am in Israel. I also will be checking my email fairly regularly and will try to respond to emails in a timely manner. I am looking forward to being in Israel to be part of a smooth start of Workshop 57 and to greet the tired but excited faces of the Workshoppers.

As the departure for Workshop is just under a week away, we would like to take this opportunity to fill you in on a few more details about the next few weeks. Upon arrival at Ben-Gurion airport, the Workshoppers should look out for me(Vered) (in a chultza) in the baggage collection area (it’s immediately after passport control). No one should leave the baggage area until we have done a count-off!

From the airport, we will proceed to Jerusalem, to the Ariel Hotel which is situated just a few minutes walking distance from the Old City. Workshop will be based there until Sunday 2nd where we will be travelling to a seminar center on Kibbutz Hanaton in the lower Galillee. During this time Workshop will be undergoing general orientation to Workshop mainly based as peulot with your madrichim, and sichot (discussions) with your Workshop kvutsa, and Workshop shichva.

Following that there is a free weekend from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th in the morning. Workshoppers will be able to visit family and friends at this time. Anyone without a base will be able to stay at Ramat Efal - a seminar center not far from Tel Aviv, and where the Habonim Dror Olami offices are based!

Most importantly - when packing for workshop please keep in mind to pack for the first 9-10 days in such a way that we can place some of your luggage into storage during orientation/free weekend. i.e. pack anything you will need for the first few weeks in only 1 of your bags, so as to save the hassle of repacking and reorganizing before you settle onto Kibbutz Netiv HaLamed Hey!

On Sunday 9th the Boneh portion kicks off with orientation on Netivaleh followed immediately on the 10^th with Orientation tiyul in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea area. The tiyul will last for 2.5 days, until Erev Rosh Hashana on Wednesday the 12th. Please note that the Rosh Hashana holiday is chofesh (holiday) and all Workshoppers may use this time to visit family or friends. Alternatively, they are also welcome to stay on Netiv HaLamed Hey, and preparations will be made accordingly for them.

A small reminder about your Israel-phones mobile phones - If you are yet to fax your order in, please do so promptly! If you require another copy of the form, please feel free to be in touch.

Lastly, check the blog for regular updates throughout the year (just like this one!).

See you all very soon!

Vered & the Workshop tzevet in Israel

Welcome!

Welcome to the Workshop 57 blog, where updates will be posted throughout the year!