End of Boneh Orientation

Hello again to Shnat fans everywhere!

So again we come to the end of another action-packed, intensive, and exciting week for the Shnatties. After celebrating Rosh Hashana with family and/or friends, the shnatties came back together on Sunday morning and travelled north to their base for the coming 3 months, kibbutz Ein Dor. After arriving in time for their first meal, the shnatties went through the do's and don'ts for their time on Ein Dor, and then were given a guided tour of the kibbutz by their rakazim (co-ordinators) for Boneh. Their first night was a big erev tarbut (culture evening), which gave them a great opportunity to get to know their new neighbours - the workshop (habonim dror north american shnat) group.

On Monday the shnatties had their first discussion about va'adot (committees), and split themselves up into committees for the duration of Boneh. The committee responsibilities range from cleaning and maintenance, buying of breakfast, being responsible for weekly educational activities, and hitkansut boker (the regular morning assembly), among other things.
The Shnatties also had the chance to meet Arye from the kibbutz, one of the founders who is originally from Hashomer Hatzair USA. Arye spoke to them on Monday evening about his life - detailing the beginnings of Habonim in North America, fighting in world war II, arriving to Israel during the Ha'apala (illegal immigration period), and the establishment of the kibbutz. Needless to say, it was a rivetting discussion with someone who truly has witnessed many of the unforgettable historical events that we know.

On Tuesday the shnatties started their educational rationale for the coming Boneh, examining Judaism and Jewish identity for them today, both as individuals, and within the movement. The group also had more time to talk about their kuppah structure for the coming year, and how they wanted to deal with their collective financial responsibilities with each other.

On Wednesday the Shnatties were given the arduous tasks of splitting up for work assignments. Kibbutz Ein Dor is fortunate enough to have a large and varied range of work environments for the shnatties to be involved in, which include unique places such as the doll-making factory, the cheesemaker, the horse ranch, and the veterinarian clinic. There are of course the familiar workplaces too - such as the dining room and kitchen, the kids' houses, and gardening.
The shnatties also had a special guest on Wednesday - world Mazkir of Habonim Dror Silvio Joskowicz. Silvio came to wish them all the best for their coming year, and to talk to them about why Habonim Dror is such a strong movement in creating and shaping a strong Jewish, Zionist identity for young people.

Their week finished off on Thursday with their final classes, before they got to put their feet up a little and prepare for their weekend, as well as yom kippur. The Shnatties will be starting their classes and ulpan next week, with the regular schedule, before heading off on yam le yam (sea to sea) hike during sukkot, from September 26-29.

There are some nice pictures below for you to see, and i would like to wish everyone a gmar chatima tova and a safe and easy fast over yom kippur.

Until next time!

Leon


Shnatties arriving at the airport - ready for a big year!


The Shnatties left their mark on Haifa beach!


At one of the spiritual centres of Judaism - the western wall!

Shnat is off and running!

Hello to all you fans of Shnat UK 2010-11,

Well it has been a fast and furious few days of Shnat. The Shnatties arrived on Wednesday late at night, and were whisked away to their first destination - the yehuda hostel in Jerusalem. After a late night, i met with them early on Thursday to go through the rules and guidelines for Shnat behaviour. The Shnatties willingly accepted their responsibilities for the year, and I am certain that they will adhere to those guidelines in order to keep themself safe and healthy throughout the year.

On Friday the shnatties headed out into the Jewish quarter of the old city for a guided tour, which included some time to soak up the atmosphere of the Kotel. They then had a chance to buy lunch out in the city centre of Jerusalem, so much Shawarma was had by all! And Falafel for those who prefer a more vegetarian meal. The shnatties also did an activity in Israeli society in small groups, which generally involved some daring missions, asking Israelis some heat of the moment questions, and taking pictures of eye-catching things.
After a long morning and afternoon out, the group returned to the hostel for their first Shabbat together.

The shnatties spent Shabbat talking about ideas for their coming Shnat experience together. The topics included such things as kvutsa, kuppah, creative culture, safety and welfare, and youth culture today and the culture that the shnatties want to create for themselves through the year.

On Sunday the shnatties left the Yehuda hostel, and headed out to Neot Kedumim for a guided tour. Neot Kedumim is a biblical landscape museum, which guides participants through activities and tasks that would have taken place during biblical times. The group then had lunch, and headed off for a tour of the old roman remains in Caesarea. Needless to say, it was a long but enjoyable day for the shnatties.

The shnatties are currently in the Haifa hostel, and will be until they head out for Rosh Hashana chofesh on Wednesday morning. On Sunday, there will be buses in central points that will pick them up and they will be heading to Kibbutz Ein Dor, for the beginning of the Boneh element of the program.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and healthy and happy new year, and a chag sameach!

Until next time,

Leon.