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.