The first weeks of Boneh and Machon have been progressing along smoothly with the shnatties slowly starting to settle down into a routine.
Both groups participated [separately] in a 3 day orientation seminar that included a day devoted to election activities. The Machoniks got orientated with the Kiryat Moriah campus in Jerusalem and all the rules and procedures of the Machon; the Bonehniks likewise with Kibbutz Ein Gev and the Boneh tochnit (program).
Discussions included topics such as: What does it mean to be on Shnat?; What is informal education?; or Hebrew as a Zionist value. Some of the formalities included Hebrew placement tests to determine which level each shnattie would be in. Both groups participated in a Seder for Tu Bishvat, which was a very fitting chag with which to begin this part of Shnat with.
On Tuesday, Israeli election day, the Boneh group went on a tour of the Kinneret area but unfortunately it was fairly rainy and visibility was low. They then went to Tiberias were there was a treasure hunt/getting to know the city planned which included visiting polling stations in the city centre. The Machon group split into mock Knesset factions before splitting into various groups and visiting different polling stations around the city, which enabled them to see a wide cross section of Israeli society.


On Wednesday both groups set out for tiyul (hike). The Machon group hiked in the Ein Gedi area, visited the Dead Sea and then camped out at the Eastern base of Masada before setting out at sunrise on Thursday to climb the snake path and tour Masada. Later in the day they did some more orientation and bonding activities in the desert. The Boneh group started in the other direction near Arad and hiked throughout the desert until Friday morning, stopping only just to camp out in the desert on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Thursday night they slept at the Western base of Masada and climbed the Roman ramp before sunrise on Friday. The rest of the day was spent at the Dead Sea and then getting dropped off for their free weekend.This week both groups are getting into the swing of life in Ein Gev and Jerusalem respectively, and the structure of classes and activities. Stay tuned until the next blog update, for more summaries and pictures of Shnat 2009!

Orientation Continues...

This past week has been both relaxing and hectic for all the new shnatties. It has been a time of excitement and new meetings, serious discussions and the start and strengthening of meaningful (and lifelong) friendships.
From last Sunday the shnatties were at the beautiful JNF campsite of Nes Harim which was quite reminiscent of a machane back in Australia or New Zealand - except for the luxury of cabins instead of tents! Despite a bit of drizzle on the first day, the rest of the week provided beautiful sunshine and allowed for many outdoor activities as well as intense discussions. The shnatties had peulot (programs) including discussing the equality of human value, wiping away prior stigmas and starting discussions on taking active and creative responsibility for their year ahead. Some of the kef (fun) actitivties included the entire group making plaster masks and painting them, a competition style "get to know your madrichim" game, and having an Australian/New Zealand culture evening.
On Thursday the shnatties left Nes Harim and travelled north, stopping on the way at Mt Tavor (near Afula) for a refreshing half-day hike. Tavor was the scene of a few biblical battles, and is uniquely shaped such that it is very distinguishable in Israel. The shnatties hiked their way up the mountain and as they were finishing, noticed a large pile of rubbish just strewn across the natural surroundings. Within a few minutes, the whole group had spontaneously cleaned up the lot!!
Thursday evening until tomorrow (Sunday) morning, the shnatties have been staying at Kibbutz Ravid, close to Tiberias. They have continued their orientation time, with some focus on practical matters including room discussions between the Machon & Boneh groups. On Friday night they had an awesome bonfire and singalong with marshmallows and on Saturday morning a nice walk around the area of the kibbutz.
Tomorrow the Machon group are travelling early in the morning to Jerusalem, and the Boneh group to Kibbutz Ein Gev. I am sure everyone will be happy to unpack their gear and do a load of washing! Both groups have a similar schedule this week with more orientation activities and special election activities on Tuesday. On Wednesday & Thursday the Machon group will be hiking and touring around the Ein Gedi and Dead Sea/Masada area. The Boneh group will be hiking from Arad to Masada/Dead Sea from Wednesday to Friday morning.