Dear Workshop Families,
I am writing to inform you about an incident that took place in Israel on Monday September 22. At about 10pm in Jerusalem there was a terrorist attack. A man drove his car into a crowd of people at a busy intersection; 15 people were injured and the driver was shot and killed. This is all of the information that has been released at this time. Coverage of this incident can be found at www.haaretz.com or www.jpost.com.
All of the workshoppers as well as the British chanichim were on kibbutz tonight. All of the madrichim (counselors) are safe as well.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at 011972525807124.
Sincerely,
Shani
Monday, September 22, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hello again everyone!
Well we have finally reached the end of the first full week of the boneh component of Workshop. And what a wonderful and positive week it has been.
The week started off with the first classes of Boneh. Both this week and next week the workshoppers will be looking at chaggim (holidays) in Judaism, from a variety of different themes and angles. Some of the topics that they looked at in their classes this week include:
- The Jewish calendar and yearly cycle - covering the progression of months in Judaism, the times of the year where the Jewish holidays fall, and the impact of the lunar cycle on 'Rosh Chodesh' (First day of the month).
- The 'Shalosh Regalim' - examining the original three chaggim in Judaism - Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Discussing the place of the commandments and moral fibres of ancient Jewish society, and the role of the pilgrimage festivals in the shaping of that society.
- The meanings of the Chaggim - looking at the original meanings, themes, and values based around the Jewish festivals that we celebrate today, as well as the everyday expressions and rituals that you could imagine to see in Jewish communities all over the world.
As you can see it has been a busy week. And that's only the classes!
Hebrew has also started this week, and the workshoppers have approached their ulpan classes with much enthusiasm and motivation. By the time the group leaves kibbutz Ein Dor in 3 months, they should be speaking hebrew like naturals!
The group also had a special guest speaker come to address them on the first full day of Boneh. Silvio Joskowitz, the world Mazkir of Habonim Dror, came to talk to the group on Sunday evening, and wish them great successes and experiences for their workshop year to come.
In conjunction with the general educational theme of the week, chaggim, the workshoppers also watched a movie on the big screen (well - on a projector, but it's like the real thing) on Tuesday night. The Israeli movie, 'Ushpizin', examines the Sukkot tradition of inviting guests and strangers into your home and taking responsibility for their hospitality. The film gave the workshoppers a great insight into both the ancient Jewish tradition, and into modern Israeli society.
The workshoppers also engaged in some chuggim (choice-based small educational groups), both educational and art & craft based, on common lines and themes of the week. During the discussion chuggim, the workshoppers were able to choose between topics, including an in-depth discussion about Jewish traditions around the world, and a look at different Jewish legends and folk tales.
During the creative chuggim, the shnatties were able to choose between activities, including finger-painting a mural of the ten plagues, learning traditional songs of the chaggim, creating and writing Rosh Hashana greeting cards, and even a tree-hugging activity to commemorate Tu B'Av.
To cap off the week, the whole of Boneh was invited to a regional kabbalat shabbat on Friday night in the museum at Ein Dor. Members of kibbutzim from all over the Jezre'el Valley came to participate, and everyone was excited to see such a big and energetic group of young people involved. It could become a regular fixture on the Boneh calendar!
So as you can see, it has been a big week for the workshoppers this week, and this is only the beginning! Below are some pictures from the opening ceremony of Boneh last week, and there will be more to come soon. Stay tuned!
Until next time,
Leon
Well we have finally reached the end of the first full week of the boneh component of Workshop. And what a wonderful and positive week it has been.
The week started off with the first classes of Boneh. Both this week and next week the workshoppers will be looking at chaggim (holidays) in Judaism, from a variety of different themes and angles. Some of the topics that they looked at in their classes this week include:
- The Jewish calendar and yearly cycle - covering the progression of months in Judaism, the times of the year where the Jewish holidays fall, and the impact of the lunar cycle on 'Rosh Chodesh' (First day of the month).
- The 'Shalosh Regalim' - examining the original three chaggim in Judaism - Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Discussing the place of the commandments and moral fibres of ancient Jewish society, and the role of the pilgrimage festivals in the shaping of that society.
- The meanings of the Chaggim - looking at the original meanings, themes, and values based around the Jewish festivals that we celebrate today, as well as the everyday expressions and rituals that you could imagine to see in Jewish communities all over the world.
As you can see it has been a busy week. And that's only the classes!
Hebrew has also started this week, and the workshoppers have approached their ulpan classes with much enthusiasm and motivation. By the time the group leaves kibbutz Ein Dor in 3 months, they should be speaking hebrew like naturals!
The group also had a special guest speaker come to address them on the first full day of Boneh. Silvio Joskowitz, the world Mazkir of Habonim Dror, came to talk to the group on Sunday evening, and wish them great successes and experiences for their workshop year to come.
In conjunction with the general educational theme of the week, chaggim, the workshoppers also watched a movie on the big screen (well - on a projector, but it's like the real thing) on Tuesday night. The Israeli movie, 'Ushpizin', examines the Sukkot tradition of inviting guests and strangers into your home and taking responsibility for their hospitality. The film gave the workshoppers a great insight into both the ancient Jewish tradition, and into modern Israeli society.
The workshoppers also engaged in some chuggim (choice-based small educational groups), both educational and art & craft based, on common lines and themes of the week. During the discussion chuggim, the workshoppers were able to choose between topics, including an in-depth discussion about Jewish traditions around the world, and a look at different Jewish legends and folk tales.
During the creative chuggim, the shnatties were able to choose between activities, including finger-painting a mural of the ten plagues, learning traditional songs of the chaggim, creating and writing Rosh Hashana greeting cards, and even a tree-hugging activity to commemorate Tu B'Av.
To cap off the week, the whole of Boneh was invited to a regional kabbalat shabbat on Friday night in the museum at Ein Dor. Members of kibbutzim from all over the Jezre'el Valley came to participate, and everyone was excited to see such a big and energetic group of young people involved. It could become a regular fixture on the Boneh calendar!
So as you can see, it has been a big week for the workshoppers this week, and this is only the beginning! Below are some pictures from the opening ceremony of Boneh last week, and there will be more to come soon. Stay tuned!
Until next time,
Leon
The workshoppers waiting in anticipation for the opening ceremony to start
Anna, Lily, and Elissa getting comfortable
The workshoppers and shnatties struggle to untie the 'human knot'
A machane Na'aleh reunion!
All of Boneh in their new chultzot (movement shirts)!
Anna, Lily, and Elissa getting comfortable
The workshoppers and shnatties struggle to untie the 'human knot'
A machane Na'aleh reunion!
All of Boneh in their new chultzot (movement shirts)!Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Beginning of Workshop
Hi everyone!
So the workshoppers have now been here for almost two weeks, and they are settling in as if they have been here for far longer! It has been a time of excitement and new meetings, serious discussions and the start of meaningful (and lifelong) friendships.
The workshoppers arrived on Thursday evening and from there went directly to the beautiful and tranquil Karei Deshe youth hostel, which is situated right on the shore of the kinneret. They became acquainted with their madrichim very quickly, and co-ordinated their own kabbalat shabbat service on their first full day together. Their first shabbat was very relaxing, and was rounded out with their split into the year-long kvutsot, which was eagerly anticipated and proved to be a very succesful process. All of the participants are very excited at the prospect of their kvutsa mates for the coming year.
On Sunday morning the group went on an activity to Tiberias to get to know Israeli society and the Israeli way of life. They were split into smaller group and had to achieve a number of different missions, involving speaking hebrew, buying israeli products, and even having their pictures taken with everyday Israelis! The morning was rounded out with their first lunch out in an Israeli city, where much falafel and shawarma was had by all.
The orientation seminar was rounded out with plenty of time for each kvutsa to discuss some of the elements of the coming year together, specifically how they want to structure their kuppah and how they want it to function, as well as the all important rooms division for the 3 month periond on boneh, at ein dor.
By the time Tuesday morning came around, the workshoppers had a real sense of ownership and udnerstanding of their roles in creating and shaping their year to come together. So when they arrived to Ein Dor for their 2 day Boneh orientation seminar, it gave them a great chance to integrate and get to know their new neighbours for the next 3 months, the British Habonim Dror Shnatties. These 2 days were spent examining some of the serious elements of their time on kibbutz Ein Dor during Boneh, such as work and the value of labour, hebrew, and interaction with the kibbutz community. The workshoppers also had a chance to spend time on different tzevetim (teams) planning some of the elements of Boneh, such as hitkansut boker (which takes place every morning), Kabbalat shabbat, and their opening ceremony for the end of the seminar, and the beginning of Boneh proper. They were also given ample time to divide their workplaces for the duration of Boneh. The workplaces where they will be working are as follows:
The horses - maintaining and caring for the horses on the kibbutz.
Etz Dor - the kibbutz factory, where they are responsible for creating cable drums and rolls.
Laundry - general washing, folding, and drying the kibbutz laundry.
Kitchen - cutting, preparing and cooking food for the kibbutz cheder ochel.
Ofakim - the local school, workshoppers will be responsible for teaching english to the young children of the community.
Tavor Hospitality - the name of the guest house area of Ein Dor - workshoppers will be responsible for cleaning, gardening, and general maintenance of the area.
Computers - working in the maintenance of computer hardware with a specialist on Ein Dor.
Chinuch - preparing educational materials and working with young children on the kibbutz.
Museum - Working at the archaeological museum on Ein Dor, and being responsible for the maintenance of the museum.
Dorly - Working primarily with a woman on the kibbutz who makes dolls, and being involved in the creation process
As you can see, there is a wide and exciting range of possibilities for all tastes and capabilities, and the workshoppers were able to satisfy all requests in designating their future workplaces.
So when the weekend arrived, it gave the group a great chance to relax and unwind after such an intense and busy start to their workshop year. The Boneh element of workshop officially started on Sunday, and i will post more about the current classes, ulpan, work, and everything else when i next post on the blog.
This workshop kvutsa is an amazing collection of motivated, passionate, and inspring young people, who are immaculate representatives both of their communities, and of Habonim Dror North America. I look forward to seeing their progress through the year, and to being in touch with all family and friends in the US and Canada through the blog. Stay tuned for more summaries and pictures!
Leon Schneider
Workshop Co-ordinator
So the workshoppers have now been here for almost two weeks, and they are settling in as if they have been here for far longer! It has been a time of excitement and new meetings, serious discussions and the start of meaningful (and lifelong) friendships.
The workshoppers arrived on Thursday evening and from there went directly to the beautiful and tranquil Karei Deshe youth hostel, which is situated right on the shore of the kinneret. They became acquainted with their madrichim very quickly, and co-ordinated their own kabbalat shabbat service on their first full day together. Their first shabbat was very relaxing, and was rounded out with their split into the year-long kvutsot, which was eagerly anticipated and proved to be a very succesful process. All of the participants are very excited at the prospect of their kvutsa mates for the coming year.
On Sunday morning the group went on an activity to Tiberias to get to know Israeli society and the Israeli way of life. They were split into smaller group and had to achieve a number of different missions, involving speaking hebrew, buying israeli products, and even having their pictures taken with everyday Israelis! The morning was rounded out with their first lunch out in an Israeli city, where much falafel and shawarma was had by all.
The orientation seminar was rounded out with plenty of time for each kvutsa to discuss some of the elements of the coming year together, specifically how they want to structure their kuppah and how they want it to function, as well as the all important rooms division for the 3 month periond on boneh, at ein dor.
By the time Tuesday morning came around, the workshoppers had a real sense of ownership and udnerstanding of their roles in creating and shaping their year to come together. So when they arrived to Ein Dor for their 2 day Boneh orientation seminar, it gave them a great chance to integrate and get to know their new neighbours for the next 3 months, the British Habonim Dror Shnatties. These 2 days were spent examining some of the serious elements of their time on kibbutz Ein Dor during Boneh, such as work and the value of labour, hebrew, and interaction with the kibbutz community. The workshoppers also had a chance to spend time on different tzevetim (teams) planning some of the elements of Boneh, such as hitkansut boker (which takes place every morning), Kabbalat shabbat, and their opening ceremony for the end of the seminar, and the beginning of Boneh proper. They were also given ample time to divide their workplaces for the duration of Boneh. The workplaces where they will be working are as follows:
The horses - maintaining and caring for the horses on the kibbutz.
Etz Dor - the kibbutz factory, where they are responsible for creating cable drums and rolls.
Laundry - general washing, folding, and drying the kibbutz laundry.
Kitchen - cutting, preparing and cooking food for the kibbutz cheder ochel.
Ofakim - the local school, workshoppers will be responsible for teaching english to the young children of the community.
Tavor Hospitality - the name of the guest house area of Ein Dor - workshoppers will be responsible for cleaning, gardening, and general maintenance of the area.
Computers - working in the maintenance of computer hardware with a specialist on Ein Dor.
Chinuch - preparing educational materials and working with young children on the kibbutz.
Museum - Working at the archaeological museum on Ein Dor, and being responsible for the maintenance of the museum.
Dorly - Working primarily with a woman on the kibbutz who makes dolls, and being involved in the creation process
As you can see, there is a wide and exciting range of possibilities for all tastes and capabilities, and the workshoppers were able to satisfy all requests in designating their future workplaces.
So when the weekend arrived, it gave the group a great chance to relax and unwind after such an intense and busy start to their workshop year. The Boneh element of workshop officially started on Sunday, and i will post more about the current classes, ulpan, work, and everything else when i next post on the blog.
This workshop kvutsa is an amazing collection of motivated, passionate, and inspring young people, who are immaculate representatives both of their communities, and of Habonim Dror North America. I look forward to seeing their progress through the year, and to being in touch with all family and friends in the US and Canada through the blog. Stay tuned for more summaries and pictures!
Leon Schneider
Workshop Co-ordinator
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Information from the conference call
Hello Workshop Families,
Yesterday we had a conference call to give our coordinator in Israel, Leon Schneider a chance to give parents information about the program and some updates about the workshoppers. This was also a chance for parents to ask questions. Since I know some of you were unable to participate I am posting some highlights from the discussion.
The weekly schedule while the workshoppers are on the Boneh (kibbutz) part of the program has several components. They have Ulpan (Hebrew) 8 hours a week along with classes in which they discuss such topics as Jewish identity, Jewish history, and Israeli history among others. They will have a day dedicated to spending time with their own kvutzah and madrichim, doing peulot together and working on their own kvutzah dynamics and relationships. They have work projects once a week. A few times a month the group will go on a siyur (tour) which will be a variety of activities outside of the kibbutz such as museum visits, hikes and volunteer projects. Two new aspects to the program are "project time" and themes. Every 1-2 weeks will have a theme that is planned by the Boneh coordinators. This theme will serve as the focus of the classes, ulpan lessons, and their projects. The chanichim will split up into smaller groups and create a presentation or an activity for the rest of workshop to take part in.
The workshoppers will be sending their time on kibbutz with the shnat chanichim from the UK. On Kibbutz Ein Dor, the workshoppers are in a dormitory building in rooms of 4-5 people per room. Each kvutzah has a classroom where their classes and yom kvutzah will take place. They eat lunch and dinner in the kibbutz cheder ochel (dining room). The dorms have small kitchens and food is bought weekly for the workshoppers so that they can make themselves breakfast. Their laundry is done on the kibbutz and they have access to the kibbutz supermarket, pool and clinic.
Boneh will run from September to mid-December, when they will have an orientation for the second part of the year, kaveret, they will then move into their houses and winter chofesh (vacation) will start on December 23. Besides winter chofesh some dates may change slightly during the year.
Workshop has gotten off to a very successful start and that the workshoppers are having fun and have a really great and positive attitude towards the program. It’s going to be a really fulfilling and fun year.
This is a majority of what was discussed and asked about on yesterday's conference call. Both Leon and I will be updating the blog and I will be in contact with Israel several times a week. If you have any questions feel free to contact me in office.
I look forwarding to being in touch throughout the year.
Shani
Yesterday we had a conference call to give our coordinator in Israel, Leon Schneider a chance to give parents information about the program and some updates about the workshoppers. This was also a chance for parents to ask questions. Since I know some of you were unable to participate I am posting some highlights from the discussion.
The weekly schedule while the workshoppers are on the Boneh (kibbutz) part of the program has several components. They have Ulpan (Hebrew) 8 hours a week along with classes in which they discuss such topics as Jewish identity, Jewish history, and Israeli history among others. They will have a day dedicated to spending time with their own kvutzah and madrichim, doing peulot together and working on their own kvutzah dynamics and relationships. They have work projects once a week. A few times a month the group will go on a siyur (tour) which will be a variety of activities outside of the kibbutz such as museum visits, hikes and volunteer projects. Two new aspects to the program are "project time" and themes. Every 1-2 weeks will have a theme that is planned by the Boneh coordinators. This theme will serve as the focus of the classes, ulpan lessons, and their projects. The chanichim will split up into smaller groups and create a presentation or an activity for the rest of workshop to take part in.
The workshoppers will be sending their time on kibbutz with the shnat chanichim from the UK. On Kibbutz Ein Dor, the workshoppers are in a dormitory building in rooms of 4-5 people per room. Each kvutzah has a classroom where their classes and yom kvutzah will take place. They eat lunch and dinner in the kibbutz cheder ochel (dining room). The dorms have small kitchens and food is bought weekly for the workshoppers so that they can make themselves breakfast. Their laundry is done on the kibbutz and they have access to the kibbutz supermarket, pool and clinic.
Boneh will run from September to mid-December, when they will have an orientation for the second part of the year, kaveret, they will then move into their houses and winter chofesh (vacation) will start on December 23. Besides winter chofesh some dates may change slightly during the year.
Workshop has gotten off to a very successful start and that the workshoppers are having fun and have a really great and positive attitude towards the program. It’s going to be a really fulfilling and fun year.
This is a majority of what was discussed and asked about on yesterday's conference call. Both Leon and I will be updating the blog and I will be in contact with Israel several times a week. If you have any questions feel free to contact me in office.
I look forwarding to being in touch throughout the year.
Shani
Monday, September 8, 2008
Conference Call on Wednesday September 10
Dear Workshop Families,
The word from Israel is that Workshop is going quite well. To hear more about it we are having a conference call on Wednesday September 10th at 1pm ET(12pm CT/10am PT). In order to access the conference call please do as follows: Dial the call-in number, 218-339-2688, and then when prompted dial the passcode for our call which is 194815.
As a reminder the purpose of this conference call is to speak with Shani, the new Programs Director, speak with the coordinators in Israel and get an update of how workshoppers are doing so far. This is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have. Hope to speak with you all Wednesday!
Michael and Shani
The word from Israel is that Workshop is going quite well. To hear more about it we are having a conference call on Wednesday September 10th at 1pm ET(12pm CT/10am PT). In order to access the conference call please do as follows: Dial the call-in number, 218-339-2688, and then when prompted dial the passcode for our call which is 194815.
As a reminder the purpose of this conference call is to speak with Shani, the new Programs Director, speak with the coordinators in Israel and get an update of how workshoppers are doing so far. This is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have. Hope to speak with you all Wednesday!
Michael and Shani
Friday, September 5, 2008
Workshop 58 Begins !
the madrichim waiting eagerly for their arrival! from left - Jacki, Liron, Ofer and Sager (standing)The workshoppers arrived safely last night, and are currently at the beautiful hostel in Karei Deshe, on the banks of the Kinneret. Here are some pictures from their arrival. Shabbat Shalom!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Workshoppers are en route to Tel-Aviv
Today went off without a hitch with all flights either on-time or early. They took off at approximately 11:50pm and are even slated to land a few minutes early. It was a great start to what promises to be a great experience! More to come once they land.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Workshop 58 Departure Day
Dear Workshop Families,
We are so very close to the departure of the Workshoppers to Israel and the start of an amazing experience. Everyone should have all their e-ticket information but if somehow you do not please let us know in the office.We will have all the Workshoppers e-ticket information in the airport.
As a reminder for tomorrow. When arriving to JFK from a connecting flight, please proceed to the baggage claim where someone from the Habonim Dror office will be there in a blue chultzah(movement shirt) to meet all the Workshoppers and take them to the ElAl terminal. Please do not try to find the terminal on your own. If you are coming to
During the travel day on Wednesday I can be reached on the Habonim Dror cellphone which is 917-822-2330. This is also the phone number where I can be reached in case of emergency or urgent situation during the program.
If you cannot reach me it is likely that I'm on the phone and if it is urgent to speak to someone from our office you can contact one of the following numbers:
Jamie Beran: 856-287-0345
Kenan Jaffe: 302-220-1762
Gil Browdy: 301-254-2955
Shani Bob: 516-698-7784
Please only contact these numbers if you cannot reach me on the Habonim Dror cell at 917-822-2330.
You will notice that this post and future updates from Israel can be found on the Workshop blog at: http://workshop58.blogspot.com/. The blog will be updated at least once a week during the program. If you want to receive blog updates via email you can sign up at the following site: http://www.feedmyinbox.com/.
Lastly I mentioned last week that there will be a conference call on Wednesday September 10th at 1pm ET(12pm CT/10am PT). I neglected to put in the passcode for our conference call. In order to access the conference call next Wednesday please do as follows: Dial the call-in number, 218-339-2688, and then when prompted dial the passcode for our call which is 194815.
Workshop 58 here we come!
Talk to you soon,
Michael and Shani
We are so very close to the departure of the Workshoppers to Israel and the start of an amazing experience. Everyone should have all their e-ticket information but if somehow you do not please let us know in the office.We will have all the Workshoppers e-ticket information in the airport.
As a reminder for tomorrow. When arriving to JFK from a connecting flight, please proceed to the baggage claim where someone from the Habonim Dror office will be there in a blue chultzah(movement shirt) to meet all the Workshoppers and take them to the ElAl terminal. Please do not try to find the terminal on your own. If you are coming to
During the travel day on Wednesday I can be reached on the Habonim Dror cellphone which is 917-822-2330. This is also the phone number where I can be reached in case of emergency or urgent situation during the program.
If you cannot reach me it is likely that I'm on the phone and if it is urgent to speak to someone from our office you can contact one of the following numbers:
Jamie Beran: 856-287-0345
Kenan Jaffe: 302-220-1762
Gil Browdy: 301-254-2955
Shani Bob: 516-698-7784
Please only contact these numbers if you cannot reach me on the Habonim Dror cell at 917-822-2330.
You will notice that this post and future updates from Israel can be found on the Workshop blog at: http://workshop58.blogspot.com/. The blog will be updated at least once a week during the program. If you want to receive blog updates via email you can sign up at the following site: http://www.feedmyinbox.com/.
Lastly I mentioned last week that there will be a conference call on Wednesday September 10th at 1pm ET(12pm CT/10am PT). I neglected to put in the passcode for our conference call. In order to access the conference call next Wednesday please do as follows: Dial the call-in number, 218-339-2688, and then when prompted dial the passcode for our call which is 194815.
Workshop 58 here we come!
Talk to you soon,
Michael and Shani
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