So the last couple of weeks have been a great balance of learning, experience, creativity, and relaxation. The workshoppers started off two weeks ago with their second week of Boneh, and expanded on some of the topics which they started in their first week of classes. The classes took in-depth looks at a range of topics, including the changes in ritual and expression of Judaism after the destruction of the second temple and beginning of the exile. The workshoppers examined the creation of modern elements of Judaism and their beginnings, such as the bet knesset (synagogue), the hagaddah, and prayer books. The workshoppers also spoke about the division of chaggim according to religious and national lines, and focused on the national holidays of Israel, and their Zionist influence on Jewish communities around the world. In wrapping up the first two weeks of the program, the workshoppers discussed the concept of creating traditions in Judaism, and the impact of Jewish traditions in their lives and in the movement.
The workshoppers also had a great discussional session with special guests for the week, the Mazkirut Artzit (National Office). Itamar, Shani, and Yelena opened up a number of great questions for the group, and worked on defining the relationship between the group in Israel, and the office in New York. It gave the workshoppers a great insight into the role of the Mazkirut Artzit, and a great basis for co-operation and communication throughout the year.
In the chuggim for the week, the workshoppers had a smorgasbord of great discussional and creative chuggim to choose from. Some of the group chose to learn about the biblical and post-biblical history of one of the most famous sites right by Ein Dor, Mt Tavor, while some chose to participate in an in-depth analysis of the upcoming American elections. Some of the group chose to make festive magnets, in a magnet-making chug, to decorate the fridges in their rooms, while we also bought a special guest, who is an expert on organic foods, to explain the ability to 'live off the land,' literally giving the chanichim tools for recognising how to forage foods, and edible fruits and berries that grow openly in the wild in Israel.
To round out their first two weeks of Boneh, and to mark the beginning of Rosh Hashana, one of the workshop kvutsot was responsible for planning and running a 'Rosh Hashana' seder. The activities took place on the day before Rosh Hashana started, and began with a morning of introspection which gave the opportunity for all the participants of boneh to look back over the past year, and all of the experiences and changes that have happened. The workshop kvutsa that was responsible for the day also made a special festive Rosh Hashana lunch, which was a great range of salads, soups, and spreads - all vegetarian! With an abundance of tofu, pita, and hummous as well, it was a great healthy alternative for everyone!
After having 4 days of chofesh for Rosh Hashana, the workshoppers returned to Ein Dor for a shabbat b'yachad (Shabbat together). The second workshop group was responsible for orchestrating a number of activities during the shabbat, which included a kabbalat shabbat service, a special 'Oneg Shabbat' (shabbat play), discussional chuggim groups, musicale. and a special havdallah service.
Tomorrow the group is leaving kibbutz at the bright and early time of 6:30, and will spend 3 days roughing it out on tiyul (hike) in the Judean Desert. The tiyul will test the camping spirit of the workshoppers, who will hike, cook, and camp together, and will finish it all with a nice dip in the Dead Sea on Tuesday.
Also - a reminder that tonight (Saturday October 4) at 2am, daylight savings ends, so the clocks in Israel will go back an hour.
That's all for this week. I'll leave you with a few pictures. I would like to wish everyone a shana tova and chatima tova.
Chag Sameach!
Leon.
Workshop 58 makes war! Colour war style!
Workshop 58 - all smiles!
