Kvutzah Time

For the past few days the MBIers have been spending time bonding with their kvutzah. During the 3 days each kvutzah had a variety of peulot (educational activity) discussing the gay pride parades that happen in Israel and using it a lens to discuss equality in Israel, they had a peulah about their visions for the state of Israel, they had a discussion about equality within the kvutzah and they had a peulah preparing them for the camp they will have this weekend with Israeli youth from our sister youth movement Hanoar Haoved ve'Halomed. Along with the educational peulot they also had several fun activities to bring the group closer together.

One of the days of this time was spent on the kibbutz they are staying on. During this day was when a bulk of the peulot were run and the chanichim also had a chance to hang out and cool off at the kibbutz pool.

Another day was spent rafting down the Jordan river. The picturesque scenery makes for a very relaxing and refreshing activity. The Jordan valley is one of the hottest places in Israel so I am sure being in the water provided some relief from the heat. After reaching the end of the river, the group then had an opportunity to go on the ropes course run by the rafting company. A ropes course is a really good way to build trust amongst each other as the activities usually revolve around helping each other overcome fears or nervousness surrounding the course. They then got some more time to hang out on the grassy banks of the river and had an all you can eat make your pizza party. A nice break from schnitzel, the chanichim got a unique experience to make their own fire grilled pizza and experience "Israeli pizza" toppings. Some chanichim were bold enough to try corn on their pizza and are never going back.

The third day was spent learning about the kibbutz movement and Habonim's role within it historically and today. The group visited Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi, founded in 1948 and named for Chaim Weitzman, Israel's first president. Here the day was run by 3 Habonim graduates, Samo and Ryan from Australia and Nadav from our very own Machaneh Miriam. They began with a peulah about the kibbutz movement, its founding, what their vision was for Israel and the contributions they made throughout its history. They also discussed the changes the kibbutzim have been experiencing in recent decades. They had a tour of the kibbutz and had a chance to speak with a kibbutz member. They also enjoyed lunch at the kibbutz.

Overall this was a relaxing few days and hopefully brought the group closer together. The last few days were meant to help prepare the group for the coming weekend which will be challenging and fun.