Shabbat Shalom MBI

This morning the MBIers embarked on their first hike of the summer. They went to a stream called the Hatzbani. This is one of Israel's 3 main water sources that leads to the Jordan River. It sits at the foot of the picturesque Hermon Mountain. This is a great hike due its beauty and was a nice break from the heat as the MBIers had the opportunity to go in the water.

After the hike they drove to the camp site, Yaar Lavi (lavi forest) where they will be spending the weekend. Here they split up by buses and finished up the conversation from yesterday about kupa and then had some time to get ready for their first Shabbat.

Friday night on MBI looks very similar to Shabbat at machaneh. They started off the evening by sitting in groups by machaneh. At camp this is called mishpachot (families) and it is an opportunity for everyone to sit in smaller groups and reflect on the week. On MBI this is an opportunity to see all of their home camp friends who are on different buses.

Mishpachot was followed by Kabbalat Shabbat (a "ceremony" before dinner to bring in the Shabbat). During the 3 Friday's together each bus will responsible for preparing Kabbalat Shabbat. This week bus 3 serenaded everyone with a rendition of Summer Lovin' from the movie Grease.

Following their lovely song Gil, told a rosh story. He improvised a story using random objects he needed to include given to him seconds before he started. He then explained that the "rules of improv": be positive, smile and breath, can be an analogy for the way everyone can look at and experience the summer. He uses these methods in his life and believes that they can be an aid in creating an amazing experience this summer.

Following dinner the MBIers will be treated to an Oneg (a short and funny play) and then will will have the opporutnity to participate in one of our best camp traditions, Rikudei Am (folk dancing). Rikud is something that happens at all the machanot in a slightly different way so this is a great time for the chanichim to share their traditions and learn new dances.