July 27

After 3 days learning about the history of the youth movement and kibbutzim the MBIers were ready to reunite and to meet their Israeli peers from Hanoar Haoved veHalomed (the working and studying youth) at Machaneh Tnua Achot (sister youth movement camp). 120 Israeli Teens from kenim (local branches) from all over the country flocked to Yaar Lavi camp site for a fun and challenging weekend. This is an incredible connection to make, since Hanoar Haoved is a major youth movement of the kibbutz and labor movements and is still one of the largest youth movements in Israel today. Not only will the next few days be a chance to meet and connect to Israeli peers, but it will also be a chance to see how the ideals of the kibbutz movement are still being carried out today by one of the largest youth movements in Israel.

Friday was an intensive but good and thought provoking day. They had several peulot throughout the day which challenged them and gave them new perspectives and ideas about topics they have already learned about. They had a peulah where they discussed their own Jewish identity and the connection between Judaism and Zionism. This was an eye opening experience for both the MBIers and the Israelis. Later they had a peulah about tzedek (justice) and tzedaka (charity). Here they discussed the differences and the impact that both forms of action have on the world, and how to incorporate these ideas into their lives.

Earlier in the day in order to break up the peulot they also had creative chugim (interest groups). There were a variety of chugim for the chanichim to participate in such as a "jam session" where people brought several instruments and played music, rikud where they taught each other dances, and making fimo (a kind of soft clay). This was an opportunity for them to meet new kids from other groups and to bond over their creative interests and talents.

In preparation for Shabbat in the afternoon some of the MBIers exlained Habonim Shabbat traditions including kabbalat Shabbat, havdallah and musicale. This was to make sure the Israelis understood what was happening when the MBIers hosted kabbalat Shabbat and to invite the Israelis to prepare musicale acts for the traditional Saturday night musicale. After dinner the camp participated in something called a salatron which is a crazy fun and ruach (spirit) filled competition. They have silly tasks such as eating a watermelon without using your hands, having an improv dance competition and who has the most team spirit. The energy from the activity carried them into a rousing rikud session. A good time was had by all.

Tomorrow they will have a sleep-in for Shabbat morning and then another day of living and learning with their new friends.