The Skies Cleared Up..We Went Hiking...And Then We Rested (Shabbat)....

January 23, 2010 Shabbat just ended - Shavua Tov (Good Week)! Since we were offline for the past 25 hours, perhaps we should catch up on Friday’s activities. We woke up very early on Friday for a healthy breakfast and hit the bus for a ride up into the Golan Heights. We were all quite thankful for the dry and sunny weather as we proceeded up the mountain along the Chemdal stream. We were surrounded by beautiful views of the area, which included vast farmland and mountains. As the morning went on a thick fog covered the area and then dissipated as quickly. We stopped along the way for some beautiful photo opportunities, to learn about the local flora, to get some rest, and most importantly drink lots of water (to stay healthy!). We reached the apex of the mountain and then began to climb down in order to cross the stream. It was a collaborative effort as we needed assistance to climb down the muddy slope, cross the narrow water passage that was somewhat heightened by the recent rainfall and slippery rocks, and to climb back up to the trail. Several peers volunteered to assist Yael (one of our Madrihot) in helping everyone across… and despite several individuals fears and hesitations (including my own), we all made it across. It was a great sense of victory and pride in ourselves as a group. We then began our descent from the mountain, all the while learning about the area which was originally swamp land that had been drained to create more agriculture land. We stopped to look at the mountain ranges which were of Syria and Lebanon. We had to climb below several barb wire fences as we departed the area - definitely made for some funny moments. Upon getting back on the bus we proceeded to Katzirin, a town in the Golan Heights, for lunch and a grocery store pit stop. I really enjoyed perusing the aisles with Eyal (one of my fellow participants)to see the differences between US and Israeli super markets. A few snacks later, we were back on the bus and were in for a very special treat. Bus driver Jobi (Jobi, Jobi, Jobi) took us to a scenic overlook of land which he had fought on as a soldier during the Six Day War. He retold us stories of his trials and tribulations within the IDF and shared his thoughts on the land of Israel. The heartwarming (and sometimes wrenching) story really meshed very well with beautiful scenery. We had to hop back onto the bus and rush home for Shabbat which was beginning quite soon. A quick shower and change and we met back at the Activity Center for Shabbat programming. The ladies lit candles said the blessing effectively bringing in the Shabbat, while the gentleman “snuck up on us” and presented each lady with a flower and Shabbat shalom. There were two separate activities to bring in Shabbat - an orthodox Shabbat service at the local Kibbutz synagogue and a discussion group. I participated in the discussion group which detailed accounts of Shabbat for the individuals participating - rituals, memories, and the difference between religious and cultural traditions. After services, we combined the groups and proceeded to the dining hall for dinner, but not until there was the blessing of the wine and challah. After dinner, we returned to the Activity Room for a bit of fun programming, including Israel Cash Cab, a name recognition game, and “If you love me baby, smile.” Some members of the group took advantage of the down time and celebrated in their own way - with lots of bonding and getting to know each other in the process. We awoke Saturday nice and late!! At a whopping 10AM and returned to the Activity Center for Tea and Ruggalach and an excellent skit about the Torah portion (Parashat HaShavuah) performed by Michael (Moses), Matthew (Pharaoh), Pete (Aaron), Dan (G-d), Adina (Narrator), Alex (Pharoah’s Minister), Ortal and Molly (Pharoaoh’s ladies). The group loved it and the Shorashim Players received a standing ovation. We then discussed what Freedom means to the group. The discussion was quite emotional as individuals shared what freedom issues are important to them and what choice/options meant. The discussion turned to the way in which Jewish people perceive themselves as victims or survivors. I believe that the group members felt very affected by the whole conversation. We closed the program with a bit about Shabbat - the day of rest and relaxation. Elisa (one of our Madrichot/Leader) explained that we would be able to have the day for ourselves and were given free time from 1PM to 4PM - the group was very happy and relieved to have the down time. After a quick lunch, the group members took some individual time to themselves. Several members offered to showcase their trade skills by offering pilates and sketch classes. I took advantage of the situation and walked the Kibbutz for a good chunk of time observing the peacocks and local life. Then was Pilates with Molly (aka Mollates)- which absolutely ruled and was a good workout in the process. Then a sketch class with Pete to give Contour drawing a chance. The group reconvened in the Activity Room for a bit more of programming - it was one of the more controversial group discussions as we broke into smaller groups to explore what makes one Jewish. The groups were handed several pieces of paper from which they had to select five items that made one Jewish. It created a lot of conversation and controversy as the groups discussed the topic - most agreed that what made one Jewish was identifying one self as Jewish, celebrating Jewish holidays and knowing the history, and also believing in G-d (those seemed to be the most frequently agreed upon). After the discussion, we closed Shabbat with the Havdallah and sang songs in a circle. We recited the blessings associated with it -wine, spices, and Kiddush, smelled spices, and lit the Havdallah. Udi (Madrich) led us in song as we closed out the Shabbat. With this, we hopped back on the bus and traveled to the town of Tiberias on Lake Kinneret. We broke for dinner - a group of us tried some Italian food - and we met at Big Ben Pub for some dancing and karaoke. It was a really great time - lots of getting down and great songs in both Hebrew and English, including a song that Udi produced and wrote. I think everyone had a ball!!!!