MBI Super Update!

Well there had been quite an absence of writing from the blog but have no fear I am back and writing will proceed as normal. This weekend I was a bit under the weather coupled with moving apartments yesterday so here I am with a huge update for your reading pleasure.

Shabbat! Shabbat was a relaxing day on Sde Boker with the group getting to sleep-in and had a peula in the morning. In the afternoon they had Chugim(special interest group activities) led by the madrichim(counselors) as well as some MBIers led their own. Afterwards they went to Ben-Gurion's grave where a tekes(ceremony) where people spoke and read about him and reflected on his great role in the creation of the modern state of Israel. They also had musicale(open-mic), havdallah, and an evening of adventure.

The bus groups took turns taking part in a Scorpion hunt and visiting a snake zoo on the Kibbutz. The scorpion hunt involved walking through some desert near the Kibbutz with an ultraviolet light to try to find scorpions. Both activities were thrilling explorations of some of the feared creatures of the desert and everyone finished the evening braver than before.

On Sunday the MBIers left Sde Boker and headed for a day in Jerusalem. They started at the Sherover Promenade which has gorgeous gardens and overlooks the old city of Jerusalem. From there they got an overview of Jerusalem and its various neighborhoods. The groups proceeded to have a tour of the old city with a stop at the Davidson Center which has an interested focus on the second temple. There they have an interactive computer program with a picture of the second temple and shows where things are today in relation to it.

The groups also got a chance to stop at the Kotel and some time to reflect on the place and its relationship to Judaism. For many it is their first time at the wall which gives it extra significance as there is a truly special atmosphere at the Kotel with its obvious rich history and place in the Jewish narrative. The experience at the Kotel got a special twist as the Kotel had a special visitoras for those of you keep up with pop culture Akon was visiting at the same time as the MBIers. Pictures and autographs were had by some and it apparently add a new dimension their experience.

For dinner the MBIers got to stop in Ben-Yehuda which is a famous street and area around it for its stores and restaurants. There the MBIers got to partake in some delicious falafel and schwarma from some great places in the market. They also had an opportunity to walk around and explore some of the special things Israel has for sale. In the evening the MBIers went to the Time Elevator which is fun museum/movie/ride. There is a theater where the participants sit in seats where they put on restraints and watch a movie that explores the history of Jerusalem over the last 3,000 years and involves the seats moving and jostling them as they travel through time. Its a fun and educational way to learn about Jerusalem's history. Afterwards they went to Nes Harim, located near Bet Shemesh, which is where the group will be staying until Sunday. It is a beautiful site with cabins, a dining hall, and a great sense of the outdoors and machaneh(camp) that most people are used to from their home machaneh(camp).

Today the MBIers had a peula(activity) where they explored the issues of Democracy in Israel. The buses then headed off to Tel-Aviv where they split up and took part in the following activities. The group got a tour of Yafo(Jaffa) which included a sort of scavenger hunt with stops at places like the Old Clock Tower and the Cannons from Napoleon's wars in Israel. They also got to go to Shuk(market) HaCarmel where the MBIers got a real taste for an Israeli open-air market. There many were hawking their wares whether they be fruit, vegetables, shesh-besh boards(backgammon), Judaica items, or any number of wonderful baked goods. The smells, sounds and sights of the shuk are a vivid part of any MBIers memory of their trip. Of course some shopping and haggling took place as they walked around.

The MBIers also got to go the Hall of Independence. The hall is where Israel declared its independence and gives a first-hand look at where this momentous occasion took place and a chance for the MBIers to learn more about it and the significance and history involved. Afterwards they went to Kikar(Square) Rabin named after former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin and the place of his assassination. There the MBIers got a chance to see the place where so much hope was placed and lost and understand the role that Rabin played in strengthening the state and promoting its prospects for peace. The MBIers took part in a tekes(ceremony) to commemorate the Yitzchak Rabin and all that the stood for. In the evening they returned to Nes Harim and took part in Erev Tarbut(Culture/Fun night) with their bus. Various games and fun activities were played to bond the buses and enjoy each other's company.

Tomorrow the MBIers will be taking part in a day incorporating elements led by the JNF. The MBIers will be taking part in three different activities that were arranged in coordination with the JNF. The MBIers will get the special experience of going to the Habonim forest, which is near Kibbutz Tzorah, and planting trees there. They also will get to do some group building, group challenges that will involve different games and activities. They also will get to take part in an archaeological dig at the Yitra Ruins which are located just south of Bet Shemesh. They will be having a fun and delicious barbecue for dinner and have a peula in the evening.

Well that hopefully brings you all up to speed on the goings on of the MBIers. Starting tomorrow Leon will be getting in touch with all the free weekend contacts to double check that they know the drop-off locations and times. Of course it would be useful to pass along the information I already posted in the blog to your family and friends as well. If you have not gotten in touch with me about your MBIers plans for free weekend please email or call me ASAP. I have gotten a lot of requests in the last few days and if you are planning to wait much longer issues of space on buses might arise.