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December 5, 2006
5 Kislev 5767
Dear Parents,
Over the last number of weeks, Machon Maayan has been so busy...
there was barely a moment to sit down and write this update!
The adventure began in mid-November when the students traveled
southwards for their Negev Tiyul. They began with a visit to Ben
Gurion’s Tzrif (caravan) on Kibbutz Sde Boker where the first Prime
Minister of Israel decided to live after completing his years in
public office. The students learned about his dream to settle the
Negev and the successes and failures of the subsequent Israeli
governments to fulfill this hope. In addition, the Machon Maayaners
took a deeper look into Ben Gurion’s personality as they walked
through his once private residence and marveled at the paraphernalia
he left behind for the public to see.
Next, the students hiked through Ein Ovdat, a spectacular oasis in
the middle of the Negev dessert, and crossed Nachal Tzin, a dry
riverbed which the Torah records as the southern border of biblical
Israel! The students then traveled to the breathtaking Ramon Crater
where mountain bikes were waiting for them to explore this geological
phenomenon.
After a challenging bike tour, the Machon Maayaners arrived in the
Be’erot Campground where they set up tents, prepared their own
dinner, and commenced their Desert Survival Experience. The
Experience began with a night hike in the desert. At one point, the
guide spread out the group in such a way that every participant sat
in the desert in solitude for a half hour. In the silence and
peacefulness of the night desert and with the billions of bright
stars hovering about their heads, the students probably learned more
about themselves that evening than they did about the desert!
The next morning, after surviving a night sleeping in a tent, the
students began a 5 hour survival hike in Nachal Nekorot. The guide
taught the participants a great deal about the flora and fauna of the
desert and how it is possible to survive and thrive in the desert
like the Avot and Bnei Yisrael, by understanding the nature of the
desert. The students learned how to navigate, prepare food and water
using the resources of the desert, build shelter, and much
more. After the hike, the Machon Maayaners climbed to the top of the
Ramon Crater (with the aid of the bus!) and rappelled from the cliffs
of the Crater. As the sun set, the students traveled to the beautiful
Masada guest house were they slept for the night.
The third day of the Tiyul was spent hiking and swimming through the
Judean Desert Ein Gedi oasis and visiting Masada. The day concluded
at a Bedouin campsite where the students learned about the Bedouin
culture and were treated to a real Bedouin supper (strictly Kosher,
of course!). Afterwards, a bonfire was prepared and the students sang
and spoke until they retired for the evening in their Bedouin tent.
The fourth day of the Tiyul began with Camel riding in the sand dunes
of Mamshit and was followed by a visit to the Big Crater where the
students used the wide variety of colored sandstones to create
beautiful works of art. After braving the desert for three days, the
students were treated to an afternoon in the International Dead Sea
Spa where they took advantage of the Dead Sea mud, sulfur pools and
salt pools, and relaxed by the beach.
After the long Tiyul, the students were ready to jump back into
learning and their internships. Many Chavrutot have been set up among
the students and with their teachers. In addition, the Machon
Maayaners have begun to start their research and study for their
semester-end projects and tests, and with that, the Beit Midrash has
been abuzz with lots of learning.
The Rakazot (Student Mentors), have been implementing some very
powerful programs, such as a visit to Kever Rachel, and this month
they organized and ran a Shabbaton in Ramat Bet Shemesh.
Thursday Seminars have been a highlight for many of the students. One
recent seminar opened the eyes and minds of the students to the
importance of Israel advocacy. The day began with an inspiring
lecture by one of Machon Maayan’s teachers, Rabbi Aharon Wexler, on
the history of Zionism and the necessity of the State of Israel. The
lecture was followed by a bagel brunch. The group then boarded a bus
for a visit to the Mt. Hertzl cemetery in Jerusalem. Upon arrival,
the Machon Maayaners began with a tour of the Hertzl Center, a
stimulating multi-media history of Theodore Hertzl’s sacrifice and
journey in the quest to establish a Jewish National Home. The
students then walked as a group towards Hertzl’s grave. Afterwards,
the students took a short bus ride to the OU Center where the
students were introduced to practical Israel advocacy with Neil
Lazarus’s "Five Steps to Israel Advocacy". This presentation
was the first of a series of seminars on Israel Advocacy with the
famous Neil Lazarus. These seminars are designed to help the students
serve as ambassadors for Israel on campuses and in their
hometowns. Students have commented that the indispensable knowledge
that they are gaining from these seminars is crucial to their
experience in Israel.
Another seminar focused on the personal struggle of the former
residents of Gush Katif, who are now rebuilding their communities and
lives post-disengagement. The day began with a screening of "The
Home Game", a movie that depicts the unilateral withdrawal from
the Gaza Strip from the perspective of the youth. Avi Abelow, the
producer of the film, addressed the student body and encouraged the
students to appreciate the human tragedy of being uprooted from one’s
home and profession, despite one’s political convictions. Next, the
students traveled to Kibbutz Ein Tzurim where they met former
residents of Netzer Hazani and were invited into their temporary
"caravan" homes. Finally, the students made their way to
Askelon, where they volunteered in Green Houses in order to replant
the industry of the former Gush Katif residents.
This past Thursday’s Seminar focused on the story of Chanukah as the
students toured Ancient and Modern Modi’in, the site of the Chanukah
story.
Chanukah has begun in Machon Maayan! Sunday morning began with a Yom
Iyun (Day of Study) on different Chanukah topics and featured two
Shiurim given by the very talented Rabbi Shalom Hammer and Rabbi
Asher Freidman. Afterwards, the students took part in a Chanukah
creative experience which combined Art and Kabballah
teachings. Finally, the day concluded with a festive Chanukah dinner,
Chaggiga, and Talent Show!
On Monday, the students will be off to Eilat for a three day Tiyul,
and upon their return on Wednesday evening, the students will have
Chanukah vacation.
Wishing you all a Chanukah Sameach!
Rabbi Ira Kosowsky
Rabbi Ben Tzion Goldfischer
Meryl-Lee Avraham
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