Machon 1 – 07.27

Posted in YJ Machon 1 on 27. Jul, 2010

Happy to be back together, Machon 1 spent Friday in Tel Aviv. The chanichim had some time to explore the city as well as enjoy Nachlat Binyamin, a local artist’s craft fair which occurs every Tuesday and Friday. Friday afternoon the group headed to Rehovot for Shabbat.

Machon 1 spent Shabbat this week with a group of Israeli Tzofim (Scouts), who, like them, are part of a youth movement. The chanichim split up and each stayed with an Israeli scout! The group had Tfilot and activities together throughout the day, but this unique Shabbat experience was a great chance to get to know Israelis who are their own age. Both the Americans and Israelis enjoyed learning about each other.

On Sunday, Machon 1 had a very interesting and thought provoking co-existence seminar. Here, they learned about Arabs and Israelis living side by side in Israel. Many walked away with new perspectives.

Later that day, the group had a delicious homemade pizza lunch which everyone (staff and participants) are still raving about! Afterwards, Machon 1 travelled to nearby Mount Meron to discuss the history of this beautiful northern region of Israel.

Monday morning the group had Chevruta, which are small study groups to learn and discuss in pairs. They were then given time for Maccabia prep! Later that afternoon Machon experienced Druze hospitality. This included a delicious meal as well as chance to learn about this interesting group. Everyone had great questions as well.

Later on Monday, the group travelled to Tel Aviv where they had an Israel update seminar with well known speaker Neil Lazarus. Everyone enjoyed his presentation immensely! That evening Machon 1 had some free time to explore the Tel Aviv Port.


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YJ Summer Blog

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    "Having Israelis in our group was a cool experience for me. I got to understand what it was like for someone my age to grow up in Israel. "

  • Parents Say:

    "My daughter had a great experience. I wanted her to come home "connected" to her Judaism, and I believe it was accomplished. She went alone, but I wish I would have sent her with a friend, as it takes her a while to adjust to new people and situations."

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    Founded in 1909, Young Judaea is the oldest Zionist youth movement in the United States. It seeks to build Jewish identity and Zionist commitment in American Jewish youth and young adults.