Machon 2: The Negev to Jerusalem

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 12. Jul, 2011

Last Thursday, Machon 2 enjoyed a desert hike at Ein Bokek, a site just west of the Dead Sea, followed by a dip in the sea itself, the lowest place on earth!  If you’ve never been, you may have still heard its claim to fame:  there is so much salt in the Dead Sea that you can literally FLOAT in the water.  Everyone agreed that it was a ton of fun (but stung a lot!)
In the evening, the group continued to the Bedouin tents to get a taste of their hospitality, ride on a camel, and enjoy a very tasty… Read more

Machon 2 in the Negev!

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 10. Jul, 2011

Last week, the chanichim had an evening off in Eilat, where they got to see street performers, including one of our talented madrichim and one of their own who showed off some VERY impressive acrobatics!   Tuesday morning, they drove about forty-five minutes north to Kibbutz Ketura, always a huge hit with the group.  Ketura, as it is affectionately called, is a kibbutz founded by graduates of Young Judaea Year Course in 1973.  Our relationship has been strong ever since.

Kibbutz Ketura from above
After an early wake-up to hike the Red Canyon, the group returned home for games and… Read more

Machon 2: First Few Days

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 07. Jul, 2011

On Friday the participants made their way to the location of their first Shabbat in Israel – Kibbutz Sde Boker, where they visited Ben Gurion’s tomb and learned about his life. In the morning they went on a quick hike, followed by a very Israeli activity – Shabbat shopping at the local supermarket! They got to experience the rush of food shopping that happens before Shabbat, as many stores in Israel close Friday-Saturday. For those who were brave enough to speak to the “locals” it was a very interesting learning experience. They followed this up by having Shabbat service on the Ramon Crater, which led to a spectacular… Read more

Machon 2 – 07.27

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 27. Jul, 2010

On Friday, happy to be reunited again, Machon 2 spent some time in the beautiful North. There, the group participated in a co-existence seminar where they heard from both Arabs and Israelis about their experiences and history. Afterwards, for lunch, the group had delicious homemade pizza and had the pleasure of picking their own special toppings. Staff and participants are still raving about this incredible meal!
Machon 2 had the treat of spending Shabbat with Nitzachon! The groups enjoyed spending more time getting to know one another and even ran Shabbat activities together.  Machon 2, took some time together on… Read more

Machon 2 Update 0715

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 16. Jul, 2010

On Monday night, Machon 2 had a very special treat – a camp out with Machon 1! Both groups woke up early Tuesday morning for a beautiful and refreshing hike at Nahal Amud. Mid-hike, the groups took a break to swim in the cool waters of the stream.
Next the groups split up as Machon 2 headed to Pe’kin to visit a Druze village and experience authentic Druze hospitality. The group thoroughly enjoyed learning about this interesting culture with their unique religion. Everyone was very intrigued and had tons of great questions!
Machon 2 then travelled north to Rosh Hanikra,… Read more

Machon 2 Update 0712

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 13. Jul, 2010

When we last left off with Machon 2, the group was having a fun filled few days at Kibbutz Ketura, right outside the city of Eilat. The chanichim had a blast learning out the Kibbutz, life in the desert, as well as the Young Judaea connection.
On Thursday morning the group had an exhilarating bike ride to nearby Kibbutz Yotvata, which is well known for its delicious dairy products; especially their ice cream and chocolate milk in a bag (Choco b’sakit!). After heading back to Ketura to pack up, the group headed slightly north to Arad.
In Arad, Machon 2… Read more

Machon 2 Update July 7th

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 07. Jul, 2010

On Monday the group traveled to Eilat and had time to enjoy the beaches of the southernmost tip of Israel. They even got to snorkel in the cool waters of the Red sea and admire the incredible coral reefs and sea life of the region. A few of the chanichim were scared of the fish at first, but quickly got over their fears and admired the gorgeous sea life.
Later that day Machon 2 had an Israeli society activity which included a yummy food tasting, trivia game, learning Hebrew slang, and other fun activities! In the evening Machon had some… Read more

Machon 2 5th July Update

Posted in YJ Machon 2 on 05. Jul, 2010

Machon 2 had a restful first Shabbat together in Israel, as they continued to better get to know each other and their staff. Sunday morning the group started off their day with a beautiful hike at Ein Ovdat. There they learned from their guide about the geology of the area including how the craters in this area where formed. Everyone did a great job hiking and loved learning more about this region. Afterwards, Machon had an exciting adventure rappelling at the Machtesh Crater! Several chanichim were scared of heights and were nervous, but in the end every single person participated.… Read more