By Samantha Pearlman, Bus 24 Staff
After a long and exciting arrival process, we slowed down and rested at Kfar Yarok, a youth village where peacocks and rabbits roam and where tractors line the walkway. The energy of this place is so special and unique – we could feel it in the way the hot Israeli sun warmed our shoulders.
We started our adventure at the perfect time, ready for Shabbat and all of the connection it brings – to our environment, to our friends, to ourselves, to the one who gave this all to us. The themes of rest and connection interlace with themes of light as we welcomed in the best part of the week together and brought the light in.
The chadar ohel was turned into a banquet hall and our mechanchim turned the space into something truly special. Kaballat Shabbat was a holy space filled with laughter, delicious food, and a whole lot of shalom.
We organized ourselves into small groups so we could get to know each other more deeply. Leading questions prompted deep discussions about what it means to be Jewish, about what it means to live with Jewish values, and about how we can build a strong community with strong communal values. Responses were insightful and inspiring and brought everyone closer to one another.
The energy of Shabbat is peaceful and the purpose of Shabbat was felt throughout our time in the village. We welcomed a new week of adventures with a beautiful outdoor havdallah and swayed as we sang.
We’re leaving the center for the north as we head to Yamin Or, an agricultural youth village, where we will learn about the community, the way they utilize the land in the village, and how they build a community that keeps on building the generations to come.
We watched the land change as we climbed the Carmel, moving higher together both geographically and spiritually.
