July 3, 2021
Today was yet another thrilling day for Bus 25, or as we now call ourselves, the Mitzvah Peacocks. We began the day with an optional rolling breakfast, so the participants were able to get some much needed rest. We then engaged in small group discussions about what Shabbat is like for us at home and at camp. The participants shared their own customs and traditions and got to learn about new ones. We had a discussion regarding various quotes about Shabbat and listened to a few very different songs about what Shabbat means for different people. Then, the participants got to choose their own Chugim, or activities. These included a medic training, a Disney/musical sing along, creative writing, improv, ultimate frisbee, and basketball. The improv group specifically had a great time as some of the participants were able to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, which they discovered they were quite good at! After a delicious kibbutz lunch, the participants took part in an activity where they expanded their knowledge of safe spaces and consent. The participants were already very familiar with these concepts and thus we were able to have some very meaningful discussions. This was followed by writing our own Brit, or agreement, of guidelines that everyone in the group agreed upon and signed. We had dinner followed by a beautiful havdallah service before we hopped on the bus for a night out at Sarona Market, where the participants were able to try new foods and see some of Tel Aviv! We concluded the night with a lullaby in which we all held hands in a circle to wind down from our busy day together. After, the very tired participants went to bed and are looking forward to yet another wonderful day in Israel!
