By Rabbi David Wilfond, Director of Education
On Thursday, when the group landed in Israel and came out of baggage claim, they were greeted by their excited counselors holding banners and signs. They were also greeted by smiling faces and delicious snacks. The participants loved the attention, and this energized them for the adventure ahead on Mitzvah Corps Israel. With this good energy around them, the group boarded the bus and drove to Kibbutz Gadot in the Galilee Mountains near the Jordan River.
Friday morning, the teens feasted on a typical Israeli Kibbutz Breakfast with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, white cheese spreads, yoghurts, eggs, and breakfast cereals. After a group orientation, discussing the core concepts and values for Mitzvah Corps, the teens travelled in their bus to the Jilaboon Nature Reserve, home to the second largest waterfall in the Golan. The hiking trails here are breathtaking and contain a wealth of natural a beauty. Teens who expect Israel to be only desert and camels are often pleasantly surprised by the lush green foliage and abundance of water in the Golan.
After the Jilaboon hike, the teens travelled to Mount Bental, a lookout point located at the summit of a dormant volcano on the eastern ridge of the Golan Heights. Looking out over Syria, the group learned about the tragic crisis for civilians in the Syrian Civil War that has been raging for seven years. The teens also heard about the little-known humanitarian efforts of Israel to accept the wounded who arrive at Israel’s border seeking medical treatment. Being on the border was a perfect time to talk about borders in general, both about the borders of Israel and the countries that surround it, and also their personal borders as they embark on a new journey.
From the summit of Mount Bental the group then descended to the banks of the Jordan River for a chance to cool off in the pristine waters of Israel’s longest river. Then the teens returned to Kibbutz Gadot to get ready for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat services were musical and lively in the NFTY style and were held jointly with teens participating on Sci-Tech Israel. This week’s Kabbalat theme was Malchut (Wonder) and Taglit (Discovery), and the teens participated in the services by reading quotes and reflecting on their own wonders and what they hope to discover during their time in Israel. Dinner was followed by an Oneg Shabbat of games and activities designed to build community and strengthen friendships within the group.
Saturday, Shabbat began with Tefilla, including a reflection on the weekly parsha, Balak. After lunch the teens got some free time to enjoy swimming in the kibbutz pool, sports, card games, reading and hanging out with friends. The group engaged in a conversation about language and consent, discussing the importance of communication and language as we build an inclusive and safe community. In the evening, we celebrated Havdallah and the staff prepared the teens for the coming week. Shabbat provides the group with much needed rest and relaxation as the group looks forward to their next adventures.
