Limmud is a Co-ed, experiential, 9-month study and Israel immersion program for the Southern Hemisphere. The program aims to develop 5 circles of “identity” including: Jewish, Zionist, Spiritual, Communal & Personal. Within this framework, participants spend time at Yeshiva/Midrasha, and experience Israel with a wide array of activities and educational modules, as well as a meaningful journey to Poland. Limmud culminates with a 3-month collaborative with our Mechina Olamit, together with Israelis, and participants from the Northern Hemisphere.
This week was another great week on Kibbutz!
Everyone is settled in and we are enjoying our new routine.
We had a few special events this week that I would like to share with you.
On Tuesday, we had our first meeting with an Israeli Mechina. We are taking part in a Jewish agency project called “The connecting initiative”. The project pairs up gap year programs in Israel with Israeli Mechinot (post-high school and pre-army program for Israelis) for a series of "Mifgashim" (meetings).
The purpose of this initiative is to create a connection between Israelis and Diaspora Jews in order to learn about each other and to understand the importance of the connection between us.
Limmud was paired up with “Mechinat HaEmek”, an Israeli mechina near Ein HaNatziv. This past Tuesday, the Mechina students came to our Kibbutz and we had a joint activity and dinner. The chanichim got to meet Israeli 18 year old students from different backgrounds. They had interesting conversations and positive interactions. Next Shabbat, we will be going to the Mechina and spending Shabbat together with them. We are looking forward and are happy to take part in this project. It is very meaningful and really makes an impact on the understanding and connection between Israelis and Jews around the world.
On Wednesday, We took part in the Kibbutz tzdaka carnival. In honor of rosh chodesh Adar, there was a Tzdaka carnival for all Kibbutz members. The carnival was made of different stands and booths and all the money that was collected went to Tzdaka. Limmud took part in setting up and manning the booths. It was also an opportunity to interact with the Kibbutz members and feel part of the community. Everyone had lots of fun and the kibbutz was very appreciative of our involvement and help.
This Shabbat we will be staying on Kibbutz. We have special guests joining us- Lior and Goldy Davis. They are the “adoptive couple” of Limmud. Throughout the year, they will spend time with the group, make connections, and will be another source of care and support for our chanichim.
Next week, we plan on going on a trip to Mount Chermon! Hoping to see some snow, play with it, and enjoy the attractions that are offered up there :)
Wishing you all a Shabbat shalom,
Yael
