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 our first full week on Limmud and it was amazing!
The chanichim had the privilege of enjoying different experiences of all sorts in one intensely packed week and they got a taste of all different parts of Israel.
In addition to traveling the country, during this week we put an emphasis on the group dynamic and creating a positive atmosphere amongst each other.
We had a tour guide join us for the week and we were able to learn from him about the different places, sites, and history of Israel.
We started our week driving down south. On the way, we stopped in Jerusalem at a special lookout at Har HaTzofim where we saw the entire old city in front of our eyes. We continued to Ein Gedi for a great water hike and then drove to Kfar Nokdim bedouin tents for the night. We rode camels and learned about the bedouin culture. We enjoyed singing around a campfire and having a proper desert experience.
On Monday we woke up early to hike Masada at sunrise. We got to the top, davened shacharit with a beautiful view, and learned about the story of Masada. After that, we took part in a JNF Tu BiShvat event together with the MTA program. We planted trees and spent time with our friends.
On Tuesday we went to the Ilan Ramon center. We learned about his story and the pride he brought to the state of Israel. After that, we hiked at Ein Bokek, drove to Tel Aviv and enjoyed a free night out.
Wednesday started off with a visit to the Yitzchak Rabin museum. We learned about his life, the way it ended, and the impact that his murder has on Israeli society until today. We continued to the deaf museum where we experienced the challenge of not hearing and learned how to communicate with sign language. In the evening, we had some time to prepare for the kibbutz. We spoke about the history of kibbutzim and learned about the Bnei Akiva members that took part in establishing them. We also discussed all the different aspects of this time period in Limmud and spoke about our goals and expectations.
On Thursday, we spent the day in the Golan heights. We went on a beautiful hike at the Banias. From there we continued to Tel Saki which is a site from the Yom Kippur war. We learned about the battle that was held there and the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers.
This morning (Friday) the group started the day was a nice davening by the Kineret. They will be going to Tzfat and then driving to Akko for Shabbat. Ilan Oz from World Bnei Akiva will be spending Shabbat with them.
On Sunday we will head up to Kibbutz Ein HaNatziv and start the Kibbutz period of the program. The chanichim will get to experience first hand “the kibbutz life” by working on the kibbutz and integrating into the Ein HaNatziv community. They will have ulpan (Hebrew classes) and group dynamic activities to enforce what we put a huge emphasis on during this portion of the year - gibush, forming a group, togetherness, and becoming Limmud. We will also have different classes and speakers coming to the Kibbutz that will focus on Torah and Judaism.
It has really been amazing getting to know your kids. Each one of them adds to the group and we are so happy to have each and every one of them with us.
Wishing you a Shabbat shalom,
Yael
