A family group of high school grads from 8 different countries have just begun their journey of discovery, personal development, independence, and adventure in Israel!
Stay tuned to this blog as we follow them around Israel as they forge their paths with Kivun 5783!
Kivun is a Co-ed, experiential, 9-month Israel immersion program for the Northern Hemisphere, focusing on personal development, independent living and Jewish growth. Participants live in apartments in Jerusalem, where together with friends they learn about themselves, Judaism and Zionism through an incredible array of experiences such as Kibbutz, Volunteering, Seminars, Professional Internship, Magen David Adom, and IDF experience. For more information or to apply click here.
Erev Rosh Hashana, Just yesterday, we read the words אתם ניצבים היום You stand this day. It is remarkable to think about where our participants are standing today. What they have accomplished and learned about themselves. Furthermore, where they will be standing a year from now. This past week was filled with memorable moments, from getting the most out of Kibbutz and preparing ourselves for the high holidays back in Jerusalem. One of these moments was a charity wedding arranged by the youth on the Kibbutz. This wedding is a year-long project that 9-12th graders on the Kibbutz have been working on. They raised money and gathered local vendors to donate food and attractions. The event began early in the afternoon when the entire Kibbutz started preparing for this unique wedding. Our participants and the youth set up tables and chairs beautifully, Mechitzot for dancing, and a gorgeous chuppah. And our participants were there all along, helping with set up and continued dancing and bringing Simcha to the chatan and kallah. As we reflected on our Kibbutz experience, this exceptional wedding was one of the highlights. We discussed how this is a beautiful way to enter high holidays.
To summarize our kibbutz experience, we enjoyed the clear waters of Ein Moda. in the shade of the eucalyptus trees with ice pops; we each shared our favorite moments and what we can learn from our stay on the Kibbutz. Back in Jerusalem Baruch Hashem, we are preparing for Rosh Hashanah and Aseret Yemei Teshuva culminating with Yom Kippur. We have a lot of exciting programming and learning opportunities, and we hope this will be an inspiring and memorable time for everyone.
On a personal note, for 14 years, I have been the chazan for the high holidays in Cherry hill, NJ. And, therefore, unable to be with the group. On the one hand, I am deeply saddened not to be with them on such special occasions; on the other hand, I have complete faith in our participants, our tzevet, and our guest chazan/rabbi Rav Benji Elson who will be joining the group.
Below you will see a bit of our schedule for the upcoming week.
Wishing everyone a Shana Tova Umetuka!
Participants Corner, by Liya Vaanunu USA.
We had a great week on the Kibbutz! We started our days early and off to work to our various jobs and Mets lord of amazing people who worked there too. Joy was all around us as we participated in a wedding on the Kibbutz and got to celebrate with the Chatan, Kallah, and all the locals. Packaging and delivering food was especially meaningful, as it gave us the ability to help families in need around us. On our last day, we painted a reminder of the (best) Kivun group on the walls of the moadon. Kibbutz was a great start to our year, now off to the next thing. Shana Tova!
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