The End of an Era

Hello Parents, Friends and Family of Workshop 61,

This update marks the official end of Boneh for the chanichim.  Last night they had their closing ceremony in the Kibbutz lounge with many invited guests making special appearances.  Thanks were given out, songs were sung, slideshows were shown, jelly donuts were served.  They even got certificates of completion signed by famous Zionist thinker/educator/philosopher – the late Martin Buber! 

But before I get ahead of myself, I’ll bring the blog up to date.  When last we left off the chanichim were in the middle of Habo History Seminar.  This seminar concluded and was a great success.  The chanichim went on to visit more Kibbutzim, learning about the process of privatization and how different Kibbutzim adjusted to the changing realities of the day.  Some abandoned core principles, some retained most of their collective identity, some radically changed their structures.  They went on to learn about how our sister movement in Israel has taken the values of the Kibbutz movement and inserted them into a new way of living which is mostly urban, in small intimate groups, and their societal mission is educational.  The seminar concluded with the chanichim learning about how Habonim Dror also adjusted to the changes in the Kibbutz movement and met with young Olim (immigrants) who live today communally in Israel and work with Habonim.

Then the chanichim had their final week of Boneh, summing up the different topics they learned about and beginning the arduous process of cleaning and packing.

On Sunday morning the buses will arrive and whisk the chanichim away to their new homes.  There they will have their Kaveret Preparation Seminar before heading off to Chofesh. 

It is also almost Chanukah, which the chanichim will celebrate together in their houses.  So for now I wish you all an early Chag Sameach!  May your week be full of light and warmth.

Catching Up

Hello Workshop Families and Friends!

It has been too long since the last update and for that I would like to apologize.

Here is what has happened on Workshop in the last few weeks:

Early November brought us to the Yitzchak Rabin Seminar.  This seminar was held in the north of Israel in a place called Poriya.  200 Habos from all over the world plus some rain made conditions a little soggy, but most every participant really chose to approach the whole weekend with a good attitude and in the end the seminar was a major success.  There was a fantastic meeting of cultures – this seminar is the only time in the year where all the English speaking and all the Spanish speaking chanichim come together  - and on top of that, the message of the seminar, Peace, was an important one that was well discussed by all. 

The week after the seminar the Yitzchak Rabin Memorial Rally was held in Tel-Aviv.  The rally itself was preceded by a smaller rally put together by and for Israeli youth movements that Workshop also attended.  Both rallies were very moving and meaningful, and it was another opportunity for the Workshoppers to get out to the streets with the rest of Israeli society to have their voices heard, this time in pursuit of the ancient Jewish value of peace.

Other than Rabin related events, the Workshoppers have been continuing on Boneh.  The topics have slowly moved towards the beginnings of Zionism, the formation of the State and the institutions that preceded it, as well as the Arab-Israeli conflict and the complex dilemmas that arise from it.  These topics have been complemented by trips all over Israel to better understand the stories and ideas, including trips to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Golan Heights. 

Currently the Workshopper are on the History of Habonim Dror Hagshama Seminar (or Habo History for short).  This seminar is a week of traveling around Israel to meet the people that made history, that dug their fingers in the soil of the nation to build the society we know today, all in the name of Habonim.  They meet old Kibbutznikim, most of who grew up in Habonim in their home country before coming to found a Kibbutz.  They meet young pioneers who are building a new Kibbutz movement of educators to continue the work of creating a just society. They have challenging peulot at night to help them process all the things they see and hear.  Today they went to the Kibbutzim Kfar Blum (the first Habo Kibbutz), Kfar Hanasi (one of the oldest British Habo Kibbutzim) and Yizreel (a Kibbutz founded by New Zealand and South African Habonim).  There is more to say, but I’ll save it for the next update, which I can assure you will be very soon.

Lastly, the Workshoppers were officially told the cities they’ll be living in for Kaveret!   George and Mor’s kvutsa will be in Akko and Bria and Yotam’s kvutsa will be in Karmiel! 

They will be discussing their messimot (volunteering places) in the coming weeks.  Next week is the final week of Boneh and then they have their Orientation Seminar for Kaveret in their houses!  I’ll tell you all about it as the time comes.  

Zionism in Words and Actions

Hello Workshop Families,

Happy Halloween!  Here in Israel, Halloween isn’t really celebrated.  We save our dressing up for Purim.

Since our last update, the chanichim have had a week of Boneh learning about the beginnings of Zionism, from Hess and his pre-Herzlian calls for a new Jewish society in Palestine, to AD Gordon and his new religion of labor to connect a lost people to their roots.  It culminated with a tour of old Tel-Aviv to learn about the creation of the first Jewish city.

This weekend the chanichim traveled once again to Tel-Aviv to attend the another rally for social change, the first since the historic march in September where 450,000 Israelis took to the streets.  This was a call to return to the struggle, and the chanichim made the choice to answer that call.  Although the turnout was relatively small, it was an important choice and still an exciting evening of impassioned speakers and great performers.

Last night, the chanichim attended MASA’s Opening Event.  MASA, as you may know, is the umbrella organization run by the Jewish Agency that supports all long-term Israel programs for post-high school Jews.  Over 3,000 people were present in Jerusalem, where an advisor to the Prime Minister spoke, the chairman of the Jewish Agency spoke, and Israeli music icon Idan Raichel performed an outstanding set that got everyone up and dancing.  It was exciting, perhaps especially so when a section of the audience, including Workshop, started chanting for social justice.  The advisor to the Prime Minister responded that in a few days we’ll see what Netanyahu has to say for that.  You can take the chanichim out of the protest, but you cannot take the protest out of the chanichim…

This coming weekend is the Yitzchak Rabin Memorial Seminar for Peace.  Over 150 Habonim Dror chanichim from all over the world, including our South American friends, will be participating, and at the end of the seminar will travel back to Tel-Aviv for the 16^th annual Rabin Memorial Rally. 

It may sound like the chanichim are traveling to a lot of rallies and events, and in this portion of the year they certainly are, but from talking to the chanichim I can say that they are certainly getting a lot of exposure to the happenings in society – an important goal of this year.

Is there a Rabin Memorial ceremony in your area?  If so, I encourage you to attend.  In many communities, Habonim Dror plays a significant role in the organization of these events, and it is important as Jews to commemorate this great leader for his actions towards peace and democracy and a better future for Israel.

From Sea to Shining Sea

Hello Again!

We just got back from the Mi Yam Le Yam hike!  In English this means “From Sea to Sea”, and that is exactly what we did.  Starting early Sunday morning, the Workshoppers, along with all the other English speaking Habonim program participants (that’s Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, a total of about 100 chanichim all together) met on the Mediterranean coast for an opening ceremony.  A bottle was filled with sea water as a symbol of the journey we were about to embark on.  The chanichim were split up into mixed groups in order to meet the different people from across the world, and the hike began. 

Every night we spent sleeping in a campground, lunch was eaten on the trail, and we woke with the dawn.  The chanichim climbed the 2^nd highest peak in Israel, Mount Meron, and slept on the quite chilly peak (can you imagine it being chilly in Israel?!).  On Wednesday afternoon, the chanichim set foot on the beach of the Kinneret and hastily changed into their swimsuits and jumped in to joyfully celebrate the journey that was.  The water was symbolically poured out, and all in all the experience was an amazing success.  This year can duly be noted for there being an excellent meeting between the countries, which will set the stage well for the next worldwide Habonim event – the Yitzchak Rabin Peace Seminar, which will occur two weeks from now.

During the hike, as we all know, there was a major historical event that happened here in Israel – the return of Gilad Shalit.  The chanichim were updated as events unfolded throughout the hike on Tuesday.  On Tuesday evening, once we arrived at our campsite, the chanichim sat and watched a presentation of news stories from the day’s events to see for themselves what happened and what was being said.  The general feeling in Israel this week is one of relief and elation.  There is certainly a  serious discourse happening surrounding the price paid for the release, but even the detractors by and large express their happiness for the Shalit family at the return of their son.  The chanichim were interested and engaged, asking questions throughout the day.  In the coming weeks, more discussions and questions will be raised for the chanichim to understand the situation more fully and talk about their thoughts on this complex but ultimately joyful event.

Now the chanichim are back on Kibbutz, celebrating the final holiday of the season, Simchat Torah.  After today, the chanichim will enter a relative routine for the next month or so until Boneh ends.  Upcoming events include, as I said before, the Rabin Peace Seminar, a MASA mega-event including Israeli singer Idan Raichel, and another tiyul (hike) in late November. 

A final Chag Sameach to you all!

Holiday Update

Hello Workshop Families and Friends,

The holiday season continues here in Israel and I wanted to update you all on how things have been. 

The Workshoppers are continuing their time on Boneh and this continues to go well. In the past weeks, the Workshoppers have learned about the beginnings of Jewish exile as well as anti-semitism and its origins. They also hiked up Mount Tavor, which is situated right next to Kibbutz Ein Dor, granting them a beautiful view of the surrounding Lower Galilee region.

The Workshoppers are also lucky enough to be on a Kibbutz that still retains communal holiday culture. For Rosh Hashana a little less than half of the chanichim remained on Kibbutz and participated in a communal holiday seder with acts put on by the Kibbutz members. On Yom Kippur, the chanichim ran peulot for themselves to better understand the meaning of the day and how it can be relevant in their lives today and this year specifically. And for today on Sukkot, the Workshoppers have also built for themselves a Sukkah and in addition there is another Kibbutz event, and Workshoppers were even asked to participate in the festivities by performing a song for the Kibbutz! 

So Shana Tova and Chag Sameach to one and all.

     

Shana Tova!

Shalom Workshop Parents, Families and Friends,

My name is Gil Browdy.  I am one of the coordinators of Workshop 61 here on the ground in Israel.  I will updating this blog now and again to keep you all in the loop of the exciting happenings during this amazing year (ideally more often than I have until this point!).

So, where are we now?  The chanichim have moved in and are comfortably settled on Kibbutz Ein Dor.  Boneh began a bit over two weeks ago, and things have been going well from the get-go. 

To be a be a bit more informative:

Boneh is a four month long program within Workshop that takes place on Kibbutz Ein Dor.  Boneh is a process whose goals are to deepen the chanichim’s understanding of their Jewish identity through understanding Jewish history, Israeli history and the roots of Zionism, as well as grappling with today’s complex questions here in Israel and for Jews worldwide. 

The weekly schedule includes class time, where weekly topics are addressed (last week’s topic was “My Jewish Community”, where chanichim explored the history and character of their home communities), guest speakers, and trips to places throughout Israel to connect the learning to the real world (last week they went to Tel Aviv to learn about the first modern Jewish city as well as to visit the Diaspora Museum).  The schedule also includes Avoda, a small amount of work time on the Kibbutz to connect the chanichim to their immediate surrounding community, and Ivrit, informal Hebrew learning to give the chanichim the basic tools to interact with their environs. 

Today, of course, marks the beginning of Rosh Hashana.  This is a fitting first holiday experience for the chanichim, who themselves have just started off their year experience here in Israel.

On that note, I would like to wish all of you a happy and sweet new year.  May this year bring us all health, joy and peace.  And may you all have the strength and wisdom to handle the hardships that come along with sending your children on a long-term trip abroad.  I know it can be difficult, but we can all work together to make it an incredible experience for the chanichim.

Shana Tova!

- Gil

Workshop 61 through security-

The group has been sent off to airport security already and the flight is currently scheduled for a 7:19 departure. Here is the official first picture of the whole group before security. I will send out another post and email all families when the flight takes off.

Workshop 61 Here we go!.......

The last workshopper to arrive

The last workshopper has arrived at JFK and now that Denver made it, we'll hurry through the checkin process and then the whole group will head through security to board the plane. Everyone is very excited!

I just realized the last few posts I sent didn't work.

- The east coast shuttle has finally arrived. It got a bit lost along the way but they are here. the whole group has almost finished checking in and going through el al security. Once they have all finished we'll take a picture, say a few words of good luck and workshop 61 will be off

Chicago, san francisco, lax, detroit, portland have all arrived.

Montreal has arrived in JFK safely and Fort Wayne has now made it to JFK as well.

Fort Wayne has landed in La Guardia and met with our staff. They will be on their way to JFK soon.

Toronto has arrived safely in JFK.

Philly has been picked up and left gratz.

The east coast shuttle has set off from silver spring.

The flights from Vancouver and Victoria have all arrived safe and sound. Workshop 61 jfk arrivals have begun.

Workshop 61 Last Email As Travel Day Begins

Dear Workshop 61 Participants and Families, In this email 1. Last Minute Travel Day Reminders 2. Locations of Workshop Orientation. 1. Last Minute Travel Day Reminders- - Throughout the day I will be posting to the Workshop 61 blog as I hear news about each travel groups progress. You can access and follow throughout the day at http://hdnaworkshop61.blogspot.com/ . (This is also the same blog address that will be used throughout the year to keep you updated about the program.) - For all those flying in to JFK airport, when you land make your way to the baggage claim carousel for your flight, and look for a member of Habonim Staff wearing a chultzah (blue shirt with red strings at the neckline) who will be there to collect you. They will then bring you to the group meeting area near the El Al check-in desk. In the unlikely event that you do not see anyone when you arrive, speak with a airline agent or find a payphone and call 917-822-2330. - For all those flying into JFK airport, if you incur any baggage costs as a result of the difference in baggage allowances between your domestic and international flights please hold on to your receipt to forward to our office. We are prepared to reimburse you for these overages or deduct the amount spend from your overall program balance. If you incur baggage fees because your luggage is in excess of international allowances you will be responsible for those costs and NOT the program. If you have any questions or concerns at any point during travel day, you can always reach me at 917-822-2330. 2. Locations of Workshop Orientation- After the group arrives in Israel they will be immediately met by our Workshop staff who will be waiting for them on the other side of security. From there they will get on buses and be taken to Nes Harim for the beginning of Workshop Orientation. Nes Harim is outside Jerusalem and they will be there until September 6 when they will transfer to Kibbutz Ravid (near Akko) for the remainder of orientation. Following that weekend and the end of orientation, on September 11 the group will make their way to their new home on Kibbutz Ein Dor. We are very excited for tomorrow's send off as I'm sure you all are as well. I will be at JFK all day helping to coordinate and send an email out to families when the international group flight takes off tomorrow night. B'shalom and B'hatzlacha Ari -- Ari Brian Schwartz Habonim Dror- Programs Director 114 W. 26th St 1004 New York, New York 10001 Tel:212-255-1796 Fax: 212-929-3459 www.habonimdror.org

Workshop 61 Final Information Packet, Conference Calls, and More!

Shalom Workshop 61 Participants and Families, In this message are a few important things for your family to read through. Please make sure that both participants and their families see all of the information included here. 1. Final Information Booklet 2. Harel Medical Policy Guide- English Version 3. Information about Final Conference Calls August 14 and 15. 4. Dutch Habonim Workshop Group 1. Workshop 61 Final Information Booklet The Final Information Booklet for Workshop 61 is here for you and your families. There is a lot of Information inside including our statement on Standards and Responsibilities for the Workshop Program. Please ensure that it is seen and signed by both the Workshop Participant and their parent/guardian. Access the Final Information Booklet by Clicking Here 2. Harel Medical Policy Guide- English Version Throughout the entire Workshop program, each participant is covered under Harel Medical Insurance. They have a policy which is specifically built for tourists on long-term programs like Workshop. For more specific information about the health insurance policy, here is the Policy Guide direct from Harel. Access the Harel Policy Guide by Clicking Here 3. Final Workshop Conference Calls There will be two final information conference calls for Workshop 61 participants and families. During these conference calls some information from the final packet (sent out above) will be gone over, as well as a few more pieces of information about the coming Workshop 61 Program. It will also be a chance for Workshop Participants and Families to ask questions to Workshop Program organizers. Both Leon, Workshop Program Coordinator in Israel, and myself will be on the call to answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, a write-up of all information that was gone over, as well as any pertinent questions that came up will be sent out. There are two possible times to call in, it is okay for any family to call in to either one. The phone calls will be on Sunday and Monday August 14 & 15 at 1:30pm Eastern Time To call in dial 1-219-509-8222 and when prompted dial access code 6817798 4. Dutch Habonim Workshop Group For the past few years, the Habonim Dror Holland Workshop Program has been run in parallel with the North America's Workshop program. Typically, HDNL (Habonim Dror Netherlands) sends between 3-8 particpants who are added on to the British program for the year. This year, because of changes to English fiscal policies, which in turn drastically affected University tuition prices, there will be no British Workshop Group. However, there are 6 Dutch participants coming who will now be joining North America's Workshop 61 Program. They will be integrated into one of the American Workshop kvutzot for the entire program and we are very excited to have them joining us this year.

Please be sure that both participants and their families see all of the information included in this email. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. B'shalom Ari -- Ari Brian Schwartz Habonim Dror- Programs Director 114 W. 26th St 1004 New York, New York 10001 Tel:212-255-1796 Fax: 212-929-3459 www.habonimdror.org

Workshop 61 Price Update

Shalom Workshop 61 Families! Firstly, we would like to thank you all for your amazing patience while we worked out a price with our program provider in Israel, which took much longer than any of us were hoping (what with the US dollar having dropped significantly in the past year). However, we are happy to announce that we have a price for Workshop 61! Please note that we will not have a separate price for Canadians, so this price applies for everyone: $16,800 USD per participant  We are happy to have kept it so close to last year's cost, and are continuing to work with our partners in Israel to make it the best program possible at this price. We have chosen to absorb some of the large increases in cost that occurred this past year, however we will still need to make some small adjustments to the program to maintain this low price. As always, our goal is to provide the highest quality program possible, and we again appreciate your patience during this process. Linked here is the Workshop 61 Payment Agreement. Please return the signed agreement by Monday, July 18, 2011. If you have any questions regarding payment, or arranging payment plans, please contact our Financial Director at money@habonimdror.org. To access and print the payment agreement, you can also Click Here  Toda v'Shalom, Ari

--  Ari Brian Schwartz Habonim Dror- Programs Director 114 W. 26th St 1004 New York, New York 10001 Tel:212-255-1796 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            212-255-1796      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Fax: 212-929-3459 www.habonimdror.org

First Post! Workshop 61

This will be the blog for Habonim Dror North America's Workshop 61 program. As we move closer to the program date, news and relevant program information will be posted here. If you have any questions or concerns please email Ari Brian Schwartz, Programs Director, at programs@habonimdror.org.

Stay Tuned,
Ari