Torani takes on Kibbutz for Pre-Pesach Seminar!

Last week we embarked on our two week Kibbutz experience in the run up to Pesach. The group arrived in Ein HaNatziv last Sunday and settled in to their accommodation and new home for the following two weeks. Without wasting any time, early the following morning we jumped into the deep end and the girls began their farming work, which is done in coordination with an organisation which takes groups to help out different farmers and in parallel the boys went on their first tiyul and explored the beautiful local area and finished off in a water sprint, something which is typical of the area we are in. The theme of these two weeks is Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Both through working the land physically and aiding farmers as well as connecting to a different community and way of life in the Kibbutz we hope to achieve this goal and expose the group more to the Land of Israel. We have had guest speakers who dealt with topics such as the practical elements of Aliyah and employment in Israel, current affairs in Israel as well as visits from some of the staff members of our partner institutions. In addition to these new experiences, we aim to maintain the high standard of learning and the religious atmosphere of Yeshiva and Midrasha through shiurim and other learning opportunities. This includes night seder that takes place every day on Kibbutz which has been very successful.

A particular highlight for me was receiving a phone call each day from the volunteering coordinator who told us that they are so impressed with the group and the farmers are begging for them to come back again to help out in their fields. This is a true sentiment of their strength as a group and their dedication to the cause that we are supporting. It is a real pleasure to see them flourish as a group and even more so as a bonded group.

As part of their daily responsibilities in the Kibbutz, there is a rotation of dinner committee and each night a different group plans and makes dinner for the rest of the group. Not only have I been impressed with their commitment and readiness to try out anything, I have also been very impressed with the standard of food!

On Friday, the Jerusalem Marathon took place and about half of the group travelled to Jerusalem to partake in it. They all worked very hard to reach their goals and did us proud in World Bnei Akiva. Those who stayed behind enjoyed a group Challah bake which produced delicious Challot for the whole group over Shabbat!

This past Shabbat we spent together as a group and enjoyed beautiful singing and dancing overlooking breathtaking views, as well as meals filled with singing and a great group atmosphere. We as a staff are so proud of the group and everything they have achieved together. Shabbat was a positive time to reflect and appreciate the place we're in and it was amazing to hear from them how much they're enjoying their experiences and what they feel they've gained and connected to over the past week.

I'm attaching a few photos here so you can get a small taste of what we've been up to!

The group is doing really well, and we’re so proud of how they’re embracing these experiences!