November has been a busy month for workshop. October finished on a high - with the participation of the workshoppers in the annual Yitzhak Rabin memorial rally in Rabin square in Tel-Aviv. After the intensity of the previous week's seminar, and the depth of discussion about democracy, peace, and zionism, the opportunity to join in a large rally supporting the same values that the movement does was a really meaningful experience for the workshoppers.
Workshop then got back into the swing of things on Boneh, examining topics which included the period of modernity and the challenges to Judaism that were posed within, the creation of the state of Israel, and the difficulties and tensions which exist internally and externally for the state of Israel today, and in the past 60 years.
The workshoppers also had a chance to dust off their hiking boots for a three day hiking extravaganza in the Gilboa mountains! The workshoppers trekked out on Wednesday november 17, and hiked through the Gilboa for a couple of days. Each night was spent camping at the picturesque Ma'ayan Herod (Herod Springs) national park, at the foot of the gilboa mountains. During the days, the workshoppers heard about the relevance of the place from their tour guides, including the biblical stories of King Saul and the Gideonites, as well as the modern pioneering stories of the Jezre'el valley, which is overlooked by the Gilboa range.
The workshoppers learnt about the difficult relationship that Israel has had historically, and still today, with it's neighbouring countries, and the roots of these conflicts last week. The week was concluded with a siyur (tour) of the Golan Heights, an area of Israel which was captured from Syria during the 6 Day War, and is today an ongoing issue of potential peace negotiations with Syria. The workshoppers saw numerous lookouts and famous sights, including Har Ben-Tal, which looks out directly over the Syrian border. They also travelled down to the Valley of Tears, a famous battle site in the Yom Kippur War, and heard of the stories of heroism of young Israeli soldiers there.
On the weekend, the Workshoppers held their own thanksgiving celebrations, with a big meal together that they prepared as a kvutza. Much fun was had by all, and there was plenty of food to go around!
Next week, the workshoppers begin one of the most anticipated weeks of their year - History of Habonim Dror Hagshama seminar. During the week, they will be visiting older and younger vatikim of Habonim Dror through the generations, from the older kibbutzim such as Kfar Blum, all the way to the newest olim. I am sure that it is going to be a fantastic week of discovery and inspiration for the workshoppers.
Until next time all you workshop fans!
Leon.
Workshoppers at the Rabin rally, speaking out against violence and for peace!
Workshop girls hiking it up!
The girls get into the feeling of thanksgiving
Workshoppers keeping the spirit of thanksgiving alive!
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