Boneh update #1

Boneh Yud Daled (the 14^th Boneh) is off to a great start! The chanichim arrived on Sunday, February 12^th and had an intensive week of getting oriented with the Boneh program and with Kibbutz Ein Dor, their new home for the next four months. During this first week, we ran peulot (educational programs) exploring such central issues of Boneh as their Jewish identity, the value of self-labour, the importance of actively shaping their own experience, informal education, the value of learning Hebrew and understanding why the basis of Boneh is studying Jewish history. We also had a unique block of educational nikayon, or cleaning time, during which we taught Shnatties how to properly clean their houses. So far they have been doing a great job with that! In addition, the Shnatties picked their avodot (work they will be doing on the kibbutz, such as laundry, kitchen, factory, landscaping, children's kindergarten and cheese-making) and tzvatim (teams which will be responsible for aspects of life on Boneh such as food shopping, evening cultural programs, and so on). They also had their first Hadracha (leadership) peulah (program) exploring what it means to be a madrich, and their first peulah about Israeli society dealing with the summer 2011 social protests. We also introduced them to power courses, elective courses on topics of potential interest to the Shnatties. This 'semester' the topics offered include discussing the politics of the Middle East, gender roles and relations, and ancient Jewish history through theater; they will study their selected topic once a week for the next 6 weeks. The week also included time to get to know the educators on Boneh, a bonfire with toasted marshmallows and singing and a peer-led fun evening activity. Over the weekend all the chanichim chose to leave the kibbutz and go see relatives or just spend the weekend in Tel Aviv.

The second week of Boneh continued on the great start. This week’s educational theme was the Australian Jewish community. We explored waves of Jewish immigration to Australia as a basis of understanding the Australian Jewish community today and asked questions of what forces are at the center now. The chanichim also began their Hebrew classes which they have 2 days a week for 3 hours each time. They are split into 3 levels and it seems that all 3 levels had very successful classes the first week! It is great to see what a high level of motivation this group has come with regarding learning Hebrew. The chanichim also cooked dinner for themselves for the first time, which they will be doing every Monday night throughout Boneh. They had their first guest speaker, Leon Schneider, a Habonim Dror Oleh from Perth, and went on their first siyur (day trip) to Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv, we went to Beit Hatfutsot (The Diaspora Museum of the Jewish People) and explored how the Australian Jewish community is both similar and different to Jewish communities around the world. The chanichim had lunch in the Carmel Shuk (market) and then did a fun and educational scavenger hunt from the Shuk to Independence Hall. Overall, Boneh has had a wonderful first couple of weeks. The Shnatties are incredible. They are very engaged in discussions and excited about the variety of activities which are part of life on Boneh. It’s been nice to see them settling into their new environment and we are very excited to see them grow over the upcoming months of Boneh!

Yelena Adelman from Tzevet Boneh