Bye-bye Shnat

The last few weeks of Shnat were busy and emotional.  The group spent time saying goodbye to the kids they had worked with during their volunteer placements:

They spent 'State Time' time in their kenim groups (NZ, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) talking about dividing up responsibilities for next year and starting to connect their experiences from Shnat to what they will go home to in the ken:

Sydney state time

And they got together at Kibbutz Maaleh Hachamisha for a final three-day sikkum (wrapping-up) seminar, all together one last time.

Our three Kiwi boys

The seminar dealt with processing their experiences throughout the year, including being in Israel, living communally and personal growth, as well as looking forward to their return home and to  leading Habo with all the inspiration, understanding and support they have gained this year.  The difficult security situation affected everyone on the seminar as Operation Pillar of Defense went on throughout the time we were there, and our thoughts were with all those affected by the conflict including many of kids in Rishon Letzion and Holon whom Shnatties had been leading for the past four months.  However, the group managed to still focus on having a proper sikkum seminar and the discussions were extremely meaningful for many participants.  To wrap it up on the last day the group held a tekes and invited many of the educators who have worked with them throughout the year, including staff from Boneh, Machon, the Poland Journey and Kaveret, and made a series of touching presentations about the way Shnat affected them.  The Shnat madrichim also did a special presentation:

We wish the Shnatties safe travels, a happy return home and a continued meaningful journey in exploring and leading Habo and the Jewish people.