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Kehillah 2008 Updates July 3, 2008 - K2's Desert Experience Dear Nesiya Family and Friends, Day 4 and counting…. K2 is off to a strong start. Participants have been developing wonderful relationships with each other, their counselors, and the senior educators. Efrat, Jeremy, Amy, and David have had a wonderful few days getting to know your children and confirm that group energy is high and positive. Special guest Charles Herman joined part of the group’s hike as well! I must first relate a word of congratulations: Kol Hakavod (Congratulations)! K2 completed its first Nesiya text study! (Not an easy feat). The group examined the Lech Lecha biblical text, in which God commands Abraham to leave his home to begin a journey into the wilderness. The biblical text served as a jumping off point for participants to explore their own personal journey: Why have I set out on this journey and where am I going? What is my motivation? What should I bring with me on this journey? What should I leave behind? The group engaged in a dramatic reading of the text in small groups and answered questions they had about the story. Participants then charted their own journeys using masking tape, marking important moments and events in their lives and creating a visual masterpiece of twisting and turning tape lines on the floor. The activity ended with a return to the text and each participant’s connection to it. Early in the evening, the group embarked upon their own Noded (“wandering”) in the desert, venturing down into Machtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater). Following dinner around a bonfire and singing, the group slept under the stars on the crater floor. And the next day…. Waking up bright and early, K2 set out on their journey through the desert. They took breaks along the way to rest, to discuss, to eat, to sing, and to snack. The participants explored themes of the desert, studied the geology of the area, learned new songs, prepared outdoor meals together, sat around the campfire, and star-gazed late into the night. Especially moving was their hike to the top of Har Ardon to see the sunrise. They certainly have a new sense of what hot weather REALLY is and drank copious amounts of water, setting the standard for the rest of the summer. Today, after their morning hike, they returned to their base at Har Hanegev and took showers, washing away days of sweat and toil. (I’m trying to add some Indiana Jones-esque dramatic effects… Don’t worry, everyone made it back safely)! This evening the group will learn more about their upcoming arts workshops and can then finally relax with a movie and some snacks. I hope that by now you’ve all had a chance to see the photos of your children here on the website. There will be a new batch of pictures early next week and we will continue to update the site as the summer progresses. Stay tuned... The next update will include K2’s adventure in the nearby town of Mitzpe Ramon, their first Nesiya Shabbat, and the beginning of arts workshops! Shabbat Shalom, P.S. Happy Birthday to Kelsey Jonat! |
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