Saturday in Jerusalem

Today MBI continued celebrating Shabbat in Jerusalem. They opened the day by getting to know their new kvutzot better (each bus is organized into two kvutzot|groups). Thn they participated in special Shabbat chuggim (interest groups).

One of the really awesome chuggim was photography:

After lunch, we got into our kvutzot to discuss how kupa works on MBI and how we want to use kupa to shape MBI into a great experience for all.

Then we headed out of the hostel for a little more sight-seeing and to learn more about Jerusalem's landmarks and history. 

This is Alon, one of our tour guides from Hanoar Haoved (Habonim's sister movement in Israel), going over Jerusalem's complexities and providing an update on the current situation in Israel:

Lastly, they headed back to the hostel for dinner, havdallah, and musicale (a musical talent show). Here's Tali, from Habonim Dror Australia, leading Bus 1 through Jerusalem:

Tomorrow we're going to the Old City and the Kotel for the first time!

MBI Orientation Begins

All of the MBI chanichim (participants) are finally all together in Israel. At 7:00 am 

They spent the rest of the day getting to know each other and their madrichim (counselors). Before beginning Kabbalat Shabbat they enjoyed mishpachot, an MBI Friday evening tradition. During this time of the week they have the chance to sit with all of the chanichim from their home Machaneh (camp) and share with each other how their week was. It's a great time for them to check in about the week that was, chat about home and to be around only farmiliar faces. 

Then, they welcomed in their first Shabbat together in Israel!

Here are the participants during mishpachot...

The Moshava chanichim...

Miriam chanichim...

The Na'aleh chanichim...

And those from Gilboa.

The Galil chanichim...

And Gesher...

And of course Tavor.

All of MBI in Israel!

Our friends from Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland have finally landed! After missing their connection due to the storm, our last ten MBI participants landed in Israel at 7AM local time. They were super excited (and super relieved) to finally be in Israel!

Check in again soon for more updates about the first full day of MBI.

American Group Arrives In Israel!

The American group landed in Israel a couple hours ago. They are currently on their way to the hostel!

Also, the participants from Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland just took off from Newark airport a few minutes ago and are on their way to meet their chevre in Israel. 

The Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland participants just after arriving in New York this morning. They should be in Israel by 7:00 am tomorrow morning. 

Canadians Arrive! Americans on their way!!

The Canadian group has arrived in Israel and is on their way to the Hostel in Kiryat Moriah.

Here they are just about to board the bus...

After delays and some cancelations, of the connecting flights to JFK, the American group finally went through security together and boarded their flight for Israel. They are scheduled to arrive at 5:55 pm tomorrow. 

Just before the American group left for their gate and departure.

Last but certainly not least, the MBI traveler's flights from Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit were canceled today and they were unable to make the flight tonight out of JFK, but are scheduled to fly out of Newark airport tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Israel on Friday morning. 

Stay tuned for more updates...

MBI Tzevet is in Israel!

MBI Tzevet is all in Israel and has started Chalutz, the planning period before MBI. We have madrichim from Habonim Dror North America, as well as 2 madrichot from HD Australia and one nice Scottish bloke from HDUK. And of course, each bus will have a madrich and a bus madrich (tour guide) from Hanoar Haoved, our Israeli sister movement.

The first thing tzevet did together was Rafsodia training, where professionals certify the MBI madrichim in how to build rafts and sail them across the Kinneret. Here's a few pictures of the day:

Here's Tzevet MBI as the begin to set sail:

Rosh's Advice for MBI

Here's some advice, from George, the Rosh of MBI:

1. Arrive with a bit of cash. A debit card is very helpful, but the first time MBI goes out into the city, sometimes there's a 100 person line-up to get some shekels. Having shekels on you to start off with will definitely make your life a little easier. And bringing dollars will also help, because a money exchange service is visiting MBI early on.
2. Make sure you have good shoes. You need serious close-toed shoes (not Tom's, for example) for every outdoor activity. And you need serious sandals with a back (these don't count) or closed shoes for day trips around cities and kibbutzim.
3. For Rafsodia, bring shoes you can get wet and dirty. When we build a raft and sail across the Kinneret, you need to wear closed-toed shoes during both building and sailing. Your shoes will get soaking wet and possibly dirty. I use my old sneakers so I don't have to worry about messing them up.
4. Bring a sheet with you. You need a sleeping bag, but camping out in the Israeli summer can be quite hot in a sleeping bag. A sheet or two can really help.
5. Don't bring unnecessary valuables, and always lock your doors. Kids on MBI have lost cameras, phones, computers, and more. Think about what's fully necessary before you bring it, and always make sure to lock your doors and take care of your stuff.
6. Bring a back-up pair of glasses or Rx sunglasses. On websites like zennioptical.com, you can by prescription glasses starting at $7 plus shipping. Rx sunglasses start at $11, and are incredibly helpful in Israel during the summer. I personally wear prescription sunglasses from that website that I got for $14, and it's made my life in Israel much better! Always better to have a quick fix in case you lose or break a pair.
7. Hats yes (2 of them!), tank tops no. Every day MBI participants will be required to wear a proper hat as we travel around Israel, so make sure to bring a good hat and a backup as well. Tank tops, however, are not allowed on MBI besides at night. ALL shirts must fully cover your shoulders and upper arms. Make sure to pack correctly now – it'll make your life a lot easier later!
8. Water bottles that can old 3L. Every time we hike or raft, you need 3L of water minimum. Make sure you come with enough water bottles, or else you'll need to buy some in Israel.

Can't wait to see you all!