Shabbat On Sde Boker

MBI had a relaxing Shabbat at Sde Boker today. In the morning the tzevet (staff) ran Shabbat chuggim, or interest groups for everyone. There were a few different options or topics that the chanichim (participants) were able to participate in. One of them was a facilitated conversation about the current conflict in Israel. Another goal of the conversation was to put it in the larger historical context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. There was also one that focused on gender and masculinity, and another discussion led by Israeli madrichim about morality in the Israeli Defense Force. For those interested in lighter topics there was also board games and a cappella. Following Shabbat Chugim all of MBI headed to the pool to cool down before lunch.

Enjoying some pool time.


By the afternoon it was time for the moment that many of the chanichim on MBI have been waiting for a very long time. They were given their Chultzot Tnua (blue movement shirts), a symbolic moment where they are declared movement leaders. To mark this occasion, the tzevet with participation from the chanichim, held a tekes (ceremony) at the grave sight of Israel's first Prime Minister Ben Gurion which is a short walk from where the group is sleeping tonight. In addition to the tekes, they also spent time at the grave to learn about Ben Gurion and the legacy he leaves behind in the State of Israel and for the Jewish people. 

Speaking at the tekes (ceremony). 

The beautiful view of the Negev at Sde Boker just after receiving their chultzot for the first time. 

Putting red string on for the first time. 

In the evening, after eating dinner in the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) of the hostel, the group self ran musicale and medura. Both of these events are weekly traditions at all of the machanot (camps). Musicale is a musical talent show and medura (fire) is a more traditional talent show with all sorts of acts that is typically performed in front of a bonfire at camp. 

The chanichim had a very relaxing and fun shabbat today and will be preparing tomorrow morning for their drive to the Peki'in in the north. 

Here are some more photos from today on MBI:

From the peulah today. 

Ben Gurion and his wife Paula's grave.