Israel is a country known for its rich cultural diversity,
and there is no more unique element of the Israeli social landscape then the
kibbutz movement. What better way for 25 Avivians to experience the land which
means so much to our religious heritage than to spend a month of our time
immersed in kibbutz culture, working hard in our various jobs and seeing what
it is like to be an active part of an Israeli community. We arrived on Kibbutz
Yehiam after a roughly two and a half hour bus ride from Jerusalem, upon
arrival we instantly observed the differences in atmosphere and culture;
leaving behind the amazing architectural and spiritual centre that is Jerusalem
for a much more relaxed family-orientated area on kibbutz. We were swiftly
shown to our accommodation, doors swung open amidst shouts of “shotgun” as
bottom bunks and single beds were reserved for the next three and a half weeks.
Girls were allotted four to a room, whilst boys rooms accommodated three,
meaning a substantial increase in cupboard and storage space much to the
disdain of the females. As we all emerged from our lodgings for the month, we
were escorted to the dining room, eager to see if the food on kibbutz would be
up to the challenge of equalling previous delicacies consumed or if it would
rather set a new benchmark for food which least resembled human cuisine. Unfortunately,
it was the latter, as we resigned to consuming chicken balls, a vegetarian
option was nowhere to be seen, much to the frustration of Lucy and Zoe, our
local vegetarians. Following a less than fulfilling meal, we were shown around
the grounds of the kibbutz, remarking at the outdoor gym, football and tennis
facilities as well as the supermarket where many would watch the size of their
wallet dwindle at an unmistakable speed.
Following the tour many took the chance to purchase
foodstuffs, after noting the clearly unsatisfactory level of ‘food’ which we
were to be subjected to for the next month. In addition to this, we also
realised the absolute abundance of free time which we were to have on our hands
and began to search for the best ways to fill this time. Quickly, shock and
horror filled the air, as someone proclaimed “there’s no Wi-Fi?!?!” for some,
the three worst words in the English dictionary. However, the mood lifted as we
were informed by Oded that Wi-Fi would soon be provided, but not for a few
painstaking days. Following another poor dinner of chicken, we were ushered to
the ‘moadon’ or activity room, and undertook our first program of many on
kibbutz. It was a program to test each and every member’s brain power, a MENSA
test and a number of word games which were enjoyed more by some than others. As
the heads of some began to ache we returned to our rooms and then bedtime
quickly approached.
As we awoke early the next day, breakfast consisted of
cereal, eggs and bread, a clear theme was developing as to the standard of food
we were provided, and not one person was happy about it. However we do get
early warning from our resident dining room staff, Grant and Emma as to the
edibility or inedibility, as the case may be, of the food. Next we headed to
our first Ulpan session of the trip. For those who are unaware, Ulpan is the
word used to describe Hebrew lessons in Israel for those who come from
overseas. Our teacher Morah Meital, split us into two classes based on our own
thoughts on or Hebrew ability. Whilst we can’t all be Hebrew whizzes like Jared
Engelmann, Alexa and Sarah, many had a respectable level of Hebrew, however
other, such as myself, with the Hebrew knowledge of your household pet, were to
begin basically at square one… many despite already completing up to 10 years
of Hebrew classes at a Jewish day school. The two classes alternate study time,
and each fulfilled two sessions on the opening day. Learning of verbs, nouns,
connectors and vowels. Some are enjoying learning more than others, however the
level to which our Hebrew progresses will be told only with time.
Following Ulpan we consumed lunch and most headed off for
free time, some working out and others simply chilling out and watching film
and television. The boys checked out the football pitch and a fun game of three
a side was played. Programs were run either side of dinner, with learning about
the kibbutz movement itself, founded in 1902, conducted as well as the conception
of participant led programs which will be run in the coming weeks. Following
this bedtimes occurred in waves and another day came to an end.
Another awesome couple of days down, 129 days to look
forward to!
Jake
No comments:
Post a Comment