Aviv: Gadna Week (Days 52 - 58)

As we prepared to depart Kibbutz Ketura on Sunday morning no one could quite mentally ready themselves for what had been anticipated as perhaps the most challenging week of the program, our week’s pseudo IDF service at Gadna Sde Boker. For our final activity on kibbutz we were invited to choose between mud building, sand candle making and oil painting, each which boosted uniquely interesting qualities and made for an interesting yet reasonably laid back final morning on kibbutz before we packed the bus and headed for the dreaded Gadna. The bus ride was reasonably uneventful, as most tried to secure a bit of comfortable shut eye as we anticipated the horrible state of our upcoming bedding for the week. Just prior to our arrival at the Sde Boker Gadna base we took a brief pitstop to consume a DIY meal of bread rolls, accompanied by a side of chips, wafers and a can of soft drink.

The second the bus came to a halt were immediately thrown into the deep end as commanders entered the and barked orders at us to grab our bags and file into neat lines of boys and girls. We were quickly marshalled, all in Hebrew and translated, into 4 tzvatim (groups) each with a different mefaked/et (commander) and quickly whisked away into different areas of the base. Gadna had well and truly begun and the first day was to be remembered as one of the hardest. We had no choice but to quickly attempt to adapt to a lack of cleanliness, privacy, space and nutrition. Meals were often the hardest, as we were forced to stand outside the cheder ochel (dining room) for up to half an hour in lines knowing fully that our growling stomachs could be eating if our commanders simply said a few words. The food itself was edible but nothing special, however it had one unbelievably redeeming quality, the uncapped quantity we were able to receive. A lack of protein was often moaned by the more health conscious of the group.

Also on Gadna at the same time as us were 3 different schools from Eilat, which made for some interesting socialising and new friendship formations. Amongst standing in a chet (Hebrew letter) for numerous hours in a day and walking places in two lines within a time limit we also engaged in various lessons about the values of the IDF, its place in society as well as the M16 firearm which we were able to fire following roughly 4 lessons and did so on our final day. Not everyone enjoyed firing the weapon, but the brief moment of adrenaline and the uniqueness of the experience ensured that it was not a memory which would soon be forgotten.

Gadna was also positive for the Hebrew speaking and understanding abilities of the group, with most commenting that it had improved their lingual skills more than the few weeks of ulpan which we had undertaken on kibbutz. However, the vocabulary is reasonably limited for obvious reasons. We also undertook various groups as a tzevet, such as competition between the13 tzvatim (including those from Eilat) which was jointly won by one of the Australian groups.

Our accommodation was army tents which contained a number of stretched beds which were not the most comfortable beds we have slept on in Israel but funnily enough not the least. However it was the lack of quantity of sleep rather than quality which hindered the experiences of many as we were expected to doze off at roughly 10:15 PM and arise again at the ungodly hour of 6:30AM, and on the last day even more shockingly at 5:30, roughly the same time as the sun.

The final day brought farewells to our mefakdim and their acknowledgement of their status as real people as much as they had successfully tried to hide it all week, with only a few cracks in the armour thanks to smiles here and there. Funnily enough, the mefakedet of my group was not the eldest member of the tzevet, Dan Rother being elder than her by a month. We also participated in a closing ceremony in which certificates were given to the ‘best soldier’ in each tzevet as well as overall in the Aviv cohort (combined group one and two). Certificates went to Daena, Dan, Gareth, and Jonski in tzvatim, and myself overall. All in all, as much as people deny it, Gadna was a priceless experience which taught us all the place of the army in Israeli society and privileged us to walk in their shoes for a week in order to respect their sacrifices for their country.

As we finally boarded the bus to Tel Aviv cheers went up amongst the group as one of the tougher weeks on the program was put behind us as we headed for a free weekend of recovery prior to the beginning of the community program in which there are 3 groups (mixed of 1 and 2) in separate locations: Kiryat Yam, Ranana and Tiberias. How we will cope with being away from our newfound families of our individual groups only time will tell.

Another awesome week down, 92 days to look forward to!

Jake

Aviv Days 49, 50 and 51

As we approached a half century of days on the program, we were stationed in what has been dubbed ‘the Gold Coast of Israel,’ Eilat. Day 49 saw an early wakeup for a deliciously egg-y breakfast consisting of almost every type of egg dish you can think of as well as salad and yogo-style puddings. We soon departed our accommodation and headed out to engage in a quick hike before being delivered by bus to a small hub of Eilat which included numerous stores, food and otherwise, as well as being the location for our next activity. Prior to engaging in this activity, we were treated to a lunch delivered to us of schnitzel sandwiches, which we were delighted to receive and give a good home. 

Following the filling of our stomachs, we changed into our swimming costumes and were equipped with life jackets before being split into groups of 10 and heading out on various boats. One boat towed what is known as a banana boat, shaped as a banana, hence the name, which was ridden at breakneck speeds out on waters of Eilat. Needless to say, not all stayed on the boat, some rowdy individuals managed to end up in the drink numerous times. The banana boat was fun but not for all, unfortunately as a group of girls engaged in it, blood filled the boat as Molly’s elbow connected with Bec’s nose, breaking it in the process. I wish her a speedy recovery. On a lighter note, the other boat towed two pieces of plastic which could each hold 5 individuals, whilst we held onto these pieces the Russian gentlemen in the boat would speed as quickly as they could in an attempt to ensure maximum fun. Again, many ended up in the water due to their own ridiculous antics, attempting to jump between the two pieces, form a pyramid, swap places and other fun shenanigans.

As we returned in a state of unbelievable tiredness, we were afforded shower and chill time prior to our dinner. Meals at the Eilat Field School continued to impress with their variety and deliciousness and dinner was no exception. Following dinner we slyly arranged tables and drinks without alerting one Millie Stein whose surprise birthday we were to celebrate a week early due to its falling on Gadna in the coming week. Needless to say she was exceedingly surprised and a fun night was had by all at our hostel, hanging with our Aviv family! Following a fun night of socialising, bed time followed.

Day 50 began with a 2 and a half hour hike which Oded reliably informs me is known as Tzvahot, which physically tested a large majority of the group as well as the grip on their shoes. Needless to say those who lacked hiking boots simply didn’t let us forget the unsuitability of their footwear for the terrain we had to negotiate. However we did eventually complete the testing trek, moving on to our next activity, snorkelling at a beach adjacent to our accommodation. Although I did not participate, I am informed that the water was ridiculously cold however that the experience was very much worth it. Next we were let loose on Eilat with our 25 shekel food budget, Burgers Bar was soon full to the brim with Avivians with burgers and salads consumed left, right and centre. Following some brief shopping by the girls, sunglasses the order to the day, we re-boarded the bus and returned to the Field School. Waiting for us there was program co-ordinator Amir who ran a feedback session about the program so far as well as our madrichim which lasted for a few hours and allowed us to reflect upon our first two months in Israel. Dinner followed, again deliciously before some headed back into the city for some shopping whilst others relaxed on our last night in Eilat.

Friday was a big day for group 1, not only was it Jenna’s 18^th birthday, but it was also the day we headed to Kibbutz Ketura, slightly north of Eilat, to be reunited with our ‘cousins’ group 2! We boarded the bus bright and early, arriving at the kibbutz with a full day ahead. First on the agenda, we met Oren, our guide from the kibbutz who then led us on the tour of the nearby Kasui Sand Dunes whose natural beauty and soft sands astounded all. We then engaged in what is known as the Desert Solo Experience, in which we were given some alone time in the desert to be with our thoughts and write whatever our hearts desired. Some interesting and deep sentiments were expressed as we shared our thoughts in smaller groups. Next up was lunch on Ketura, which certainly did not disappoint, featuring more types of vegetables than many can even name as well as some very nice dishes I can wholeheartedly say that no one was dissatisfied. Oren then took us on a tour of the kibbutz, pointing out various industries present and the cruxes of kibbutz life. Next we were assigned rooms, all in very close proximity to the other group, which was much to the liking of many.

Shabbat was next and we attended a beautiful service in the Kibbutz’s synagogue, filled with beautiful singing and a stunning community atmosphere. We sat down to dinner in the cheder ochel and were served challah, chicken, soup, potatoes and other things, of course not in that order. It was simply delicious and a great vibe was felt throughout. A combined program was next up on the agenda, dubbed ‘Shnitzelborsht,’ a station-based quiz-style activity saw us split into mixed groups and engaging in various Israeli and Judaic trivia, on topics such as people, places, history and food. It was certainly enjoyed by all in attendance. Finally, the day was rounded out by delicious treats provided by the kibbutz in honour of Jenna’s birthday which will surely be celebrated in true teenage style tomorrow night as the Kibbutz’s pub opens its doors to over 50 young and rowdy Australians!

Another awesome few days down, 100 days to look forward to!

Jake

Aviv Days 46, 47 and 48!

As the day finally arrived where we were to leave the variously reviewed Kibbutz Yechiam the atmosphere was positive with Jerusalem the much anticipated destination. We awoke bright and early, ingested an underwhelming breakfast, our last kibbutz meal, consisting of eggs and cereal. After a quick room clean-up and pack, we boarded the bus, of course not before a group photo, assuming our positions for the ride to the holiest of cities. Arriving at the Yitzchak Rabin hostel, our home for the night, we were struck by the overwhelmingly nice appearance of the place as well as the presence of our ‘cousins’ Aviv Group 2 with whom we had not been reunited for just on a month. After the exchange of pleasantries we got down to our first program of the day, led by ex-Moriah student George Schneider who guided our discussions of Judaism and Social Justice through the introduction of various Biblical texts. It was a rather intriguing and enlightening program, following which he joined us for a delicious lunch, which reminded our taste buds of what genuinely appetizing food actually tasted like.

Following meal time, Amir led us through a program on the topic of religiosity in Israel and the diaspora, and the differences within. Again, a program which was greatly enjoyed by most. However, with a big night in looming, the minds of most switched quickly to the clock and how they were to create an eye catching costume for the Purim Street parties which we were to attend. Following pre-drinks on the hostels beautiful roof we headed to the shuk at Mahane Yehuda where entire streets were filled with revellers and DJs pumping party music all hours of the night. Needless to say we were in our element, surrounded by Shnat and IBC Australians amongst Israelis, it was an absolutely crazy night which was enjoyed by everyone, especially as we fulfilled one of the mitzvot of Purim in consuming alcohol…

People gradually returned to their rooms in the early hours of the morning, not looking forward to the minimal amount of sleep they knew they would receive. At breakfast, which was delicious, photos were reviewed as most pieced together a long night and laughed at new memories. As we checked out, cabs were called as we headed to a new hostel for a free day in Jerusalem, the Abraham Hostel accommodated almost the entirety of both groups. However, I shan’t outline the details of the day as all went their separate ways and completed various tasks which needed doing.

Tuesday morning saw multiple groups of people make their way to our bus departure point, Binyanei Ha’uma, many had trouble reaching this destination and weren’t shy informing the madrichim of this fact. The bus ride to Eilat, was proceeded, with a pitstop at Ein Gedi, to take in the sights therein including not so hot springs and waterfalls whose natural beauty brought about numerous photo opportunities. Bagels were on offer for lunch and were gone in record pace. After lunch we re-boarded the bus and headed for our final destination, Eilat, where we are to stay for the next roughly 5 nights (to the best of my knowledge). We arrived at the hostel following a small detour to a historical statue capturing the capturing of Eilat in 1949 through the iconic image of a soldier hoisting a handmade mock-up of the Israeli flag. Our lodgings, known as the Eilat Field School, whilst in a frustrating location away from the city centre, are rather nice and as we learnt at dinner, serves delicious meals. We are looking forward to exploring Eilat in the coming days.

Another awesome few days down, 104 days to look forward to!

Jake

Aviv Days 42 – 45

As our time on kibbutz comes to an end so do our short-lived Hebrew lessons with our beloved teacher Morah Meital. Wednesday was the penultimate lesson and it was followed by a lunch of spaghetti bolognaise and then a movie named ‘Bufor’ which chronicled the experiences of soldiers stationed at a fortress just inside the Lebanese Border during the Lebanon war. Dinner consisted of sausages and was proceeded by an extremely interesting program which explored the positives and negatives of social media use in contemporary society and its connotations upon youth and adults alike. Bedtime completed another day at Yechiam as we drew closer to venturing off our now accustomed surroundings and heading back to the big smoke that is Jerusalem.

Thursday brought our final ulpan lesson which was highlighted by the consumption of copious amounts of junk food provided by, without doubt, our favourite ulpan teacher in the entirety of Israel (Our only one…). Lunch was next up and featured Basel’s patented shwarma meat. Room clean up followed as the squeegees were once again removed from their resting places and engaged in the cleaning of numerous tiled surfaces. As each and every room passed our room inspections we proceeded to relax until dinner which comprised of meat patties, rice and peas, a more than adequate meal. Our final activity of the day was a program which highlighted the evolution of television via the medium of a documentary hosted by a British man whose pompousness and dark sense of humour had some immediate disliking his each and every statement. Nonetheless, the premise of the program certainly had a heightened validity whether or not it got through to everyone.

Friday was the day in which we were to head off to the big bad city of Nahariya and scour the vendors for cheap yet satisfactory Purim attire which was to last us both for the kibbutz’s own Purim party which was to be held that night as well as our nights in Jerusalem. Of course when in town everyone opened up their wallets and splurged upon delicious foods and drinks and most visited Nahariya’s premier shwarma dealership. With costumes in hand and stomachs full we gradually headed back to Yehiam mentally prepared for the big night which we knew was ahead of us. Sure enough, the night finally arrived as everyone donned their costumes and hit the bar. The theme was Las Vegas, a theme ignored by most, props to Harry for going as a magician the most Vegas-y of the group.  After an exceedingly hazy night we headed for bed at various hours, all assured of numerous new stories which we would vaguely remember for the months and years to come.

As we awoke the next morning, some remembering more of the previous night than the others, people steadily emerged from their quarters looking not in the best of sorts. We were granted the chill time we so dearly craved and were allowed to do however we pleased for almost the entirety of the day. Following lunch, the majority of the group headed up to Yechiam’s very own fortress, which was built by the crusaders in the 12^th century before being occupied by the Ottoman’s during their empirical reign and finally being used by the kibbutzniks to defend against invaders in more recent times. It was a fun experience and many got some solid photos out of it. After dinner we spent our final night on kibbutz Yechiam with a short program run by the media committee comprised of two short videos in which we reflected on our kibbutz experience both verbally and photographically. Family time featuring red light green light was the final item on the agenda as all retired to their rooms to pack their bags eager to depart for pastures new at the bright and early time of 7:45AM. Well Kibby Yechy, it’s been real! Thanks for having us!

Another few awesome days down, 107 days to look forward to!

Jake

Aviv Days 39. 40 and 41

The free weekend had taken its toll on an already weary Aviv group 1 as most returned with some form of illness (other than a headache from their parents screaming at them due to their absurd spending). It was straight back to work for those not struck with an ailment, again beginning at all hours of the day across various parts of the kibbutz. Personally, I was working alongside Millie, Zoe and Robbie in hospitality, laying the foundations of a new wall to be built around an enclosed piece of nature. Other jobs also went ahead as per usual, however with a distinctly lower number of participants. A break in toil for lunch yielded a delicious spaghetti bolognaise meal, after all, how can one make a bad spag bol?! Work resumed until thankfully the rain set in.

Due to our interruption at work we were granted further free time, something which seems to be an infinite resource on kibbutz, until we were gathered in the moadon at roughly 5PM for a Purim-inspired program. First, we were quizzed on various facts and interesting knowledge about Purim, of course Jared Engelman dominated the competition, much to the surprise of no one. Next we dramatized a Dr Seuss inspired re-telling of the story, complete with narrators and actors. Finally, we were introduced to a new concept for the week, that of the ‘secret Santa.’ Each person was handed the name of another, and it was this person to whom we are to enact several acts of kindness over the next week, all in secret of course. Murmuring ensued as people pondered how they were to perform these acts and of course the inevitable question “who has me?” A visit from the less than friendly looking doctor took place concurrently as patients were treated in a revolving-door fashion.

Dinner consisted of meat balls and was followed by a program conducted by the current affairs committee. They co-ordinated a group-wide game of charades which, whilst intended to be played in small teams, soon degenerated to Toby and Jared Engelman acting out any movie they could think of. Thus concluded the first day of our final week on Kibbutz Yechiam.

Monday too was a work day which was given an early highlight by the inclusion of shakshuka on a usually dull breakfast menu. Lunch was again sandwiched by two sessions of work, and included another scrumptious meal of shaped schnitzel. A chill afternoon should have followed however after Lucy managed to cut her foot on a piece of glass, the resulting hype and trip to the emergency room ensured that the 

afternoon was anything but chill.

Dinner was the next occasion of note and was certainly a real event. Program co-ordinater Sarai was in attendance on kibbutz and brought with her things which excited many. Firstly, ingredients for us to cook up our very own Israeli dinner, and last but not least our beloved madrich Oded who returned from a week in London. We cooked up a storm, the menu featured two types of pasta, tomato and creamy mushroom, as well as shakshuka, Israeli salad, falafel and tahini. Most described it as the best meal consumed within the realms of kibbutz for the entirety of our stay. Dinner was proceeded by committee time where we were to plan our participant-led programs for the week. It was brightened up however, as Oded produced a Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate bar which exceeded a metre in length, a present for Jared Engelman’s birthday which he missed due to his absence. Pieces of the bar were doled out to all. Bedtime followed.

Tuesday was again spent labouring in our individual jobs, lunch was again schnitzel. Highlights of the day included a brief skype session with Angela from AUJS, as well as a talk from a representative of Gadna, our impending army experience at Sde Boker, who informed us of the ins and outs of our time as a temporary IDF soldier. Chill time was next, and it was followed by dinner which consisted of shaped schnitzel and felafel. The day was completed in beautiful fashion with a pyjama-clad celebration for Zoe’s 18^th birthday, a huge milestone on which we wish her a hearty mazal tov!

Another awesome few days down, 111 days to look forward to!

Jake

Aviv Days 34, 35 + 36

Now that we have been together as a group for over a month, firsts are a rarity, however Jared Engelman managed to achieve the rather arbitrary feat of being the first Aviv group member to celebrate their 19^th birthday. The latter half of our 34^th day on the program revolved almost solely around Jared’s milestone and was dedicated to making him feel at home and attempting to give him a birthday to remember. Following wakeup and a quick breakfast we were again put straight to work in our various disciplines, again without many remarkable developments. Work was split into two sessions, either side of lunch, for which we were served yet another meal of schnitzel. After the completion of our individual work days preparation got underway for Jared’s birthday bash. First we were to indulge in a beautiful birthday barbeque, consisting of both chicken and meat, as well as pita and Doritos, a meal which all were craving (of course with the exception of our vegetarians.) Our cooks, Toby and Jared Ellison, served up a delectable feast, and achieved the remarkable feat of managing to completely avoid a salmonella outbreak. Following our delightful meal, the boys and girls went their separate ways, he boys heading up to a nice spot overlooking a cliff face here they enjoyed a nice bonfire and a few beers. Whilst the girls had a nice night in enjoying each other’s company. It was truly a nice night, which Jared declared to be one of his best ever birthdays!

The next morning we awoke at a variety of hours thanks to our individual Ulpan start times. For my class, the lesson was dedicated to learning the Hebrew words for a multitude of transport-related words. Following Ulpan we powered up with a meal prior to engaging in a program run by the fitness committee, which consisted of a hike and the always popular 8 minute abs, for the girls. Whilst the boys participated in a 5-a-side soccer match which was fiercely contested. Showers then preceded dinner which featured meatballs. Our final activity of the day was a film screened in the moadon. As Grant rightly commented, our arguing over which movie to watch was just as entertaining as whatever movie we were to choose. Eventually, despite much bickering, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Good Will Hunting was chosen, and those who stuck it out until the end of the film were more than happy with the choice, it is, after all, an absolute classic. Bed soon followed.

As with every morning prior to our departure for a free weekend there was a buzz in the air, and the words “Tel Aviv” featured in almost every second or third sentence. Thursday followed the mould of the day which it proceeded, in that Ulpan dictated the wake up times of every single one of us. Various breakfasts were purchased from the mini-market, some more healthy than others. Morah Meital educated us on some conversational nuances and greetings followed by food-related words which certainly will come in handy for some this weekend. An irregularly nice lunch followed, consisting of miniature sausage rolls, beef patties and rice. Next was family time in which we outlined our individual high and lowlights from the week past. Cleaning was next up, in order to prepare our rooms to the satisfaction of kibbutz staff before we headed off for the weekend. Finally, people headed off in taxis to Tel Aviv or similar destinations via Nahariya to enjoy their free weekends away from kibbutz life. A small percentage of us remain on Yechiam.

Another awesome few days down, 114 days to look forward to!

Jake

Aviv Days 32 + 33

As cabs and sheruts alike pulled into the gates of kibbutz Yechiam a sigh of relief was felt by the scores of Avivians seated within as each and every one came to terms with the fact that they actually missed the place which has become our home away from home. Following a weekend spent in a variety of different ways, some felt a significant downgrade from their accommodation and meals, and others the complete opposite, thus is the dichotomy created when some spend time in one Israeli city and some in another due to the difference in culture between various cities, for example the nightlife hotspot that is Tel Aviv and the more relaxed Haifa. Upon our return, greetings were brief as most realised the need to hit the hay owing to the imposed work wakeup times which for some are earlier than they returned home from a night out on the weekend.

Some awoke looking like they had never left, albeit not many, whilst the bulk of the group were feeling like they had never left, still substantially drained and ready for bed. All varieties of work took place, barring Rachel’s and my own employment in the chicken coop, which was soon the case on a permanent basis due to ‘insurance issues,’ no one is complaining… hence we joined the hospitality crew in painting a number of benches and railings. Lunch was consumed by all in the cheder ochel aside from the usual omission of Jared Engelman, Sarah and Alexa whose job in the kindergartens requires them to eat with the kids who they have quickly become pseudo-parents to. Contradictory to my previous comment, we have since become acclimatised to Yechiam food and it no longer takes a physical toll on anyone. Following lunch, due to Tracey and Daniella’s acknowledgement of the sleep-deprived state of many group members ‘compulsory nap time’ was enforced until dinner.

A brief program was scheduled to follow dinner, all things were set up and raring to go, however technical difficulties prevented the videos which were intended to be shown from being viewed. Instead, a barrage of amusing videos including Molly’s personal favourite ‘dubstep cat’ and Millie, Gabby and Alexa’s choice of ‘two camels in a car’ were shown at the request of a restless audience. Soon all departed, ready for a short period of chill time and the eventual reprieve of sleep.

Work again was scheduled for all group members however the hovering sickness which dwells within our group struck once more, preventing a upwards of four people from fulfilling their work commitments. Work continued as usual without any standout highlights as far as I am aware. Lunch consisted of shaped schnitzel whilst dinner featured non-shaped schnitzel, yet again the repetition of Yechiam’s menu was a talking point. The meals were separated by the viewing of an episode of the Simpsons which featured the family venturing to Israel and many being struck down by the infamous Jerusalem Syndrome, it made for rather poignant and humorous viewing, enjoyed by many, especially myself, an avid lover of the aforementioned show. Following dinner a program was run by the Judaism Committee (Jared Engelman, Zoe and Adi) which comprised of an examination of our worldwide and personal role models or heroes and the attributes which enable them to be classed as such, it got everyone thinking.

Finally after a long couple of days, sleep was finally attainable. However, some are still left wishing that the same taxis and sheruts which escorted them to the kibbutz following their weekends would pick them up again, however this time whisk them away into an opposite direction.

Another awesome couple of days down, 117 to look forward to!

Jake