After we returned from the Dead Sea the group was given a few hours to freshen up, (and recover some pride, in my case,) before Shabbat. For those unfamiliar with Judaism, the Shabbat is a day of rest observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.
The group was divided into 2s and 3s and sent to nearby houses to enjoy Shabbat dinner with some of the locals. I was a little nerves, this being my first Shabbat. I had no idea how conservatively to dress or what I would be expected to do. Unfortunately my partner was not able to offer me much council besides telling me "I'd be fine."
My mind was almost instantaneously put to ease upon arrival. My hosts, two men and three girls, all in their mid twenties, were delightful! The meal was very laid back and the conversation lively. Though the Shabbat dinner may have been far from "orthodox," it provided much insight into Israeli culture and politics; as well as introduced me to my first Israeli friends!
One of our hosts and a glimpse of the wonderful meal!
Saturday was mostly spent familiarizing myself to the dorms and university. In the evening I joined my group on a short hike to the monument for the Negev Brigade.
The structure itself is fascinating! An interactive and abstract interpretation of the conflict that pays tribute to the many "Israelis" (not Israelis at the time of the war) that lost their lives. My photographs do not do it justice; if you are interested you should follow the link or google it.
http://www.war-memorial.net/Monument-to-the-Negev-Brigade-1.241
A friend from the group, and I, atop part of the monument:
The group was divided into 2s and 3s and sent to nearby houses to enjoy Shabbat dinner with some of the locals. I was a little nerves, this being my first Shabbat. I had no idea how conservatively to dress or what I would be expected to do. Unfortunately my partner was not able to offer me much council besides telling me "I'd be fine."
My mind was almost instantaneously put to ease upon arrival. My hosts, two men and three girls, all in their mid twenties, were delightful! The meal was very laid back and the conversation lively. Though the Shabbat dinner may have been far from "orthodox," it provided much insight into Israeli culture and politics; as well as introduced me to my first Israeli friends!
One of our hosts and a glimpse of the wonderful meal!
Saturday was mostly spent familiarizing myself to the dorms and university. In the evening I joined my group on a short hike to the monument for the Negev Brigade.
The structure itself is fascinating! An interactive and abstract interpretation of the conflict that pays tribute to the many "Israelis" (not Israelis at the time of the war) that lost their lives. My photographs do not do it justice; if you are interested you should follow the link or google it.
http://www.war-memorial.net/Monument-to-the-Negev-Brigade-1.241
A friend from the group, and I, atop part of the monument:
After the hike down, we concluded the Shabbat with Havdalah, a ceremony that announces the end to the holy day of rest.
The Thursday morning ladies send their love, greetings, and prayers!
ReplyDeleteGotcha covered,
Mama Bear!
You are "prepared for everything"! You've brought along a great camera, an excellent photographer and a very clever writer...(-:
(from Kayla's Mom)