Days 11 and 12: Machaneh Tnua Achot

Machaneh Tnua Achot (sister movement camp) kicked off its first full day on Saturday morning! The chanichimot started the day by learning a bit about our Israeli sister youth movement, Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed, before their new peers arrived. Learning about the ken structure in the Hanoar Haoved was a great way for the MBI chanichimot to both understand more about the culture of their sister youth movement, as well as the role they play in Israeli society. For instance, HDNA functions most strongly in the summer time when the machanot are in session, and has ken activities every couple of weeks throughout the year. Hanoar Haoved, on the other hand, functions most strongly throughout the year with multiple events and happenings every single week. Unlike HDNA machanot which last about 7 weeks, the machanot in Hanoar Haoved are much shorter.

The chanichimot they met from Hanoar Haoved are from Misgav, which is home to several kibbutzim and moshavim in the north of Israel. To kick off Machaneh Tnua Achot and break the ice, everyone participated in some get to know you activities. In small groups, each chanichol spoke about their own ken and/or machaneh. This was an opportunity to start learning about the differences and similarities between the two youth movements and to get an idea of the cultures and places that each of the chanichimot are coming from. HDNA functions mostly strongly in the summer time at each individual machaneh, with ken activities throughout the year. Hanoar Haoved functions mostly strongly throughout the year

After lunch, the group had the opportunity to continue meeting each other, make signs together, write songs, and more! In preparation for Shabbat, some of the MBI chanichimot explained to their new peers how they celebrate Shabbat at the machanot, including traditions, as well as structures like Kabbalat Shabbat, Oneg, Havdallah, musicale, and medura (bonfire). In the evening, Machaneh Tavor led the entire Machaneh Tnua Achot in Havdallah! As you can see from the photos, there were a lot of people there! Afterwards, everyone played a fun sports game involving lots and lots of ruach (spirit).

On Sunday, the group continued many activities together. One of the activities involved exploring their ideal Israel and thinking through what they believe Israel should be. They touched upon questions such as the role of religion in the state, the relationships and interactions between those who live there, and the role of youth movements. They ended the evening with a tekes (ceremony) to mark this experience. This particular tekes featured speeches given by chanichimot from both youth movements. A couple of pairs, including one person from HDNA and the other from Hanoar Haoved, decided to read what they wrote for everyone. Afterwards, the MBI chanichimot said goodbye to their new peers and set off to their next hostel for some rest before tomorrow's adventures!