Day 8: Hatzar Kinneret, Water Hike, and a Matzo Ball!

Today, the MBI chanichimot headed down to the shores of the Kinneret to learn about the early pioneers at Hatzar Kinneret. Founded in 1909, Hatzar Kinneret was part of the first agricultural training farm in Israel. When the group arrived, they were greeted by some familiar guest madrichimot who grew up at Gilboa, Galil, and Gesher, and now live in Israel. They helped run the tour of Hatzar Kinneret for them!

While there, the chanichimot learned about the people who formed a kvutza, naming themselves Kvutzat Kinneret. Some well-known people who spent part of their lives there included Labor Zionist icons AD Gordon and Berl Katznelson. The poetess Rachel was also a part of Kvutzat Kinneret, and songwriter Naomi Shemer was born there when it later became a kibbutz. The group performed lively skits to tell the stories about its history, these people and others who arrived, lived, and worked there, and the ideas that flourished. They also got to compare some of the traditions that were created at Hatzar Kinneret to some of the traditions they currently have at machaneh!  

Following their tour at Hatzar Kinneret, the group went back to the hostel for lunch. After lunch, they went back out for a short water hike! It was a great way to cool off on a hot day!

Dinner tonight had a silly and spontaneous theme to it - a Matzo ball! The chanichimot dressed up as if they were going to a ball and took photos with the Kinneret in the background. After dinner, we prepared everyone on what to expect for Machaneh Etgar, a challenge camp which is set to begin tomorrow. Over the next couple of days, they'll be learning new skills and engaging in several experiential team-building activities designed to foster these skills! They also had a chance to set their own expectations, individually and collectively, for Machaneh Etgar.