Today, MBI started their day at Ein Gedi. In the morning they took a tiyul (hike) through this oasis that hugs the western edge of the Dead Sea. In the Jewish tradition, we hear about Ein Gedi in the story of David. According to the bible, after learning of King Saul's anger toward him, David flees to Ein Gedi and hides in a cave called Dudim. The cave is said to be located in or near what is now called Nachal (creek) David. Today, the group experienced the oasis in full, There are springs, waterfalls, and Ibex. This water flows into the Dead Sea. Even before the 1940's, Jewish youth movements hiked Ein Gedi in an effort to map southern Israel and walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. Today, MBI had the opportunity to renew this tradition.
After they finished their time at Ein Gedi, the group left for Sde Boker, another location in the Negev (desert). The hostel and educational center where the group is staying sits on a beautiful cliff overlooking a Wadi (ravine) in the middle of the Negev. The nearby kibbutz, Sde Boker, is down the road from the hostel. David Ben Gurion called this kibbutz home before he died in 1973. This is also where he is buried. He left his home in Tel Aviv to work on the kibbutz to be a dugma (example) for others, because he believed that if the Jewish people could excel in the desert, then they would be able to succeed anywhere in the State of Israel. "It is in the Negev that the youth will be tested- its pioneer strength, vigor of spirit and creative and conquering initiative." - David Ben Gurion
All the different machanot (camps) represented on MBI sat together when they got to Sde Boker for mishpachot, the time of the week when they spend time with their home camp and reflect on the week and how MBI has been for them.
Over Shabbat I will not be posting on the blog or answering my email, but I encourage you to call the emergency phone (917-822-2330) if you would like to speak with me or have questions about this post or anything else.
Shabbat Shalom,
Noah
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