If we had to choose a theme
for today, it would have to be “camels.” We started off in The Mountain of the
Camel where we did tefillah. Jennifer, Kayla, and Tatiana did a wonderful job
leading the rest of the class. It was quite spiritual for many of us. Afterwards,
we spent some time reflecting and writing in our Ramah journals. Yoni said, “Home is wherever you are.” Rabbi
Amanda wrote, “ God was in this place and I didn’t know it.” (from Vayetzei).
After that, and a lot of pictures, we
all got on the bus to head down into the Ramon Machtesh. (Ilan Ramon named
himself after it.)
In a different part of the
machtesh we collected colorful sand from a sand park and learned how machteshes
are created, we then headed out back on the bus. On the way out we briefly stopped and
examined sandstone left behind by volcanic eruptions. It was weird because the stones were all
hexagonal. (We would translate the word machtesh, but there isn’t really a
translation for it. As we found out, it is not a crater, but sort of looks like
one!)
Soon many discovered their
need for a bathroom, although some (we are not saying which gender of course)
didn’t need the bathroom enough to use the bushes. Everyone rushed on the bus
and we drove off to the hotel, for the second time this morning! The Bathroom
Race of 2014 had begun!
After we finished the race,
we drove off to a Bedouin encampment. There we enjoyed the thrill of riding
camels, both the pros and cons. We then enjoyed a Bedouin feast composed of
chicken, rice, and pita bread. Soon after that we visited a Bedouin man who
taught us about his interesting culture. It began with him playing an
instrument that looked like a small harp. Avi and Yonit started dancing in the
middle of us, and most of us tried our best to look like we weren’t with them.
Julia ground coffee beans in a wooden thing that looked like a large, skinny
mortar and pestle, to a certain beat and did an excellent job.
We ended this hot,
camel-centered day in a pool in Mitzpeh Ramon. It was fun to see Kayla and Eitan
swim a very competitive race, won by Kayla (sorry, Eitan). Everyone had a great
time, including the staff and none of the staff were thrown in. Actually, only
one person was shoved in, and it was only by a little finger, so it doesn’t
really count (sorry, Eitan).
We tried to prank Yonit by
hiding Rachel, but we were found out rather quickly, since Morah Amalya and
Rabbi Amanda can’t keep straight faces (no hard feelings).
The staff wants to thank Josh
and Zach for contributing to the blog. As the blog committee, they write most
of it during the day and then it gets supplemented and edited by the adults
later on! We didn’t ask them to do it last night, since they were already
asleep when we did it, but from now on, it’s all them.
The day ended with a short
nighttime hike in silence. We each sat in our own space and thought about
ourselves in the world, the stars, the universe and how we fit in. We shared
our thoughts and walked back to the hotel. Lights out is at 10 PM because
tomorrow is an early start.
Eitan definitely has the best sleeping arrangements. Now get back in there and shove someone in the pool.
ReplyDeleteAba
Looks like a full fun day! Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe word Makhtesh isn't only the Hebrew name for these formations, but the official geologic name for them. Instead of "impact" craters they are created by erosion - like the Grand Canyon. http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1486/ - Eliot
ReplyDeleteWe all voted, now who won?!
ReplyDeleteYou all look great and I must admit I am just a little bit jealous. (Not so much of the camel ride).
WE miss you!
Avi, when grandma will come to see you on Thursday spill the sand you collected in her car. Will drive her crazy. Don't tell her you heard it from me.
ReplyDeleteLove, Dad
Hey J-man. I'm glad to see your smiling face. It looks like you're having an awesome time. It's windy and rainy here in Fairfield. Enjoy the warm sunny weather.
ReplyDeleteAnd please remember to leave the sand in Israel.
Love,
Mom.
looks like another great day! And the food, the food....
ReplyDeleteAvi, can you bring me an Israeli pita???
Love, Mom
Great blog... Grammar and spelling is particularly precise! Way to go Zach and Joshua. It seems Ben is setting a good example by finishing all his water... Fill up again today - Masada beckons! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteIs it wrong to be jealous? Looks like you are having an amazing time! Love Mitzpe Ramon. Love the blog detail. Really love the great photos. Now for the mom stuff: SUNSCREEN and drink lots of water! Apparently there are sufficient bathroom breaks :) Super double thanks to Morah Amalya and Rabbi Amanda.
ReplyDeleteHey guys. I hope that you had and will have a great trip. The Israel Trip is so much fun and a great experience. The activities that are planned are fantastic and it is such a good bonding experience for all. Make sure that you take advantage of the great opportunity that you have and make the most it it. Also take advantage of the great Ramah staff and have a good time with them. The memories you make on this trip last a life time. One more thing, if you have not yet heard Dudu's radio voice, make him do it.
ReplyDeleteAri
Wow, you did so much in only two days. Enjoy the trip, the food, the weather......everything. Looking forward to read more about your amazing time in Israel.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Bowman.
Eitan, were you really asleep?? You all look like you are having a terrific time. Love the photos. They make me happy:)
ReplyDeleteJackie
More amazing days - they seem like each is better than the next! Jennifer, so glad to talk to you the other day. We miss and love you. Try to bring some zatar home with you! To Rabbi Amanda, we were at B'nai Torah for Omer and Ya'ara's Bnot Mitzvahs. Rabbi Colin and the kids seem to be keeping it together while you are gone! Of course I cried at their beautiful ceremony. I kept thinking how wonderful that our Israeli emissaries were reading Torah here and you kids were reading Torah in Israel. Have a great rest of the week. Love, Mom
ReplyDelete