IBME Week #1

Late Wednesday evening our American contingency made their way to the airport, whilst our Brits were all still fast asleep. While waiting for their British counterparts to arrive, they headed immediately upon arrival for the Machaneh Yehuda outdoor market, to buy food for the Shabbat they'd be spending with their new friends.

Eventually, later that night the Brits followed suit and made their way to the Ir HaKadosh, Yerushalayim, to join the Americans. It was a late night for everyone, as all were filled with the buzzing excitement and anticipation as to what the coming week would bring.

On Friday morning we met with Rabbi Haber for the first time, and went together to the Tayelet, where we tore Kriyah overlooking HarHaBayit and the Old City. We then made our way to the Kotel where we davened Mincha before setting back to MMY. On Friday night we davened at the nearby Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav Kook and enjoyed a great first dinner together. The rest of Shabbat was thoroughly enjoyable as we got to know each other better, compared ‘languages’ and learnt some Torah.

Sunday was the girls’ first experience of Seminary life, learning almost 6 hours in total! During their break in the afternoon the girls had a ‘Photo Phind’ on Rechov Ben Yehudah and enjoyed dinner in Emek Refaim.

On Monday we had another great day of learning; during the afternoon, the girls volunteered in a soup kitchen, serving and preparing food.

Tuesday morning had an early start, as we went to greet the Nefesh B’Nefesh flight arriving from New York. We brought along signs which we had prepared the night before, and shared an emotional experience, welcoming and greeting these new Olim. That evening we joined two of our teachers, Mrs Katz and Mrs Ifrah for dinner.

Wednesday was another full day of learning; we spent the afternoon volunteering with "Table to Table", picking potatoes to be donated to poor people near Kibbutz Kvutzat Shiller.  For our regular shiur with Mrs Katz we were joined by girls who are here on a trip from Immanuel High School in London. That evening we enjoyed bonding over pottery painting in Kad V’Chomer.

 
Thursday afternoon (after another morning of learning) was spent enjoying the sun, sea and sand at the separate beach in Herzliyah. The girls managed to draw a crowd as they buried their head madrichah, Ariel, to the extent that all that was left was … a head. (Ironic.)

That night the girls had a Tisch with MMY’s Rosh Yeshivah, also the Rebbe of all MMY tischs, Rabbi Felberman. There they enjoyed learning new songs, hearing some words of Torah, and a full supply of Chocolate goodies.

Below are more pictures.  Wow!  All this after only one week!  Wonder what the rest of the summer has in store??