the beginning.

I'm not so sure where to start with the pictures, so we will rewind 6 weeks to the beginning...that seems fitting. These were a few of the first photographs that I took on our Opening Seminar. We had just discussed the area (which was between Jerusalem and Tel Gezer), and finished a bonding activity in which we each led our blind-folded pair up a million stairs. At the top we sat down and prepared our first meal together...and me, not knowing exactly what to do with myself, took out my camera.





During one activity on the third day of the Opening Seminar, we were split up into groups. The only supplies that we were given were flour, one bowl, a block of cheese, and some tomato sauce. It was up to the group to make a creative lunch. In the end, we made pizza.


To sum up the Opening seminar in a few words: We walked a lot, talked in pairs, had a small taste of the type of discussions that awaited us in the Mechina concerning kashrut, shabbat, tefillah (prayer), and more. I'll be honest. I expected the absolute WORST from this beginning. I went in believing that I would understand nothing, make no connections, have a terrible time....Yet I am happy to report, that it was an amazing beginning. There was an immediate calmness to the group which I have never encountered in all of my experiences with new people. Everyone was supportive and interested from the first moments. This last picture was taken at the end of the Seminar as we gazed into an incredible view of Israel at dusk. Aharale made sure to point out Yafo. We then loaded the bus and arrived at our new home.

Sorry for the lack of interesting descriptions about the Opening Seminar. This is quite new to me. I'll improve. promise.