Satell Teen Fellowship Israel Trip 2008: Day 3

Saturday, June 21, 2008
Shabbat and More

Dear parents and friends,

As we prepared for our first Shabbat in Israel, we were filled with joy and excitement. We were eagerly anticipating Shabbat, unsure of what to expect yet awaiting the beautiful spiritual experience that would surely be ours in a few hours. Nobody was sure of what to expect in regards to prayers etc. However, after discussing the different ways that each sect of Judaism conducts their prayers, it became an inspiring Kaballat Shabbat. As we overlooked the gorgeous surrounding hills of the Chulah Valley, our prayer service took off, led by our very own Ezra Seligsohn. It was a meaningful integration of Shlomo Carlebach tunes and individual melodies.

After services were completed, we sat down to a sumptuous Shabbat dinner in Kibbutz Gonen’s Chadar Ochel – the dining room. Following dinner, those who were interested participated in a Tish. A Tish is a traditional session of singing songs pertaining to Shabbat that follows the meal. Those who participated sat singing for hours while overlooking the lights of this country’s beautiful north. Others experienced another side of Shabbat, which included interacting with fellow groups staying at Kibbutz Gonen.

On Shabbat Day, everyone observed Shabbat in their own way. Whether swimming, praying, or napping, everyone made this day special. Before lunch we all participated in a communal text study of this week’s parsha, Shalach. It was incredible to hear so many different ideas about such an action-packed parsha. Many fellows discovered ways that this parsha is applicable to their own lives, such as speaking your voice even in the face of adversity, just like Caleb and Joshua. Later we were fortunate enough to hear from a Kibbutz member about the inner workings of a Kibbutz and his personal experience here at Gonen. We were lucky enough to be able to observe the mitzvah of napping on Shabbat afterwards!

Following Shabbat, we traveled back to the wondrous city of Tzfat. We met with renowned artist, David Friedman, who taught us basic principles of geometric art while incorporating concepts of Kabbalah. We even got to make our own pictures! After this memorable experience, we went to “Avraham’s Tent.” Here we were spiritually transported to a world where God’s presence was felt through music. We listened to two Chasidic men playing various rare instruments such as the Oud, Lute, Bell Drum, and the Hammer Dulcimer. They were incredibly talented.

All in all, this Shabbat and Motzei Shabbat was one for the books!

Shavuah Tov from the Holy Land.

- Gavi Horwitz and Gabi Wachs