Passover Vacation


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Middle East » Israel » Haifa District » Haifa
April 22nd 2006
Published: April 23rd 2006
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Kibbutz LotanKibbutz LotanKibbutz Lotan

At the Seder on the first night of Pesach
Early in the morning today I went back to routine. Classes are up and running. It might be a bit difficult to adjust back to school after a wonderful Passover vacation.
For the first few days of break, I had a seminar with the Carmel group in Jerusalem that focused on tensions, or clashes, that are woven into and throughout this country. The goal was to visit places that represented challenges in Israel and to experience those challenges head-on. Our first stop was at a village called Neveh Shalom in Hebrew, Wahat AlSalaam in Arabic, or Oasis of Peace in English. It was established jointly by Jews and Palestinian Arabs of Israeli citizenship and engages in a bilingual lifestyle of education and work towards peace, equality, and understanding between the two peoples. From there we visited Sataf--a beautiful nature reserve where ancient mountainous agriculture is practiced as it was thousands of years ago. The location has been key throughout the history of the region. We visited a Reform congregation for Friday night services and an Orthodox community for Shabbat morning. We toured the Old City and Mount Herzl. We heard a speaker talk about the current political situation, visited a checkpoint
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At the Seder on the first night of Pesach
and the Separation, or Security Fence, and discussed its implications. On the last day we volunteered at a soup kitchen. We walked a lot, learning about history, literature, and modern-times.
From Jerusalem I, and two other girls from our group, took a bus down to Kibbutz Lotan. It was lovely to return to a familiar place for another week. We arrived just in time for the Seder. It was nice to be in a family atmosphere for the holiday. Throughout the rest of the week, I volunteered in the kitchen, which was a new experience and a lot of fun. Leaving Lotan was difficult, because I'm not sure when I'll be back. But I know not to worry too much, because I will, without a doubt, be back. This year Lotan has become another home of mine--I feel very in-place there.
Haifa is just as beautiful as it was when I left it two weeks ago. I look forward to the wonders of Spring and the business of the upcoming two months.


Additional photos below
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At the Seder on the first night of Pesach
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At the Seder on the first night of Pesach
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At the Seder on the first night of Pesac. Jess, Laura, and me
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At the Seder on the first night of Pesach
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Someone stole a lot of sand near Kibbutz Lotan and the hole filled up with water when it rained. What a treat!
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Lake Lotan

Someone stole a lot of sand near Kibbutz Lotan and the hole filled up with water when it rained. What a treat! Laura, Jess, and me
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Celebrating the end of Pesach
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In the Moadon
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Hanging out
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The Zion Gate entrance to the Old City
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The Old City
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The Old City
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The Old City
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The Old City
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Theodore Herzl's grave
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Yizhak and Leah Rabin's graves


8th May 2006

the fun of blogs
Dear Mari, We're so glad that you felt that being with us, as family and community, was the right thing for you during the holidays. Thanks for making it all the more whole and meaningful and warm. Hugs and enjoy the rest of your semester! Alex

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