Free time on Shabbat
Madrich Benji here...
Fourteen years ago, when I made the decision with my parents to join the founding-year of Machaneh (camp) Shorashim in 1996, none of us ever imagined that the connection I developed that summer to my own Judaism and the state of Israel would end up with me rescheduling my entire life and summer to share the experience I was fortunate enough to have with a group of 44 Americans and Israelis (and yes, Canadians and Brazilians too).
A Shorashim shabbat is one of the most unique shabbats ever. It's a time where people from all different religious (or not) backgrounds come together to share traditions, relax, hang out, take a breather from the rest of the crazy-busy trip. Everyone gets to choose to observe a day of rest and separation in their own way. Some of my best friends in the world are my friends from Shorashim, and I have a hunch that some new best friends in the world are already being made this week.
I took a quick walk around Kibbutz Malchia and saw some So-Cal vs. Israel basketball, Brazil/Canada vs. Israel/America water basketball, some very serious competitive international group sun lounging, Israeli-led 'matkot' lessons, American-college-style Frisbee tossing, and the ultimate Israeli/American tactical alliance... to throw Madricha Dana into the pool. The memories from this free time spent together on Shabbat, while not officially part of a challenge or a tour, are truly going to last a lifetime.
-Benji
Machaneh Shorashim 1996/1997/1998 (Tavor)
Shorashim High School Tour 1999 (Alon Ha'Tavor)
Madrich for Taglit-Birthright Shorashim Israel Challenge Bus 308 2010

