Hello all. My name is Naomi Tamura and I recently graduated from Pennsbury High School this past June. The day after graduation, I went to Camp Galil for a month, so I haven't had much time at home to process everything that I'm about to experience over the next year... As many of you know, I will be traveling to Israel as part of a 9 month program starting on Sunday, September 8th. And for those of you who don't know, well now you do. I was a bit hesitant about creating this blog for a number of reasons, but I eventually figured it would be a great way for you guys to keep track of what I'll be up to over the next 9 months. And plus, it'll allow me to document everything that I do. But before I begin blogging, I think it's important to go over the basics.
What is workshop?
Workshop is Habonim Dror North America's 9 month program in Israel. This year will mark the 63rd Workshop, and I am fortunate enough to be able to take part in this amazing program. For the first section of the program (called Boneh), I will be living on Kibbutz Ein Dor, located in northern Israel near the cities of Afula and Nazareth. During this time all 40 something of us will be living communally in two kvutzot (small groups), traveling the beautiful country of Israel, and learning about its interesting history, people, and Hebrew language. The second half of the year (called Kaveret) is quite different from the first and is not situated on a kibbutz. Both kvutzot will live in their own houses in two separate cities (last year they were Karmiel and Rishon LeZion, but who knows if they'll be the same or different this year). So although we will be living apart, this opportunity will allow us to live in a setting where we can learn to live responsibly with one another. We will also have the opportunity to travel to schools and teach English to the local Israeli youth. In late February/early March, both kvutzot will travel to Poland and visit some of historical sites there.
Why workshop?
I've actually asked myself this question a lot and I honestly still don't really have an exact reason. But I'm not pressured to find an answer quite yet. In fact, I might never really find a single answer, and I'm okay with that. Maybe that's part of the whole thrill of embarking on a 9 month long adventure-- going in with no major expectations and just see where this whole process will take me. This decision might have something to do with the fact that I've been hearing about this program for the past 9 years. Or maybe because my mom went on this program. And it might have something to do with the fact that I'm not quite ready to go into another 4+ years of rigorous education. All my friends (besides those that are going on workshop too) are going to college, and I thought why not try something different? College can wait, but workshop, well, that's a once in a lifetime opportunity. So why not take it? And I know that by doing something different, I'll be able to learn more about myself and what I'm really interested in doing. I know that I want to study international relations in college, but what I really want to do is find a way to change the world. I want help find a way to bring peace in the Middle East- whatever it will take, end world hunger, and fight for more human rights... to just name a few, and so I hope to come back with a greater understanding of how I can work to create that change. But for now, I'm just excited to be going on workshop, I don't want to get too ahead of myself...
I won't be taking my laptop, but I'll have my phone with me so I'll be able to iMessage/FaceTime/Skype/have WiFi and do all that other 21st century fun stuff that iPhones can do. Plus other people will have laptops, and following HD's tradition of communal living I'm sure I'll get my hands on a laptop or two to update this blog every once and while. And if the internet isn't really really slow, i'll maybe add in a few pictures too.
So until workshop begins, I'll just be sorting through everything and packing! I have a lot to do, but I know these next two weeks are going to fly by (should I be excited or really nervous about that?). Here's to 13 days and counting, it's going to be quite an adventure!
Naomi
