A Special Midway Seminar

We had just sat down on the green grass of Kibbutz Ravid when Tomer, a Bakehila fellow, exclaimed, "We've reached the exact half-way mark! Six months and two days ago was the very first day of our Year of Service journey."

"What, really?", "That's so crazy!" the other fellows responded.

Halfway through their year of service, Bakehila's young leaders attend a 3-day seminar that marks the mid-point of their contribution to Jerusalem's communities. The seminar is an opportunity to stop and reflect on what has been accomplished so far, and to look ahead and prepare for

the future while receiving relevant tools and skills with directional and educational value.

Aside from the social contribution and large impact that Year of Service fellows have on the children of Jerusalem's underserved communities, they themselves go through a fundamental process of leadership and social activism. The program, titled the "Bet Midrash for Social Leadership" develops the fellows from young leaders into agents of social change, who will continue to make waves in Israel's society.

At each year's seminar, Bakehila's core staff and guest lecturers present workshops on a rich variety of topics, such as understanding challenged youth, types of intelligence and motivation, nutrition and its impact on children, theater, holistic mind-body, personal boundaries, analysis of film, and more.

Some quotes from the YoS fellows: "We left with new tools, food for thought, and especially lots of motivation!", "It really brought all of the fellows together, new friendships were formed between fellows of different communities…", "The staff was very present, and it felt like one big family."

This year's midway seminar was extra-special as it uncharacteristically took place at Kibbutz Ravid, in Israel's scenic northern region. The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxed resulting in a change of rhythm and pace. "Being in nature created a significant sense of calm - a well needed break!" said Gili, of Bakehila's north-Jerusalem community.

Moreover, staying overnight with the whole Bakehila clan allowed the fellows to create their own night activities for everyone, including singing , dancing and sports contests, followed by lots of laughter and even a desire to stay longer: "Why can't we continue the seminar over the weekend?"

In fact, according to some, this year's midway seminar was the most enjoyable "since its inception, 5 years ago".