Purim in Israel

My introduction to my volunteer placement could not have been better.

For my Israeli experience, I am living in Kfar Saba and working at the Kadima after-school youth center there. My very first day on the job, I had the exciting pleasure of joining the children in their Purim celebration. Everybody dressed up in colorful and creative costumes (we had a cowboy, a flowerpot, a baby, a cross-dressed boy, and more) and up to a kibbutz just north of the city for a day of activities and performances with the rest of the Kadima centers in the Tel-Aviv area.

The place was swarming with frolicking children, and though it was a little overwhelming, it was also awesome. Simply gathering so many people together in one place for a Holiday celebration seemed like an enormous accomplishment. But there was also a lot in store for us that day.

When we first got there, the kids broke into groups and enjoyed a series of small little stands and games set up all around the kibbutz in a carnival-like fashion. There was bowling, Bozo Buckets, fishing, pin the tail on the donkey, potato sack races, and many other fun activities to chose from.

Afterwards, everyone gathered in the front for a lunch of hotdogs, juice boxes, and popsicles. I had the interesting experience of eating my hotdog with olives, hummus, and egg salad. I guess there aren't standard protocols in Israel for what you can and can't put on a hotdog.

After lunch, we received the real treat of the day: a performance by Kokhav Nolad (Israeli American Idol) contestant Hen Aharoni. He sang a variety of hit songs and got everybody on their feet. Then, we all got to stay on our feet for a little bit of organized dancing. There was some Electric Slide, some Bomba, some Funky Chicken, and some Hora.

Finally, it was time for everyone to return home. The day was a great success, and an amazing way for me to celebrate my Purim and be welcomed into the Kadima family.