ISS: July 27 by Gabriella Malamud

This community weeks culture day was filled with knowledge, art and fun. The fellows experienced different traditions and ways of life. To begin we did an art activity at one of the elementary schools in Be'er Sheva. Throughout this art activity we learnt about righteous leaders and the strong connection between the past and present.

We then sat outside and enjoyed a small concert performed with traditional instruments and classic Jewish and middle-eastern songs, the fellows danced together and had a blast.

From there we continued our journey to the Ethiopian centre where we sat through an inspiring lecture by an Ethiopian immigrant and tried traditional Ethiopian foods. There we also visited a little shop selling hand made garments and dishes made by the elderly women, and volunteered with the Ethiopian children. 

But our day didn't stop there! We also learnt about the Chinese culture, we watched the preparation of Chinese teas and sculptured fruit. As well as learnt how to write our names in Chinese, do origami and saw traditional Chinese clothes. 

From the centre we drove down to the Bedouin tents where we learnt about there traditions had a henna and spent the night.

 It was the perfect end to the perfect day. I truly believe that the fellows had an incredible experience which enriched their knowledge and cultural values. It was eye opening and made it clear that although everyone is different, every religion has beautiful traditions of which they value and live by. 

By Gabriella Malamud