Dear Diary,

It is Saturday night now, I have just said goodbye to my family that spent a special and exciting Shabbat with me at the village.

This Shabbat, we had almost 200 guests here at Ben Yakir, unbelievable!

Our staff invited all the families of the Bar Mitzva boys, to hold a festive Shabbat with us in our honor. My mom, dad, and 5 brothers and sisters came here to Ben Yakir.

We all slept in one apartment. I showed my brothers around the village- where I study, my room at the boarding school and more. I introduced them to my friends.

I also had the chance of meeting my friends' families. This was truly exciting.

We began the Shabbat with candle lighting and then went up to the synagogue for services. The brother of Naama, my counselor, is a cantor and he sang to us throughout the Shabbat, making it even more pleasant and special.
My father our synagogue is beautiful, and he noticed that the prayers were a bit different from the ones we have in Ashdod. He was surprised to notice we have a mixed version of Sefarad and Ashkenaz.

We all went together for dinner at the dining room. Every family had a table of her own. The counselors sat with us at our table. I had the privilege of saying a Dvar Tora in the name of the Bar Mitzva boys.

The next morning we woke up for services and then went on a tour of our animal farm. I showed my brothers the sheep whom I am responsible for all year long, and the rest of the animals.
 
My brothers had a great time and said - you're so lucky!

Later we had lunch. This time my father said the Dvar Tora and told a story with a moral behind it. After some rest, my sisters went on a tour and we went to a tora class led by Naama's brother, discussing the topic of respect for each and every person.

After a tight schedule that included prayers and meals, my parents, sisters and brothers headed home.

We gathered around in our group at the boarding school and reflected on this special Shabbat. We all agreed it was great fun.

My family said they loved being here in Ben Yakir with me. I was very excited as well.

I felt I was hosting my family in my village, my home.
 
Next week my family will be here again for the big celebration… I am so excited!

Uriel Elbaz