Hadag Nachash has had a constant effect on Israeli culture for the
past 22 years. Many of the Hadag Nachash's songs have featured
lyrics that are controversial in many circles but for others
their music has become their voice in society. As someone
who has been following and listening to Hadag Nachash
for many years, I was star struck when I actually shook
the hand of the man who has impacted my own political
views as well as the views of other Zionist Jews across
the world. Shaanan's unorthodox opinions, which he
clearly expresses in many of his songs, has greatly
influenced the modern philosophy of our Jewish state.
From the Q&A period I was able to learn about both the
deeper meaning behind many of the group's lyrics in
addition to the group's motivation for having such
controversial lyrics in their songs. Having the chance to
converse and ask questions to one of the polarizing figures
of modern Israel was an experience I will cherish for a
lifetime. Enjoy a taste of their special brand of music.
Now that we have settled in to our new home in Jerusalem
it is time to get back to our regularly scheduled program. Today we
took part in a leadership workshop at The Neot Kedumim
Center for Leadership Development in the Footsteps of
Nature and the Bible. Neot Kedumim is a biblical landscape
preserve where visitors can get a glimpse of life as it was 3000
years ago. Here we learned about leaders in the past and present
and what it takes to be a leader. This knowledge prepared us for
our project for this evening and tomorrow as we plan and run a gala
tzedakah fair for the 300 campers in the Ramah Jerusalem Day
Camp.
Later in the day the groups, (except Shvilim) visited the Jerusalem
landmark Machene Yehuda. This famous outdoor market is an
attraction for visitors to the city where they get a "taste" of the
fresh fruits and vegetables, sweets, meat, fish and baked goods that
are on offer. It is also a place where long time residents and
newcomers to the city come to do their weekly shopping for the
14