Dimona CFF Host Appreciation Week for Nations Elders

Elders Appreciation Week - Yom Sayvah 2006
By Akote Bikeeah
KNN-Dimona

We would like to begin by first extending our heartfelt thanks to all of our international extensions for your continued commitment and support of our efforts here at Jerusalem towards Yom Sayvah.

Yom Sayvah is a special week in the Kingdom of Yah. It is the time wherein we express our love, our appreciation, pay tribute to and honor those who have gone before us to show us how it takes courage and fortitude on this path to reclaim our heritage. An elder in the Kingdom of Yah is not defined by age but by great servitude, wisdom, perseverance, strength, courage, patience, and faith. The elders in the Kingdom are an awesome group: they have faced deportation, imprisonment, food shortages, cramped housing – the list is too long. Yet, they endured, never doubting the power of Yah. And they are still building this great Kingdom. Among them are masters, marathon runners, agriculturists, artists, cohaneme, craftspersons, nutritionists, care providers, and so much more.

We gave tribute to nine elders: Prince Ahkeazer, Ahk Yaacov, Ahk Avraham HaCohane, Sgan Yitskak HaCohane, Queen Mother Avi, A. Kaninah, A. Etiyah, A. Benah and A. Renah. Our itinerary for the elders for the week included many activities including a day at the Sea of Life, a special documentary presentation, and closing banquet. The week commenced with a special Shabaht service in honor of our elders. A Divine Wisdom Hut wherein the elders shared their stories, testimonies and wisdom with the Chosen First Fruit and the Youth on the Move in particular. The gift ceremony was a night of dedications to our elders in form of singing, dancing, dedications and special gifts. Each family brings a gift to the gift ceremony for our elders, so by the evenings end our gift table is covered with love offerings to our elders. The Sea of Life trip afforded our elders the opportunity to enjoy soaking in mineral baths, jacuzzis and wet and dry saunas. During the week our children learn about our elders in school and are afforded the opportunity to show their love and appreciation at our school ceremony. For the past few years the school ceremony has been open not only to our elders but to the elders in the larger Israeli community. Gourmet meals were provided by each entity throughout the week and special relaxations were provided. Yah Khai!!!!