Arrival Day – July 21
Welcome to Moshevet Bayit Ne’eman, (מושבת בית נאמן) where we will be learning about and living through the period of Jewish history from our nation’s entry into Eretz Canaan, under the leadership of Yehoshua, through King Yoshiyahu and the exciting discovery of a Sefer Torah followed by a spiritual revival, after years of idol worship and lack of Torah observance. Our Roshei Moshava Ephraim Helfgot and Maayan Berkowitz will be taking us through this time period, along with our Roshei Beit Midrash Hillel Schwab and Naama Wyler.
The campers experienced the drama and emotion right off the buses, when they watched Moshe bid farewell to his beloved nation and declare Yehoshua the new leader. Moshe then turned to each of the 12 tribes (played by members of our tzevet) and gave each one a special last message and blessing. Since we are all in Camp Stone, he left each one something special: Reuven, the first born who receives double was promised double shekem!! To Yissachar he left the Beit Midrash and to Zevulun he left the waterfront. To Naftali he left the refet and to the youngest Binyamin he left the Kaytana building. Each tribe was matched with a perfectly fitting part of camp. Brilliant script 😊
The chanichim “left for Eretz Yisrael” with Yehoshua (dressed in an IDF uniform) by walking down the camp road (enjoying some manna – ok, fine they were granola bars – along the way) and into camp through the entrance near the Mishpachot houses. The first stop was the scene of Rachav hiding the spies. The campers were spoken to as if THEY were the spies and had to “run” and escape by climbing out the window of Rachav’s house-in-the-walls-of-the-city and sliding down a rope. See pictures so you can understand how real this felt. Next stop: crossing the Jordan. Each camper walked along a bridge as they crossed the waters of our agam and walked into camp via the girls’ lower field. Each eidah conducted a short ceremony building a monument of rocks to mark the covenant with Hashem for the Land. They proceeded to Gilgal where they made their first Pesach and even had a sheep (brought from the refet!) for the korban. Some seder plate foods were there for the campers’ enjoyment. To end the opening tochnit, each camper received a little shofar to blow – and then lo and behold! The walls of Jericho all fell down! (Thank you to our Amish neighbors and workers for this unbelievable moment) There was a lot to write home about from today, including how yummy the pareve burgers were, that we had for dinner. Arriving to camp on Day 7 of The Nine Days makes it a little interesting … The rest of the night was unpacking and getting to know counselors and bunk mates. Great first day here, b”h!
Kaytana will spend their two weeks at camp learning about all the major events and personalities from Avraham and Sara through the entry into Eretz Canaan with Yehoshua. Our Roshei Kaytana Sean Slamowitz and Sarah Nerenberg brought them from the busses to Terach’s store of idols where they helped Avraham hit the idols (and then candy came out!!! Was that in Sefer Beraishit?) After that heroic move, the chanichim moved on towards the tent of Avraham and Sarah. There they were met with food and drinks and lots of TLC. They were so impressed with the hachnasat orchim they witnessed. They will also spend their first night getting settled and meeting each other.
Machal campers were greeted by their Roshim Rami Fleischmann and Hava Shaffner! They helped each other with their luggage, and then learned about their shevet name, Amikam (עמיקם) with the traditional שלט אש, a sign with words created by rope that get lit up in fire. Very dramatic beginning! They received their מספרי ברזל tonight; those are their assigned numbers which they will use to do roll call many times a day. These chanichim are so excited for their month of hiking, close bonding, trips, BBQ’s and sleeping outside. For some of them, this is their 8th summer!
We are looking forward to giving these 531 campers, from 35 different cities, a month they will never forget! 87% of our staff is here not-for-the-first-time, having been tzevet before or first time tzevet after having been a camper here for years. The level of dedication, commitment and passion is unparalleled! We thank our directors Yakov and Estee Fleischmann for this unique opportunity where 17-23 year olds are developing leadership skills daily! Looking forward to Kima tomorrow at 7:30 am with this session’s first “Boker Tov Sugar Grove” that many have waited 11 months to hear.
