Monday July 28

Today in shiur we learned about The Law of Return – every Jew is allowed into Israel! The chanichim wrestled with some tough questions, like what we should do about someone who has no Jewish heritage but found out through DNA testing that he is 60% Ashkenazi Jewish. Or what about an outspoken anti-Zionist who wants to make aliyah? They studied some sources that addressed the idea of losing one’s Jewish status (halachikly speaking)  based on one’s beliefs or behaviors. Fascinating, thought-provoking topic. On the way into lunch, the Roshei Eidah dressed as security personnel and pretended people were entering Medinat Yisrael. They asked everyone “are you Jewish?”

Peulot were regular today with one special one: an hour to work on Bunk Night presentatios! This year the bunk names are people, places and concepts related to this time in History (reminder: 1948 – 1979). For example: Be’er Sheva, Yerushalayim, Ben Gurion, Menachem Begin, Kibbutz Galuyot, Magic Carpet etc etc. So fun, right? We are all getting used to these words/phrases being said as if it is the most normal thing! Pretty classic for Camp Stone: “Menachem Begin, please go to the office to leave for Susim” (horse-riding). Ha! Tonight each bunk had to present and explain a painted sign for their bunk name AND do a skit or sing a song. Each Eidah performed on their own – one bunk for the other 3 in their eidah. Lots of creativity and fun!

Fun fact: Each day, two bunks have Toranut for all 3 meals. That means they set up, (eat before everyone arrives), put out the food, get refills for bunks during mealtime, and clean up (sweep and take out all the garbage bags). It is a lot of work, but with around 40 kids, it gets done quickly and efficiently! Roni, our Rosh Chadar Ochel manages and directs them all. This is one of the special features of our machane. Now you know your child is capable of WAT more than he/she is probably doing at home 😉 When Shabbat comes, our tzevet gets a turn for two meals. And then the adults in camp, our mishpachot, take care of Seudah Shlishit. #fair

Kaytana learned about slavery in Egypt during their shiur time today and then had a matza-baking peula in the Village today. (More about this Village and its activities tomorrow.)  Their other peulot today included ultimate frisbee, kickball, gaga and making shrinky dinks 🙂

Machal had another full-day hike in a gorge, along water and then had a fun night actvity – they were bussed to Walmart and bowling and are sleeping in camp!