Thurs July 2 – 17 Tammuz
We had a later kima this morning since we had a fast day to get through – that gave everyone a little more rest, so they would have a bit more strength. Our tefilah included a few additions, such as אבינו מלכנו, a special קריאת התורה and some explanatory סליחות. While the younger chanichim had breakfast, the older (fasting) campers heard a Dvar Torah and Dvar Halacha from Rav Adi. He spoke about fasting and the way it helps us focus on what is important in life, which values we want to emphasize and the art of reflection. Shiur was next; everyone had their regular shiur teacher. The topic for today was the list, from a Mishna in Masechet Ta’anit, of the 5 things that happened on the 17th of Tammuz that we are fasting for. The most famous one, of course, is that the walls of Jerusalem were broken through, as the enemy made its way to Har haBayit. Another well-known one is that this was the day on which Moshe came down from Har Sinai, saw the golden calf and smashed the Luchot!
Eidot Aleph – Daled then went to 5 stations at which they learned about different calamities and challenges that the Jews experienced during the period of history we are studying: the Kishinev pogoms in 1903, Jews from one country fighting against Jews from another country during World War One, Chevron massacre in 1929, the Holocaust and the Altalena affair. The skits highlighted and brought up two discussion points. One – our calamities often occurred because we had no homeland or no sovereignty in our homeland. Two – these tragedies led to challenges in how we identify as Jews. So often our identity is built around or off of a hardship we experience. For example, the Arab riots in 1929 led many Sefardic Jews to feel less connected to that Arabic side of them. Another example – when a Jew fought a Jew in World War One, it made them each wonder whether they feel more like the citizen of their country or more like a fellow Jew, part of the same nation. Really thought-provoking lessons!
By the time this was all finished, believe it or not, we were able to daven Mincha already! And then came the resting, letter-writing, reading and movie-watching until the slow shira that we always end a fast day with. Singing and a story (by looooong-time Camp Stone camper, counselor, Rosh Eidah and Rosh Mosh Aleeza Berkowitz Weisenthal) are always a perfect way to bring the fast day to a close. Maariv and dinner were followed by….yes, night activities! The kids were ready to go!! They played basketball, dodgeball and volleyball. The food was metabolized into energy before they were done benching 😊
Eidah Daled had an added activity before they headed to sleep – their weekly cholent/tisch/learning/mishmar that has been dubbed TISCHMAR!
Machal had a day on their campus, with a sicha about the old Jewish community that used to live nearby in Corry, PA. Some years they have the Sicha in the cemetery where these Jews are buried, but due to the extreme heat, we had them stay back and learn about Corry in Sugar Grove. They also had some movies offered and plenty of time to rest. They had a busy day in the heat at Hershey park yesterday and were happy to rest and have an easier day. Tomorrow will be all about packing for their trip to Virginia! They are soooooo excited!
