Thursday Aug 13 – Rosh Chodesh Day 1

Rosh Chodesh Elul?! Crazy to start Elul while still in camp, but this year’s Chagim are heading our way soon, and so after “sleeping in” a bit post-color war and then having Hallel and Musaf in tefilah – let’s just say the Amish had been up for many hours by the time we were heading over to breakfast this morning 🙂

Our shiur today was about the exciting dramatic story in which Eliyahu faced off with the false prophets at Har HaCarmel.  He proved that their gods have no powers and that Hashem is the Mighty One who controls the rain and hears our prayers. Hashem seems to give Eliyahu a little bit of rebuke after, telling him not to make belief in G-d all about the big dramatic moments, because He is found in the calmer, quieter moments and places too! We talked about the interesting and delicate matter of תוכחה / rebuke and when it is given well and when it might be given in a way where it is not received well. Eliyahu humiliated these worshippers of Ba’al in a most public way…was that the best way? What does Hashem mean about emphasizing the subtle ways that Hashem is present in our lives? We discussed ways in which we have all given rebuke and received it – sometimes constructive and  sometimes less so.

Our morning peulot were fewer than usual as we tried to get “back on schedule” by Mincha & lunch time. Right before mincha the chanichim passed the Roshei Eidah who were lounging around, relaxing and talking about how they get to do whatever they want whenever they want…including going to Splash Lagoon!! And that was the breakout moment! The rest of the day flew by with two shifts for dinner, so the younger chanichim could head out to the water park earlier on. Banim and Banot took turns on the waterslides and wave pool and playing in the arcade. It is always a fun night when we go, and knowing that our time here is coming to an end makes every fun activity that much more special!

Eidah Daled actually had their own special day. They woke up early and left for a white-water rafting trip! This is the camp minhag – that the day after color war Eidah Daled goes on this wonderful trip, putting all the competition of the last two days behind them and focusing on teamwork and fun!

Machal had a great day at Hershey Park enjoying the rides! They are finally returning home, and as always, we can’t wait to see them in person!