This morning our shiur was about the ארון; we went back to this topic that we learned about on the chutz when our morim did skits about the different places the aron was taken and how people related to this vessel from the mishkan. Today, we brought up the danger that exists in the possibility that people might assume that the aron, or any object of religious significance really, has inherent power to it. Was it the aron kodesh, which they brought out to the battle field, that protected our nation in war? Does a mezuzah, the parchment with Torah passages, protect our families and homes? The chanichim discussed the idea that a symbol or an object can serve as a powerful way to connect us to Hashem, but we need to be careful to remember that Hashem Himself is the source of all power and protection.

After those deep and important thoughts, everyone cleaned their bunks and then ate their aruchat eser snack (back to the daily physical life around us!)

Everyone enjoyed their morning peulot and Eidah bet girls had a special  “biking with Estee” activity before lunch! Our bike trails are used every day and the chanichim love them! We noticed the afternoon schedule looked a bit strange with chugim right after lunch (we never have that!!) and dinner an hour earlier than usual. Turns out everyone had a trip night!  Eidot Aleph, Bet and Gimmel went bowling and Eidot Vav and Daled went roller skating.  Such a fun way to end this great week!

Machal will be welcomed home late tonight with a homemade BBQ that our mishpachot lovingly prepared and grilled for them. We are so proud of their success this week canoeing and camping out and working together!