Thursday July 7
Our chanichim learned about the decrees Antiochus made to try and eradicate Judaism. This was not a military/physical threat but rather a spiritual one. The chanichim talked about concepts such as passion, zeal and sacrifice. They are all familiar with the Chanukah story but not necessarily the whole historical context, so they enjoyed discussing some of the bigger issues.
In the afternoon, during shekem, the Roshei Eidah brought to life the idea of kingship and kehuna being blended (in the macabim) by singing songs like “Dovid Melech Yisrael” but slipping in Kohain for Dovid. Or singing the beautiful song from Yom Kippur “Mareh Koahin” but changing the words to “Mareh Melech” – hopefully that will stick in the kids minds : ) As you all know already, this camp is about showing not just telling!
This summer, nikayon (daily clean-up in the bunks) checks have been working a little differently. Each Friday the Roshei Moshava (Tal and Aliza) go through each bunk house and see how things are looking. That is not the new part…it used to be that they announced a winner each week, one boys’ bunk and one girls’ bunk. This summer, they give points for different parts of cleanup and if you make it past a certain threshold of points, you are a winner that week!! Then after two weeks, if you have made it to that number of points two times -you get to be in the nikayon parade, with Estee and Yakov at the head! Today was the first parade, right before lunch. It was a fun and funny new concept that might be tradition one day.
Dinner was early tonight – and dairy – and everyone went ice skating (first shift for younger eidot and then second shift for the older eidot) Kosher ice cream can be bought there, so the pre-ice skating dinner is always dairy. Talk about tradition!
Machal had a hike in the DC area called “weverton cliffs” and then they drove back towards camp, stopping for a fun evening at Splash Lagoon, a water park. Can’t wait to see them this Shabbat.
Tomorrow will be hikes for all the eidot, while Machal will be here enjoying some of the facilities at camp.
We welcomed Rabbi Noah Cheses this week from the Young Israel of Sharon, Mass and his wife Sarah who is a Yoetzet for their community and a teacher at Maimonides School. They will be giving shiurim for tzevet this Shabbat and for the next week.
Looking forward to a beautiful Shabbat (weather forecast is a winner!!) with lots of ruach in our tefillah, dancing, singing and learning! Shabbat Shalom U’mivorach : )
