Thursday June 29
Today was all about the Bar Kochva revolt! The campers talked about the group of people (including Rebbe Akiva) who thought Bar Kochva was Mashiach. They really thought his fight against the Romans could be the beginning of the Messianci Era. The topics for shiur (depending on the age) went from the concept of bravery and Mashiach to the flaws of a leader (Bar Kochva had some) and the false Messiahs that Jews sometimes get excited about. So much to think about!
Our Roshei Eidah performed a short skit at lunch about the revolt, and tonight for the night tochnit (activity) there was a game where each bunk was told they were being chased out of Yerushalayim by the Romans and had to run up North. They had tasks and challenges to complete and then, if they succeeded, they recieved the mishna and could advnace in their journey – either all the way up to the Galil area or far away to Bavel. Bringing it all to life here 🙂
Everyone had a regular packed day of peulot, and Eidah Daled has been getting ready to lead the camp to our Chutz next week. We never know which days, but it always falls out in the third week, so they started talking about it. A few Eidah Daled campers will be in charge of a group of campers from all the different eidot. They are called a plugah, a unit. They share a fire pit, whch means that for over 48 hours they eat every meal together – and are constantly gathering firewood and looking out for each other. It is like a chutz family : ) So the Eidah Daled kids discussed leadership and taking care of everyone and how to give everyone an opportunity to help and get involved. Looking forward to seeing these Eidah Daled kids as “Roshei Plugah” (yes, there is a cheer for that!)
Kaytana had a busy day today…leaving Egypt!! They started off with a pretty typical camp day: some sports and bracelet making and time with the animals here in our refet (check out a video made by the Fleischmanns’ son three years ago about the refet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhxZNcme–E ) In the afternoon, the drama began. They baked their matzot in the brick oven in our Village – soft authentic matzot. And then they left in a wagon ride, chased by Pharoah on one of the camp ATVs. Alex Fischer, Rosh Kaytana, was sending them out, but then he regretted it and came after them. Yonina Marder, their other Rosh was Moshe, and she took them through the Yam Suf (some wooden structures which the Amish built that we draped Finding Nemo tablecloths over, with lots of water and fish) They were free!!! Dinner was their very own Pesach Seder with lots of grape juice, their “homemade” matza of course and even some steak as Korban Pesach. Eliyahu made an appearance later on! Definitely something to talk about and remember in a few months around your seder tables.
Machal had a fun day at the Chutz site. The weather could not have been more perfect, and without their phones with them, it is ALL about hanging out, talking, playing fresbee and football, napping and cooking over the fire. Perfect day!
