Tisha B’av – July 23
In Machane Stone, we have an opportunity to bring to life some of the difficult moments from Jewish history – the exile, the suffering, the loss – so that chanichim can appreciate who and what came before them, what we are mourning on a day like today, and what they can maybe do to help propel us forward to a better time. Last night’s reading of Eicha, with everyone sitting on the floor of the Indoor Beit Knesset, was dramatic and hopefully impactful. (Kaytana did not join us for Eicha since it was late and maybe a bit TOO dramatic for them) Each chapter of Eicha was introduced by a member of tzevet who spoke about the theme and quoted some lines, giving us all a direction for our thoughts and kavanah during the chapter. After Eicha all campers and tzevet went to see four skits at four different locations produced and performed by members of tzevet. We watched four moments in history when Jews made a poor choice that led to a downfall for the nation, such as the kohanim in the time of Shmuel haNavi acting corruptly in the mishkan, or Hoshea a king who put his trust in foreign alliances. It was late after that and all campers were dismissed to Layla Tov, while tzevet was invited to a kumzits in the Lodge – our new amazing facility for staff hang outs and programming!
Kima this morning was later-than-usual and tefilah was at 9:00. After shacharit we had the traditional Kinnot round robins where tzevet put on 5 skits for us that brought to life the themes of five of the kinnot. Chanichim had shiur with their morim and spoke about Tisha B’av, the absence of a mikdash and why/how we can feel longing for something from so long ago. Mincha was held at the first possible time we could daven, followed by an afternoon of movie-watching and letter writing. Since Oct 7th, we have used fast days as an opportunity to strengthen our soldiers by writing letters to camp stone alumni who are now serving in the IDF. Ten chayalim and chayalot were chosen to receive the letters. As always, we ended the fast day with slow shira in the Indoor Beit knesset, maariv, brownies to break the fast and then a more elaborate dinner shortly after.
Post-fast these chanichim are raring to go (after lots of rest and now full of energy) they had night activities and Eidah Daled had their Mishmar+Tisch = “Tischmar”, Rav Adi Krohn, Rav haMachane, spoke to them about the responsibility that comes with privilege in being the oldest campers.
Everyone is looking forward to hike day tomorrow and our first Shabbat in Machane!!
