Last week’s Shabbat and week’s programming focused on Israel and with the help of our terrific mishlachat our chanichim became enlightened about the situation in southern Israel, the different army units in the IDF, and the historical and current perspectives of aliyah. We began to explore questions surrounding identity and the role of American Jewry in Israel. Having mishlachat in our edah has been invaluable.
Offering new concepts in tefillot this week, chanichim were able to select a meditation, or discussion about why we pray, or focus on music in prayer while learning a beautiful havdalah tune.
Gearing up for Machaneh Bet, next summer, one of our peulot erev concentrated on building a strong kehillah (community) with respect for all. Team building and fair treatment of each other were integrated into fun activities. Traveling to New Roc and enjoying rides, arcades, games, and a movie were all part of our last tiyul for the summer. Everyone had a blast.
This week we will celebrate Shabbat with a taste of life on Machaneh Bet. Tzeirim is anxious to move to forward at camp and will be joining Machaneh Bet for tefillot and Shabbat activities. It has been a summer of tremendous growth for our chanichim and we look forward to returning again, next summer, Kayitz 2014!
Shabbat Shalom,
Hannah Grossman