‘Camp makes being Jewish really fun’

Gathered at Makom Shalom (Place of Peace), our out of doors sanctuary, Saturday morning, all of Session 3 and 3a stood collectively as music chief Devin learn from the Torah.

When he completed studying, in unison we responded: “Hazak, hazak, v’nithazek!” — “Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened.”

If there’s one factor we strengthen right here at Camp, together with friendships and confidence, it’s Jewish group.

As campers proceed to search out their groove this summer season, children from Eilat mirrored on their Jewish identification and the way Camp has formed it.

For fifth-year camper Elodie O. (G-5), one in every of her favourite components of Camp is saying Birkat Hamazon (blessing after meals). She particularly loves the hand motions and, in fact, banging on the tables.

“My first year at camp, I didn’t really know much about Jewish identity and Camp really helped me,” she stated. “Every time I leave Camp, I try to do more Jewish stuff and I feel more connected.”

Elodie’s expertise is one shared by many Jewish campers. According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, adults who attended Jewish in a single day camp are 37% extra more likely to mild Shabbat candles, 45% extra more likely to attend synagogue month-to-month or extra, and 30% extra more likely to donate to a Jewish charity than those that didn’t attend Jewish camp.

Mira Ü. (G-5) put it merely:

“Camp makes being Jewish really fun.”

That’s precisely what Jewish Programmer Danny Ok. hopes campers take away.

“The number one mission that we have here at Tawonga regarding Judaism is to show the kids that Judaism is so fun.”

Danny shared that whereas prayer has an vital place in Jewish life, Tawonga’s method to Shabbat facilities on celebration, connection, and pleasure.

For Maddie R. (G-5), Camp provides one thing she hasn’t discovered wherever else.

“I just feel so included in something so special and so unique, something that has survived for so many years after attempts to tear it down. It gives me so much hope. I feel so free and so happy when I’m at camp. I love exploring my Jewish identity because it’s just such a cool and fascinating thing.”

Their reflections echoed this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Devarim, the main focus of Saturday morning providers.

Danny shared that because the Israelites stood on the doorstep of the Promised Land, God taught them gratitude. While that they had been blessed with the land earlier than them, they have been additionally referred to as to acknowledge these blessings, use them correctly and by no means take them without any consideration.

As campers regarded out over the mountains from Makom Shalom, Danny linked that lesson to Camp.

“We are uniquely blessed to be able to come and see these mountains every morning. To have services here at Makom Shalom. To have each other. But with that we also are called upon to take our time here seriously. … So let’s all be intentional. Here and at all points in your lives.”

That message resonated with campers.

Reflecting on gratitude, Maddie shared that Camp has helped her respect the resilience of the Jewish folks.

“I’m grateful to my Jewish ancestors and hearing about their stories and how they survived really, really hard situations,” she stated. “I don’t really get to explore that in other places. But I feel so liberated to explore everything here.”

Leah R. (G-6A) stated one of many issues she’s most grateful for is solely being surrounded by different Jewish campers.

“At Camp, I don’t have to explain that I’m Jewish. I’m not the only one, and it’s not different.”

And when requested what they’re most grateful for, the reply got here shortly: coming again to Tawonga every summer season.

“Since February I’ve been like, ‘I can’t wait to get to Tawonga. It’s almost here, almost there!’ And then I’m here and it’s like the best three weeks of the year,” Leah stated.

Mira added:

“Every year when I’m back at my house, I’m counting the days until I get back to Camp.”

The feeling is mutual. We’re so grateful for them! To our Tawonga group, Shavua Tov — wishing you a great week forward.