Second Shabbat and Jewish Culture

An Amela having her wish granted

This morning everyone awoke feeling refreshed and anticipating the spirit of Shabbat. After an extended morning work and cleaning period, the Madatzim (junior-counselors) ran age-group activities (peulot shichva) for the whole camp (machaneh): The Amelim (post-3rd and 4th graders) wrote down their wishes a few days ago, and today the wishes were granted (within reason). The Chotrim worked together to understand the importance of collective efforts; they made a large whirlpool in the pool. The Sayarim learned more about trust and team-building. The Tzophim made a cake to symbolize their age group (shichva) and learned about conflict resolution. The Bonim learned about Judaism by building their ideal Jewish communities with cereal and icing. The Bogrim ran their own fun activities for each other, training them to be better leaders.

Serving pizza during Friday lunch

At Galil, our culture has always been defined by Jewish values. Every morning, we teach a new Hebrew word during ivrit shimushit (useful Hebrew) after flag-raising. Throughout our day, we use these and many more Hebrew words to teach Israeli culture. When it comes to Shabbat, however, our Jewish spirit is heightened. Preparing for Shabbat, everyone washes and cleans and dresses up and wishes each other a Shabbat Shalom. On Friday night, one age group (shichva) performs an Israeli song and dance to welcome Shabbat. This week, the Tzophim (post-7th graders) are performing Ani Ve'Ata and dancing Darkeinu. Before Shabbat dinner, we have a tradition of counselors (madrichim) blessing their chanichim, as a parent would to a child. Shabbat dinner is a very special time as well, as friends make a special effort to sit together. After dinner, a different shichva puts on a short play (oneg) and also leads Israeli dance.

On Shabbat (Saturday), we serve no cooked food during meals and start the day off late with doughnuts and sweetened cereal. Shabbat is a very restful time; chanichim do not work in the morning or go to structure sports and have ample free time to sleep. On Saturday night (erev Shabbat) after dinner, we have havdala (end of Shabbat ceremony), which many consider to be their favorite time of the week. Chanichim and madrichim then sing songs they prepared during a time called Musicale or perform funny skits during our campfire (medura). Finally, the chanichim eat ice cream and are put to bed by the eldest chanichim, the Bogrim.

Shabbat Shalom and have a good and peaceful weekend. Check back on Sunday!