This morning there was a different atmosphere than usual at camp (machaneh). While usually machaneh is full of happiness and excitement, we like to take a day to reflect on serious issues in the Jewish and global community. Tisha Be'av, the Jewish fast holiday is the perfect time for us to discuss these problems and spiritually reflect on our lives. Every year, we have special programming to provide a serious and meaningful day for the campers (chanichim). We began our Tisha Be'av with a ceremony during the evening activity last night, where every age group (kvutza) presented songs, speeches, and poems that were in keeping with the somber tone of the night in front of the rest of the camp. Afterwards, the older chanichim watched a powerfulplay called "The Conscience Play," about the role of conscience in the Holocaust and the bystander effect. It was an impactful experience and it set the mood for the day that was to come.
Today ran on a different schedule than usual. In the morning, we sang different songs during flag-raising, and those who chose to fast went to reflect on while the rest ate normal breakfast. Before noon, everyone rotated between a spiritual activity (peula) at the pool (like a mikva), a peula about Jewish history and exile, and an exhibit about Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister of Israel who was assassinated in 1995. In the afternoon, the younger chanichim watched "Chicken Run" and the older chanichim watched "Patch Adams," and reflected on the relevance of the movies to today. The day ended with an empowering machaneh-wide program on Jewish heroes.
Check back tomorrow for another exciting day as we transition back to our normal schedule.
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