Tisha B'av

Today, we observed Tisha B'av, the day in Judaism where we remember the destruction of the first and second temples. Tzophim, Bonim and Bogrim had the option to fast, where they spent meals in our moadon doing alternate programming.

The day began with a peula where the chanichim discussed the idea of baseless hatred, a theme that became prominent throughout the day. After sharing instances where they have seen or experienced baseless hatred in their own lives, the conversation shifted to the idea of baseless hatred on a more societal level. From there, we brainstormed ideas of how we can stop this hatred in our own lives, and create a world thriving off the concept of baseless love.

After the peula, the chanichim split up to watch a movie––– Amelim, Chotrim and Sayarim watching "Remember the Titans", and the Tzophim, Bonim and Bogrim watching "Pay it Forward". Following the movies, we discussed how the messages from these movies related to the day as a whole. 

Part of the Yitzhak Rabin exhibit

In the afternoon, the chanichim spent half their time at an exhibit set up to honor Yitzhak Rabin, and the other half of their time visiting the creek to partake in mikvot. At the Rabin exhibit, the chanichim learned about the former prime minister of Israel and the history of peace and violence in Israeli society. At the creek, chanichim discussed what a mikva is and then participated in their own, by sharing a way they wanted to better themselves and then submerging themselves in the water.

Chanichim participating in reflective writing

Before dinner, we had zman ruchani, or spiritual time, where chanichim had the option to spend their time doing yoga, writing poetry, or going on meditation walks (just to name a few)! 

The Bogrim Mikva

We ended the night breaking into shchavot to learn about different Jewish heroes who exhibited the values of baseless love. Then, we joined together on the basketball court to share what we'd learned and partake in a ceremony to commemorate the day.