L'Dor V'dor

L’Dor V’dor. It’s a common Jewish saying, often sang or chanted in synagogue. I remember learning in Hebrew school that it means, “from generation to generation”. Today, on Yom L’Dor V’Dor”, our mission is to explore traditions. We’re talking about both Jewish teachings and Galil structures today. We aim to engage chanichim (campers) in discussing WHY traditions matter and HOW we keep them alive both at camp and at home.

Our merekezet chinuch (director of education) summarizes it like this: “What does it mean for Tikkun Olam, the Jewish concept of “healing the world”, to exist from generation to generation? What does it mean for macheneh (camp Galil) to be a special place for our parents and grandparents and alumni, as well as a special place for us right now, and for future chanichimot (campers) and madrichimot (counselors)?”

The special part of the day started at 11 am, at the Etz Ha Shira (Tree of Song). Four madrichim stood around the clump of chanichim: an Israeli, a lifeguard, a madricha, and rosh macheneh (head of camp). Each one shared a story about how an older relative inspired them and taught them. One talked about his kibbutznik grandpa who still wakes up every morning and tends his fruit trees, and who taught him about the joy of labor. We also heard about a father who turned down an acceptance to Brown, and attended community college so that he could take care of his family. His actions taught his daughter about selflessness and sacrifice.  

After the madrichim shared the stories, the kids separated into schcavot (age groups). The Cochavimot created Spheres of Influence, where they made personal diagrams connecting their names to the people and things that inspire them. They talked about the importance of passing down stories and the significance of family. The Melafefon and Bo-Bo went deeper in their peula (educational activity). They first made lists of Jewish things that they want to get passed down, like holidays, Hebrew language, lighting candles, songs, and blessings.

The peula asked them these questions:

·       In what way do you think these things have connected the past, present, and future of the Jewish people?

·       Do you want these things to continue to extend from generation to generation?

·       How can we make these things extend onward?

·       What does that ask of us as individuals? As youth? As Jews?

In the end of the peula, they wrote letters to their future selves with goals for the future, such as holding on to Galil friendships, or volunteering suring the year, or having a weekly Shabbat dinner with family.

While the rest of camp was doing these activities, the Nitzanim had a different schedule. Instead of sitting and listening to the stories, they got to use the new Slip N’ Slide on the slope by the barn.

Following this, we had Chugim! We read a list of available workshops, and chanichim (campers) can choose one that sounds interesting. The six workshop options today were based around music, and each had a theme. Two people led the chug “Labor Rocks”, where kids learned the songs “Union Maid” and “Miyatzilenu”. We also had the Chug “Macheneh Traditions”, where kids learned about Galil in past decades and sang original camp songs like “Separation Blues”.

At lunch, we came together and sang all the songs that we had learned in Chugim. We also ate pasta shells stuffed with ricotta and bathed in marinara sauce. After the pasta dishes were carried away, tzevet mitbach (kitchen staff) had wheeled out a treat: just-baked pies!

We served the delicious pies to the chanichim and then we all headed out for some free time. Kids were swinging on the new swing bench, taking cat naps, playing Magic or Euchre, and practicing on the basketball court.

Then the kids split up for Zman Meyuchad (specialist time). In the next few says, we’ll be having the kids contribute to Shabbat by leading singing, writing skits, and creating the bonfire.  Today in Zman Meyuchad, we let the kids pick what they wanted to work on. My group wrote the skit for Parsha Players, which is a weekly skit where we act out the Parshat Hashavua (torah potrion of the week). Madrichim (counselors) usually act in it, but this week the Cochavimot will be taking the stage. Other kids in Cochavimot were picking up sticks for Medura (bonfire) and creating decorations for Shabbat dinner. The Melafefon were choosing songs to sing during the procession that we do on Friday nights. The Bo-Bo were preparing to emcee Musicale (talent show) and also started writing the Oneg (funny skit poking fun at counselors). The Madatz (CITs) contribute to Shabbat this week by making challah. They are joined by the little Nitzanimot this week, and will braid the dough together.

In the afternoon, we’re celebrating another camp tradition. Galil loves playing Ultimate Frisbee! We planned an giant Ultimate tournament for the kids. There are four teams, with two coaches on each, and we’re going to play a fun, but ultimately non-competitive, game. We’ve planned a halftime show, featuring the stars of Ivrit Shimushit (Useful Hebrew). There will also be madrichim leading cheers, people playing music, and live commentary.

I think that the kids are really enjoying Yom L’Dor V’Dor. The day is all about tradition, and traditions can be incredibly grounding for kids. To be embraced into traditions is to belong, and every kid should feel like they have a home here. We hope that this day is empowering our chanichim (campers) to intentionally contribute to this community. Days like this make me proud to be a part of the Galil community. Thanks for letting your kids join us too!