Tisha B'Av

 Today was a more serious day at Galil, because we are commemorating the Jewish Holiday of Tisha B'Av. Tisha B’Av is a day of fasting on which many disasters in Jewish history occurred, primarily the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians and the Second Temple by the Romans. Some chanichim (campers) and tzevet (staff) are choosing to fast until tonight. Only chanichim (campers) over the age of 13 are allowed to fast, and everyone must drink water. These kids have special activities during mealtimes and will break the fast tonight at 8:30. Regardless of fasting, everyone at macheneh had some special peulot (educational activities) today.

   Breakfast included warm scones and fruit salad. We started sitting by anaf (group with the same avodah) in the mornings! My avodah (work) is called MoRefMarp. The word is a combination of the places we sweep: the moadon (rec hall), the refet (barn), and the mirpa’ah (health center). My kids liked sitting by anaf because they got the chance to hang out with new people from other shcavot (age groups).

  Each shicvah (age group) had a new and special peula (activity) today. The Cochavimot discussed Jewish holidays and went to the creek. Melafefonimot recreated the temple smash with cardboard boxes. Additionally, BoBo talked about collective Jewish identity and questioned some modern definitions of Judaism.

    Hsve you ever heard of “The Conscience Play”? It’s a short theatrical piece created by Habonim Dror in the United Kingdom on the Shoah, and today a group of madrichim (counselors) performed it for the oldest campers at Galil.  A short discussion followed the play, so that the chanichim (campers) could debrief from such a serious activity. During the play, the younger chanichim (campers) ran around to different stations and learned about famous Jewish leaders.

The Conscience Play in the Refet

     Dinner tonight was incredible. We had quesadillas, garlic bread, AND stuffed shells with cheese and tomato sauce. This was also available later tonight for the fasters. We had shira (singing) after dinner and then went off to change into white clothes for our closing tekes (ceremony). During the ceremony, we’ll sing songs and recite texts like “Mi Shebeirach”.

Tommorow, we’re getting some special suprises. Shhh! Don’t tell your kids because its all a secret. You’ll find out more tomorrow!