Gathered at Makom Shalom (Place of Peace), our outdoor sanctuary, Saturday morning, all of Session 3 and 3a stood together as song leader Devin read from the Torah.
When he finished reading, in unison we responded: “Hazak, hazak, v’nithazek!” — “Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened.”
If there’s one thing we strengthen here at Camp, along with friendships and confidence, it’s Jewish community.
As campers continue to find their groove this summer, kids from Eilat reflected on their Jewish identity and how Camp has shaped it.
For fifth-year camper Elodie O. (G-5), one of her favorite parts of Camp is saying Birkat Hamazon (blessing after meals). She especially loves the hand motions and, of course, banging on the tables.
“My first year at camp, I didn’t really know much about Jewish identity and Camp really helped me,” she said. “Every time I leave Camp, I try to do more Jewish stuff and I feel more connected.”
Elodie’s experience is one shared by many Jewish campers. According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, adults who attended Jewish overnight camp are 37% more likely to light Shabbat candles, 45% more likely to attend synagogue monthly or more, and 30% more likely to donate to a Jewish charity than those who did not attend Jewish camp.
Mira Ü. (G-5) put it simply:
“Camp makes being Jewish really fun.”
That’s exactly what Jewish Programmer Danny K. hopes campers take away.
“The number one mission that we have here at Tawonga regarding Judaism is to show the kids that Judaism is so fun.”
Danny shared that while prayer has an important place in Jewish life, Tawonga’s approach to Shabbat centers on celebration, connection, and joy.
For Maddie R. (G-5), Camp offers something she hasn’t found anywhere else.
“I just feel so included in something so special and so unique, something that has survived for so many years after attempts to tear it down. It gives me so much hope. I feel so free and so happy when I’m at camp. I love exploring my Jewish identity because it’s just such a cool and fascinating thing.”
Their reflections echoed this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Devarim, the focus of Saturday morning services.
Danny shared that as the Israelites stood on the doorstep of the Promised Land, God taught them gratitude. While they had been blessed with the land before them, they were also called to recognize those blessings, use them wisely and never take them for granted.
As campers looked out over the mountains from Makom Shalom, Danny connected that lesson to Camp.
“We are uniquely blessed to be able to come and see these mountains every morning. To have services here at Makom Shalom. To have each other. But with that we also are called upon to take our time here seriously. … So let’s all be intentional. Here and at all points in your lives.”
That message resonated with campers.
Reflecting on gratitude, Maddie shared that Camp has helped her appreciate the resilience of the Jewish people.
“I’m grateful to my Jewish ancestors and hearing about their stories and how they survived really, really hard situations,” she said. “I don’t really get to explore that in other places. But I feel so liberated to explore everything here.”
Leah R. (G-6A) said one of the things she’s most grateful for is simply being surrounded by other Jewish campers.
“At Camp, I don’t have to explain that I’m Jewish. I’m not the only one, and it’s not different.”
And when asked what they’re most grateful for, the answer came quickly: coming back to Tawonga each summer.
“Since February I’ve been like, ‘I can’t wait to get to Tawonga. It’s almost here, almost there!’ And then I’m here and it’s like the best three weeks of the year,” Leah said.
Mira added:
“Every year when I’m back at my house, I’m counting the days until I get back to Camp.”
The feeling is mutual. We’re so grateful for them! To our Tawonga community, Shavua Tov — wishing you a good week ahead.
Shabbat
