The magic of Shabbat

At Tawonga, we take great care in setting Shabbat apart as special and different from any other day of the week. This happens in many ways, from the more obvious like campers dressing in nicer clothing, to enjoying Shabbat meal, to taking time to celebrate after the meal with a Freilach song session followed by unit-led Kabbalat Shabbat sessions.

There are, however, less tangible signs of how Shabbat is truly special and holy at Tawonga. There is a feeling of spiritual change in the air where the tone of camp seems to shift starting with Shabbat stroll where camp song leaders and directors walk through camp holding our Torah and playing music. This energy is most evident, perhaps, in the moments right before campers enter the dining hall, when everyone takes a few minutes to embrace their friends, bunkmates, and counselors wishing each other a “Shabbat shalom”. It’s a moment that can’t fully be described, and we see it again when a bunk shares and leads their unit in a Kabbalat Shabbat prayer they have been learning about all week. It is these small moments of loving kindness and that add up to make Shabbat so special here.

Below enjoy photos taken throughout the day and during the beginning of Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!