Day 4 and 5

Friday 31st July:

Today began with a burst of energy in preparation for Shabbat, with a Morning of Olympics. This involved the camp being split into teams, battling it out against each other in various activities. There were egg (in the form of water balloons) and spoon races, running races, long jump and more! Everyone got involved, and it was great to see everyone cheer their teammates on.

 

This led into the second challenge activity of camp, and some pre-Shabbat arts and crafts, where we made posters and adverts about what Shabbat means to us, which helped to set the theme for the weekend. We also had a Camp Kerach Challah bake, and everyone loved the preparation for Shabbat. Everyone then helped pitch in to get the campsite clean and ready for Shabbat, followed by some free time and anticipated phone calls.

 

 

 

The traditional pre-Shabbat photos were taken, before candle lighting and a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat tefilla service. Friday night dinner was really special, with an amazing atmosphere created by the singing and chants. After dinner we had a tish, where we sang songs and had some snacks, which was a lovely way to end Friday night.

 

 

 

Shabbat 1st August:

Wake up was a bit more relaxed this morning, with the option for a lie in or to have an informal, optional discussion with the madrichim. These discussions really help to be able to form a connection with the madrichim whilst also creating an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable to ask any questions without fear of being criticised or embarrassed.

This was followed by a short explanatory tefilla section for all, which helped us to understand better the Shabbat tefilla, and how and why it differentiates from the weekday tefilla.

We had a great Shabbat lunch, with more chants and singing, followed by another challenge activity.

The afternoon consisted of free time, where we all had a chance to get our Shabbat rest, as well as another opportunity to chill with each other and the madrichim, and another challenge activity, followed by a Q&A with the Rabbi, which was very engaging for everyone.

Shabbat ended with a fun, musical Havdalah Rave. What a fantastic Shabbat!