Galil Blog
Friday
Shalom–but more importantly, Shabbat Shalom–Galil families! Welcoming this time of the week, mother nature finally shone the sun down on us following the past few days of rain and thunder, giving us a wonderful Shabbat blessing! Before our traditional and fan favorite Friday breakfast of muffins, kids gathered in front of the toren (flagpole) to help Aladdin and Princess Jasmine make Aliyah (move to Israel).
As we entered the Chadar Ohel (Dining Hall) we were greeted by the delightful aroma of various muffin flavors; Sprinkles, Blueberry Lemon, Oreo, and Nilla Wafers! Thank you Bogrimot (Rising 10th graders) for making the muffins! To all the kids’ delight, breakfast was followed by extended Avodah and Nikayon Tzrif to prepare for the Shabbat weekend. With a sparkling clean machaneh (camp), the Madatz ran peulot (activities) for each schikva (age group). Between Melechimot (Rising 4th/5th/6th graders) and Tzophimot (Rising 8th graders) we had fun with the elements with the former working to build a fire and the latter having a blast with water balloons, a refreshing treat in the 80° heat! After all the fun in the sun, chanachimot (campers) were eager to sing their hearts out at Shabbat Shira (Shabbat song session) in a race to get lice checked (or maybe it was the pizza for lunch that followed–but my kupah’s (money’s) on the lice 😉 ).
With bellies stuffed and hair thoroughly investigated, the kids took to Hyde Park, strutting from their seats to “The Rock” to proclaim their important, and some not so, reformations for Machaneh. Then, after some much needed Menuchah (rest time), kids enjoyed a dip in the pool and an intense game of Ultimate Frisbee. With much wrangling from both the water and field, the kids began the intense ritual that is getting ready for Shabbat. Once everyone’s bodies were scrubbed of sweat and grime and Shabbat clothes were gowned, so began the weekly tradition of Mishpachot (Families), Shabbat hugs and blessings, songs around the toren, and of course the Sayarimot completing the time honored tradition of Kab Shab (Kabalat Shabbat). Before we all enjoyed a delicious Shabbat dinner, more songs were sung and there was more singing of songs, because what’s Shabbat without singing and singing? As we concluded our joyful dinner, we, you guessed it, sang some more! Then we gathered in the Refet (barn) to enjoy the Tzophimot’s Oneg (Play), eventually making our way to the Moadon for Rikkud (Israeli dancing) and Datz Calls (Madatz songs by year), all before the Madatz tucked the kids into bed ready for a restful Shabbat sleep.
Saturday
Boker Tov Galil-kins and a very restful Shabbat to you all! This Saturday began right on theme with a two (!!!) hour sleep in, which was much needed after a late night of Rikkud (Israeli dancing). Also much needed? Donuts. So as the chanachimot stumbled out of their beds, they enjoyed a roll-in breakfast consisting of arguably the best Shabbat breakfast out there: Jelly Donuts. With jelly licked fingers and well rested bodies, kids left the Chadar Ohel (Dining Hall) and enjoyed the numerous Bogrimot Chugim offered by our oldest campers consisting of a proper mix of both fun and relaxing activities for chanachimot to choose from. On a different note, we switched gears as we made our way to the toren to hear the various options for Chugim Ritzinim (Serious Activities) which included Habonim Dror North America, Identifying Propaganda, Israel and Palestine, and of course Medurah Prep.
After these chugim, and with donuts properly burned off, we gathered by Schivkot (Age groups) and feasted upon our weekly Saturday lunch, delicious pita pockets lined with hummus, and stuffed to the brim with falafel and Israeli salad. Are your stomachs growling yet? Because mine is just remembering it! But you know who’s weren’t? The kids’ as they enjoyed a leisurely menuchah on full stomachs that eventually led into Madatz Puela, which followed in theme with card/board games, friendship bracelet making, and spikeball. Transitioning from whole Machaneh (camp) vibes into a more intimate setting, so began Zman Tzrif (Cabin Time), a time for Tzrifim (cabins) to gather more personally and connect, or in some cases just have a whole lot of kef (fun)! Eventually kids were given more Chofesh (free time), with a quick intermission for Kibbud (snack), but only long enough to scarf it down and get back to chilling with friends, before the jam packed closing of shabbat began. What makes it so jam packed you ask? Well allow me to divulge. Musicale, dinner, Kumzits (collective singing), Havdalah, Medurah (Bonfire), and of course the most necessary, Glida (Icecream), all occurring before the Bogrimot (Rising 10th graders) put the kids to bed with ample stories and lovely songs. With songs sung out with pride, poke bowls (!!) indulged upon, more songs sung (because it is shabbat afterall), acts performed in front of a grand fire, and Glida scarfed down (as much as we try to savor it), Shabbat is deemed perfectly closed and kids are prepared for the adventure that will be the coming week.
