Galil Blog
Shabbat shalom, Galil families! Our second yom shishi of the session was amazing, especially with our Pre-Madatz campers bringing the ruach (spirit) after their travels on MBE (Machaneh Bonim Europe) and the Nitzanimot (ages 7-8) being introduced to shabbat at camp for the first time.
Speaking of MBE, it was truly inspiring to welcome back our Pre-Madatz after their travels. MBE offered them the chance to explore Jewish communities, grapple with Jewish history, and reflect on themes of tzedek (justice), collective memory, and Jewish identity through a global lens. They returned not only more connected to their Jewish values, but more ready to lead and engage in deep conversations about their place in the world as young Jewish changemakers.
Our morning started out with the daily Ivrit Shimushit skit, where we learned the word lefamim, which means sometimes, followed by the traditional Friday breakfast of muffins and the weekly ritual of an extended avodah and nikayon tzrif (chores and cabin cleaning). Chanichimot (campers) always bring their A-game during this time in hopes of having the cleanest tzrif (cabin) and winning the golden broom – and take pride in caring for our shared space—a beautiful reflection of Kehillah (community) and shared responsibility!
Next was madatz pish, where the madatz (CITs) run an activity for each age group to practice being madrichimot (counselors). It’s in moments like these that we see one of Galil’s core values come to life: youth leadership. Our teens rise to the occasion, practicing how to lead with empathy, imagination, and confidence. When it came time for Shabbat shira, kids went all out with their costumes and spirited singing. After learning some songs, they ran to hyde park for pizza lunch. Singing together before Shabbat reminds us that Shabbat is more than a pause—it’s a celebration of joy, reflection, and togetherness. After lunch we had chofesh (free time). While some chanichimot chose to rest up, others chose to take a dip in the pool or throw the frisbee around.
Everyone got all cleaned up for Shabbat and picked out their outfits. Then we all met with our mishpachot (family) groups to reflect on the week and get excited for what’s to come. These intimate circles are a cornerstone of how we build intentional community—offering space to process, dream, and support one another. Before long, it was time for the procession to the toren where we greeted each other with “Shabbat shalom” and a hug. At Kabbalat Shabbat, the Mazalimot (ages 8-11) performed a rikud dance in addition to a Hebrew song and an English one. Then we sang a few songs all together to welcome in Shabbat, the favorite being the one where a few people sits on someone else’s shoulders and parades around in the middle of the circle. For dinner we had our traditional shabbat feast of roasted chicken with potatoes, rice and green beans. Dinner was followed by Shabbat shira, the oneg, and rikud. This week, it was the Bonimot’s (ages 13-14) turn to put on the play and lead the dancing. Then we enjoyed our Friday night dessert of avatiach (watermelon). We went to bed ready to sleep in on Saturday morning.
