by Emily Schwartz, Tiferet Rosh Eidah

After spending three weeks at camp preparing for the summer, I was really anticipating the arrival of the most important part–chanichim (campers)!  The excitement of Opening Day was all around as we welcomed in so many new and returning chanichim.

First we learned our traditional Tiferet cheers so we’ll be ready for all-camp events. We then broke off into our tzrifim (cabins) to get to know the madrichim (counselors) and chanichim in the tzrif. This year, all of our tzrifim are named after Debbie Friedman(z”l) songs, so we have: Tzrif Water in the Well, Tzrif Not By Might, Tzrif Tifilat Haderech and Tzrif I Am A Latke.

Our moomchim (specialists) and segel (faculty) then led us in an artistic scavenger hunt to introduce this session’s limud topic: Sephardic Jewry. In 1492, the Jews of Spain were expelled as part of the Inquisition. As a result, many went into hiding. We are weaving this “hidden” theme, as well as parts of modern Sephardic culture, into many different parts of the day including Studio time, T’filot, and meals. Today, the chanichim received journals. Each chanich had his/her picture on the journal, and then had the opportunity to cover and make it their own with translucent paper to “hide” themselves. Throughout the session we will be using these journals as we go on a journey both of those Jews who were expelled, and of the chanichim who are developing their own Jewish identities.

Two of our tzrifim got to go waterskiing today (first ones on camp), and they had a blast! The rest of us were at the pool, where everyone took their swim tests to divide the groups up for swim lessons, and then had some free swim time to splash around.

It’s been an incredible first 24 hours here with the chanichim, and I can’t wait to spend more time with them!