by Geoff Prass, Tzofim Segel (Faculty)

I looked around at a circle of over 120 Tzofim campers and counselors and could not help but smile. As we prepare for the culmination of our limudim (study) topic, Teva (nature), the eidah (unit) became a living, Jewish calendar on the hill. Each camper had their place in the calendar; some alongside a counselor, that showed how the Jewish calendar interacts and reflects that natural cycles of the seasons. And the best part was how the chanichim (campers) walked away from the program understanding these roots of our heritage. I recalled a memory of me at 19 on this exact hill and thought of how lucky I am to have this opportunity to come back to a place that formed me into the educator that I am today.

Rewind to t’fillah (services) that morning where “Come On Va’adamos,” one of the 9 va’adot (groups), led all of Tzofim in services. I sat on the stone bench in the Beit T’fillah watching the counselors organize the group and remembering that same 19 year old and how empowered I felt when the faculty trusted me enough to do what I was now watching the counselors do so smoothly. Would one of these counselors – or even campers – be fortunate enough to see what I am seeing? And would they realize just how significant this place was in the development of their Jewish Identity?

It is moments like these that solidify the Reform Movement’s camps for me.

Geoff Prass is the Director of Education at Congregation Solel in Highland Park, IL and is serving as one of the faculty members in Tzofim Bet.