By Deborah Goldberg, Tzofim Rosh Eidah

We have been having a great time in Kibbutz HaTzofim!  Monday night, our chanichim (campers) were introduced to some of the wonderful things about Tzofim.  We spent time learning about our gan (garden) and trying our hand at weeding.  The chanichim got a chance to walk around the gan and see what vegetables are growing there (we have a few peppers that are almost ready to be picked!)  We also spent time in the refet (farm) and gave our goats and sheep fresh water.  On Monday night, the chanichim also found out which va’ad (committee) they are working with.  These are groups that the chanichim will do activities with all around Tzofim, including weeding the gan and feeding the animals.  We spent some time coming up with creative names for our va’adot as well!

The last few days have been busy as well!  We’ve started our days with T’filot (services) outside in our beautiful Beit T’filah (sanctuary).   The chanichim have talked about the Jewish value of Hakavod Hamakom (respecting space) and how we make the places we use at camp holy.  This morning in Limud (morning study activity), the chanichim had the opportunity to draw some of their favorite places in Tzofim and in camp that they want to take care of and keep clean throughout the session.

This afternoon, we’ll go to the breicha (pool) and the agam (lake).  The chanichim are excited to get in the water!  Tonight for tochnit erev (evening program), each ohel (tent) has planned their own activity.  It’s a great opportunity for the chanichim in each ohel to get to know each other and their madrichim (counselors) better, and the chanichim always enjoy erev ohel (tent night).

Tzofim is already looking forward to our first Shabbat together.  We’ve been learning some of the songs we’ll sing on Friday night and I can’t wait to spend the rest of the week with Tzofim!