Sometimes You Can Go Back…

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By Rabbi Deborah Gardner Helbraun, Hebrew School Principal at Temple Jeremiah in Northfield, IL

24Although this is my ninth summer on OSRUI Segel (Faculty), it is the first time that I was down in Moshavah for any length of stay since I was a madricha (counselor) there in 1984.  When I told the chanichim (campers), “When I was in Mosh, we didn’t go on trips, “ they were flabbergasted.  “What did you do all day?” they asked.  “Was it boring?  Well my time down in Mosh was anything but boring.  In fact it was one of the best summers of my life.  And now, this year, I get to live the life of Mosh all over again.

Not only did I get to go canoeing on the Black River last week, but I am about to head out on a rock-climbing trip at Devil’s Lake as well.  The adventure of the tiyulim (trips) certainly enhances the camp experience and teaches the chanichim a lot about cooperation, teamwork, independence, and the great outdoors.  We sleep in tents and cook our own meals.  We also carry our own gear and are sure to leave no trace when we finish at our campsite.  It is my pleasure to see these young people flourish as they embark on these 3- day journeys.  Along the way, I have the unique opportunity to get to know them personally, to allow them to ask questions, and to put our experience into a spiritual/Judaic context.

Yet, just as in 1984, the regular days at camp include the usual limud (study), chugim (electives), ivrit (Hebrew), and a fun tochnit erev (evening program).  Shabbat traditions still reign as they did way back when.   Also as before, the “downstairs” chanichim eat outside and have their food freshly cooked in the kitchen tent or in the grill.  Many would think it is a bit rustic down there, but I like it (and I think the kids do to).  The time spent in Mosh is a welcome relief for all of us from our usually busy lives, our connections to tv, telephone, and computer. We get to live and experience the world as it is from the core.  What a welcome relief it has been to go back home again this summer.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Oseh Ma’aseh V’reisheit.
Blessed are you Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, who makes the works of creation.