The Logically Illogical Tzofim Experience

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The chanichim (campers) who live together in the unit known as Kibbutz HaTzofim took a field trip to the Logic Puzzle Museum in Burlington, WI.  Upon first glance, it would have seemed like magic would be the only way to solve some of these fun puzzles that surrounded our chanachim.  Our chanachim, however, focused in, pushed themselves and solved a number of challenges. For chanichim and madrichim (counselors) alike, solving these puzzles was their most enjoyable part of the day.  Ironically, using logic was most magical.

Many of our chanichim describe camp as magical… which sounds like the opposite of logic.

But there is a special kind of logic that makes camp work, especially living in Tzofim. It is the logic that allows for 11 ten-year-olds to want to live together in a tent, with access only to porta-potties. It is the logic of driving the food from the dining hall to picnic tables so we can eat all our meals outside. It is the logic that allows for our madrichim to act crazy and excited and silly in ways they would be mortified to act back home all in the name of making our chanichim smile, and in many cases joining in the fun. It is the logic that fills a two-week period of time with life-long memories.  

During our field trip to the Logic Puzzle Museum, we also went to a park down the road.  Magical, yet logical, was also the way so many chanichim enjoyed themselves side by side that day.  Some throwing around a ball or frisbee, some playing with hoops or sticks, and others talking around a picnic table as they creatively engaged in an art project, all fitting in with their newest friends and community.

There’s a magic in the way so many different kinds of chanichim fit together.  There are those who can run around for hours with endless energy, those who can focus on one small task for hours. There are those who are social butterflies and those who grab on to a few close friends. Then there are those who are the first to raise their hands and jump in and those who tend to show more reservation, preferring to observe first. The magic of camp is that it finds a way for each of our chanachim to feel like they logically fit. And the truth of the magic is that each person plays an essential role in completing the community that emerges – each person matters and is important. This is the logically magical experience of camp.

This blog was written by our amazing Tzofim Bet Segel, Rabbi Ari Margolis of Congregation Or Shalom in Vernon Hills, IL and Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler of Temple Judea Mitzpah in Skokie, IL