by Raya Seidman, Tzofim Rosh Eidah (Unit Head)

Tzofim Gimmel is here! Our tzevet (staff) has worked hard to set up more tents, build more beds, and get everything ready for the new chanichim (campers) to arrive. On Tuesday, we welcomed 111 excited Tzofim chanichim, and so far our session has been amazing!

For our returning chanichim, it was so inspiring to watch friends reunite on Opening Day, and new bonds and friendships are forming between our new Tzofim members as well. In my mind, there is nothing more beautiful than driving my golf cart down the Low Road, and hearing the sounds of laughter filling Tzofim, and seeing chanichim and madrichim (counselors) smiling on Tzofim Hill.

We talk a lot about fun and silliness in Tzofim, but our community truly transforms into a kehilla kedosha (holy community) in such a short amount of time. We support one another, we trust one another, and we turn our tents into homes for the next four weeks. I can’t wait to see all the friendships and memories that will form inside these homes this summer. Though our tents may be temporary, the home we build will be permanent in our minds and in our hearts.

Raya Seidman is in her 13th summer at camp, and is beyond excited to be serving as Tzofim Rosh Eidah! In May, she graduated from Indiana University, where she studied Youth Development and Jewish Studies.