Danya’s Shabbat Message – Week 5: Competition, Connection, and Compassion

This past Monday evening – Tuesday was perhaps the most anticipated day of 2nd session – B-I-K-K-U-R-I-M – BIKKURIM!!!!!

Typically, as the session starts to wind down, the number of questions about it multiplies. I’ll usually get flagged down by a group of campers with a critical and time-sensitive question: “Is it bikkurim today?”

Bikkurim is one of the best days at camp – a day of competition, sportsmanship, and the craziest costumes and ruach. It’s a longtime tradition at Herzl Camp that many former campers and staff remember (grey is grandpa’s hair, don’t mess with grandpa’s hair – yeah grey team!). Bikkurim nowadays is a much bigger production than what I remember as a camper –

There were 6 (!) teams competing. The theme was genius – Big 10 Schools. The activities have evolved – how about a pop dance that is choreographed, rehearsed, and performed in under 24 hours? Like Star Search worthy dancing. And the marathon is always fun to watch. It includes the most creative and challenging tasks, all culminating in the rope burn: Picture the six teams with their captains all in a row, building and maintaining a fire in individual firepits to burn a rope at the top (if you’ve ever watched Survivor, you know what I’m talking about).

As the marathon started, the six campers assigned to the first leg of the race furiously dug into the sand at the volleyball court to find their baton and hand it to the next competitor. Along the marathon’s route, which included over 40 stops, a trail of campers and staff cheered their teammates on, running from location to location so they wouldn’t miss a moment. I didn’t know where to look first, and I didn’t want to miss any of it. It was wildly awesome. Congratulations to the Blue Team on their victory, and to everyone who competed, because we all know that everyone is a winner at Machaneh Herzl.

This week, we also found time for a very special visit. We were honored to host Jacquie and Yaron Vital from Kibbutz Holit in Israel. The Vitals are visiting various communities with the Minneapolis Jewish Federation to share their daughter, Adi’s, story of her beautiful life and untimely death on October 7, when she was killed by Hamas. Her two young sons were kidnapped and taken into Gaza. Thankfully, her sons were released soon after being taken. The Ozrim and the Kadimah & B’yachad campers were invited to listen to their story.

During both presentations, the audience was silent, as everyone was totally engaged in Adi’s story. When the presentation ended, everyone clapped and got up from their seat. Within seconds, a crowd of 40 people gathered around Jacqui and Yaron, waiting for their turn to give a hug and say “thank you” or “I’m sorry.” Or nothing at all, just a hug.

When I realized what was happening, I stepped out of the way and watched, and I remembered to tuck that memory away for when I get frustrated with something insignificant. The respect, kindness, empathy, and comfort they all showed was incredible to witness.

And how is it the last Shabbat of 2nd Session? On Monday, we’ll say goodbye to our campers in one of the biggest sessions we’ve had. Lately, when I look around the Chadar during a meal, I can’t help but wonder, which one of these kids will be our future waterfront director? Who will lead a future group of Ozrim? Who will be a Kadimah RK? The next generation of Herzl leaders may be in Haatid right now, planning to sit at a Shabbat table with their new bestie.

As we prepare for the traditions of Shabbat, I am grateful to experience the unique and everyday moments with my Herzl Community.

Shabbat Shalom – wishing you a peaceful and delightful weekend.

-danya

Senior Director of Camp & Culture