Middah Week 7

This is the last week for our middah program. This week, we concentrated on the middah (value) of contentment with what we have – (sameach b’chelko). In our section of the Daily that talks about the middah, we always put in some great discussion points. Some of my favorites this week were:

It is hard to be content with what we have, especially in a culture that is constantly encouraging us to buy the newest and best thing (iphone, video game, etc.) When we aren’t content with what we have, though, it means that we are always less happy than we could be. Isn’t it amazing to think that you could be happier just by wanting less?

In our Saturday morning service we read these words from Pirke Avot (part of the Talmud): “Who is rich? Those who are happy with their portion.” Today, give some thought to what your portion is. Can you be happy with it even if someone else has more/better?”

Being content with what we have isn’t only about material goods. It’s also about our abilities and intellect. Of course we should always try to be the best we can be, but the Ruach Chaim explains that a person should not be dissatisfied if he/she cannot live up to the standards of others with greater ability. If you’re not the tallest or fastest or smartest, be happy with what you can do, strive to be your personal best, and don’t worry if others are taller, faster or smarter. Try to be content with what you have.

And as said by the wonderful Dr. Seuss – “Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky.”


This week many campers and staff were nominated to light candles with me for demonstrating the Middah of the Week. Some of the reasons they were nominated include:

Always generous and kind

Puts others before herself

Shares her things openly

Never complains

Always sees the good in people

Tries to make everyone around her happy

Gave up her spot in an activity so her friend could do it

Never complains when something may not go as planned

Always has a smile on her face

Always appreciative of everything she has

 

As has become custom here, the candle lighters led the entire camp from services in Solarium down to dinner in the Dining Hall. We enjoyed a wonderful Shabbat meal, sang Birkat and Days Pass (a beloved camp tune) and then had a little bit of downtime before joining back up again in Solarium for our traditional Song Session, followed by Folk Dancing in the Gym. Another great Friday night here at Camp Louise!

And here’s wishing you a very peaceful and reflective Shabbat filled with some moments of sameach b’chelko.
Shabbat Shalom,

Alicia
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Today’s Birthdays

Iris – Digital Media Strategist!

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Today’s Menu

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Today’s Weather

High: 76°F | Low: 61°F – A sweatshirt kind of day!

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