Shabbat Shalom from Camp Airy! The rains of Thursday finally cleared away, and a beautiful, sunny Friday kicked off the weekend. This wast the first Shabbat for this session’s campers. We explained some new aspects of our Shabbat celebration, so let me do the same for you.

We begin as a whole camp on Village Row. The basketball court becomes our Shabbat amphitheater as campers and staff fill in the steps on the perimeter. Shabbat services had previously taken place in the dining hall, but the space on Village Row lets us gather outside, with a picturesque backdrop and an inclusive community feel. Our songleader and Jewish life department head Shy leads services with the help of campers and staff. We light candles, and recite kiddush and hamotzi on Village Row. And just as Airy campers have done for decades, our service ends with a ruach-filled “Bim Bam.”

As a whole camp, we walk to the dining hall behind a leader carrying the candles. When we enter the dining hall, braided challah and homemade soup are waiting on the tablecloth covered tables. Everyone sips from their personal cup of grape juice, and the family style dinner is underway. On this evening, the menu included baked chicken, roasted potatoes and string beans. Cherry pie was served for dessert. Our time in the dining hall wrapped up with the whole camp singing the “Birkat Hamazon,” a way to show thanks for all that we are able to share.

After some time to digest (and finish getting laundry ready for pick-up) we gathered together back on Village Row for a song session. Shy, along with Richard and Ben, led our song and dance party with some favorite Airy songs in both English and Hebrew. For some songs, campers and staff are jumping and dancing. For others, like the one you see pictured, we are singing and swaying together, arm in arm. As we do to end any campwide evening activity, we conclude with “The Goodnight Song,” the Shema, and “Taps.”

We look forward to a our Shabbat Saturday which includes the always-popular themed day run by the Airy CITs

Marty

Today’s Birthdays

Brian – staff

Today’s Menu

Today’s Weather

High: 86°F | Low: 70°F
Sunny and lovely.