By Elia B and Eitan K (Sharon Campers)

This week, Sharon has been working hard to get a Shabbat of togetherness ready for the whole camp. When we greet one another on Shabbat, we often say “Shabbat Shalom!”  A peaceful Shabbat. When Sharon campers greet one another, we say “Shabbat Sha-ron!” It’s our inside greeting.

This Shabbat, we hope our whole unit and all of camp greets one another with the words “Shabbat Sha-HOME.”  When we arrive at camp and greet visitors to camp, we always say “Welcome Home!”  Well then, for a Shabbat of togetherness, isn’t the perfect greeting Shabbat Sha-HOME?

In thinking about togetherness, we had the opportunity to ask some questions to different people around camp. Enjoy!

Question: When has someone thought about you recently?
Pro staff Member:  Today!  Someone brought me flowers.
Camper:  A second ago, when you came over and asked to interview me!
Faculty:  My eldest son had a small car accident today, and I was his first call.
Counselor:  On the first day of camp this summer, a bunch of campers I was a CIT for last year ran up and gave me a hug. It made me feel good to be remembered, and I knew that they thought and cared about me.

Question:  When have you helped someone else recently?
Prostaff Member:  Recently, I calmed down an upset counselor.
Camper:  There’s a stream that runs outside our cabin when it rains, so we worked together to build a dam for it so it wouldn’t be all wet right outside our cabin.
Faculty: I worked with Sharon campers on the prayers they are leading in services Erev Shabbat!
Counselor:  Some of my campers were feeling homesick, so I sat with them, hugged them, and let them know I was there for them.

Question:  Do you have a time where you didn’t help someone and you regret it?
Prostaff Member:  When I was a camper, there was a girl being bullied. I regret not stepping up.
Camper:  I could have cheered my friend on more during his time on the ropes course.
Faculty:  Sometimes, when I’m with people, I have to force myself to listen and not think about my own life. And sometimes I may not have done a good job at listening.
Counselor:  A few weeks ago, my friend was sad, and I could have done more to help her feel better sooner.

Wherever you are, during this Shabbat, we hope that each and every one of you readers  think about your own answers to these questions – and let the answers of those around camp inspire you in your own life. And from all of us in Sharon, wherever you may be, we wish you a Shabbat Sha-HOME – a Shabbat of feeling cared for, together, welcome, and most of all…Home.