The unit of K’far Noar led our Saturday morning Shabbat services last week. Their theme was Binah or seeking meaning. Below are some of the words they shared.
By Mila, Jesse, and Nate: This week’s middah is binah or seeking meaning. I seek the meaning of why there was orange chicken at the salad bar. I sought meaning when I questions why I had to get into the L Pool’s refreshingly cool water to do my swim test. But I also seek the meaning of what it means to pray. Seeking meaning is more important than you may think. It can help you better understand yourself. We challenge you to seek meaning. Seek the meaning to things that matter to you. Whether it is the food we get here at camp or the reasons we pray at services, remember to seek meaning.
By Jacob and Max: Our value this week, binah or seeking meaning, applies to many aspects of camp. For instance, we can seek meaning in services of the lessons we learn from chugim (arts) or athletics. On the other hand, seeking meaning can prepare us spiritually for our religious services. In preparation for services, we reflect on the past week and in turn seek meaning. Now as we begin the Barechu, the prayer that prepares us for today’s service, we encourage you to seek meaning.
By Arden, Becca, Alyssa, Elyssa, and Tali: I wake up every day during the year and count down the days until camp. Camp is a special place to be your true self and it’s a place where everyone is welcomed. Camp brings light into my life. Being with my friends and community gives me a sense of joy and happiness. As we bring in the light this Shabbat, we know we are finally home and in our happy place.
By Nathaniel, Zach, and Samuel: This week’s middah is binah or seeking meaning. For us, seeking meaning is finding purpose in yourself or what you’re doing. To find meaning and purpose, I play Magic the Gathering with my friends. For me, I find meaning and purpose in playing Dungeons and Dragons and doing most of the dining hall work for everyone. I find meaning and purpose participating in the many fun activities that camp provides. These are ways that we find meaning and purpose. We hope you can find meaning and purpose here at camp.
By Amanda, Lexi, and Samara: This Shabbat, we are focusing on seeking meaning. To us, seeking meaning is about finding the positives in each and every situation. Whether you are last in shower order, or it’s a rainy-day schedule, and maybe there are no more croutons let on the salad bar — no matter the size of the issue, we can always find the blessing in disguise. For example, on Monday we woke up to the surprise of rain and it caused us to have a rainy-day schedule for the morning. We could have focused on the negatives but instead we had fun by bonding as a unit in the Ulam. This is just one example that proves that you can always find the light in the darkness and seek meaning in every situation. We challenge you to find a time when you can seek meaning today.
By Lucy and Samantha: Reflection is a way for us to seek meaning by thinking about the things we may take for granted in our lives. As I reflect on my week, I think back to when I came to camp late. I took for granted the time I am able to spend at camp and how much I am grateful for the place I call home. I took for granted how amazing my friends are and how much I needed her with me. Use this time to reflect on your week and seek meaning through your thoughts about things you may take for granted in your life.
By Ethan and Daniel: Seeking meaning is important at camp because there is so much to know: from song session traditions to how to complete your nikayon (cleaning) job. My first summer, I didn’t seek meaning much, which set me up for failure. I then asked questions and learned and had a great summer. The next prayer is the Mourner’s Kaddish, which is about death even though it is never mentioned in the entire prayer. The prayer is more about celebrating one’s life than mourning about death. Camp is a special place because seeking meaning – a simple middah when the community is as strong as it is at camp. At school, asking questions is sometimes embarrassing and hard to do, but at camp, you can learn and find meaning just by being here.
By Noah and Noah: Shabbat means something different to everyone. To me, it means song session and praying with friends as a community. And to me, it is a time to reflect on the week and prepare for what is next. This week’s middah is binah, which means seeking meaning. This theme relates to Shabbat because everyone’s Shabbat is different and it’s important to learn what it means to you. The next prayer, Yismechu explains how the celebration of Shabbat brings happiness to those who celebrate it. Please take some time to reflect on your meaning of Shabbat and join us in singing Yismechu.