The unit of Sharon led our Friday night Shabbat services last week. Their theme was Achrayut or thinking about others. Below are some of the words they shared.

By Harley: The Middah (character trait) this Shabbat is Achrayut, thinking about others. Showing you’re thinking about others can be expressed in big ways or small. It can be as big as a surprise party or as small as giving someone a fork at the table when they ask. Showing people you are thinking about them can brighten their day! My challenge to you is to show someone you are thinking about them. I want to thank Sharon 3 for always thinking about me.

By Layla, Liv, Alana, and Galya: It is important to sometimes think about others before thinking of yourself. One time I thought about others was the time my bunk was at the wall, and it was almost my turn. My bunkmate told me before I got on that she has never been on the wall before, even though it was her second year. Even though she was after me in line, I realized how disappointed and nervous she was to not have enough time to get a turn on the wall. I let her step in front of me. She was very grateful and felt cared for. Another way of thinking about others is giving stuff up or letting someone borrow something when they don’t have it. One hot night, my friend ran out of batteries in her fan, I gave her my fan for the night so she could have a good night’s sleep. Something even small like that could change a day or night. Thinking about others could be something big like donating something you love and giving to someone in need or just as simple as letting a friend read your book. The Barechu is about being prepared and the way that connects with our middah is that if your friend is scared about going on the swing, you can help them prepare to go on it and not be scared. You can think about others whether you are in the car trying to sleep or at home doing homework. When you think about others, you try to think about how they’re feeling. When other people are having a hard time, you can help them by understanding. When you think about others, it can show that you care and that you want to help. That is why people think about others.

By Bailey: God made day and night. At night, we close our eyes. When we sleep and have great dreams, we let go of ourselves and release all of our thoughts. That can help us relax our body when we are trying to sleep.

By Caleb: Thinking about others reminds me of a time when I was feeling homesick. My friend comforted me and taught me that it is okay to be homesick and to try and have fun. This kindness shown to me by my friend made me feel much better, even if I was still feeling a little homesick. It meant a lot to have someone notice that I was feeling this way, and to help me with this challenge.

By Olivia: On the first day of camp, I was lonely. It seemed like everyone had a friend from previous years or from home, at least that is what I thought. I learned that other people were lonely too and needed a friend. I started to talk to people that seemed lonely or unhappy and when I did that, I realized that I missed home less and I felt happier. The people I talked to became my friend. I thought of others, and I felt better myself.

By Ethan: Hashkievenu to me means people and safety for all. When I think about this prayer, I think about camp. Camp is a place where I feel peace. The Hashkievenu is when I feel safe and sheltered.

By Maxwell: Achrayut means “thinking about others.” Achrayut is an important life skill, and it’s nice to do because it makes you feel good inside. Recently on the 4th of July, I had a bunch of stuff, and I thought, “what am I going to do with all this?” So I decided to give some to my bunkmates and everybody was so happy! Achrayut is mostly about giving to others, like a toy, helping hand, trust, and a lot more. Plus, there are times you have done achrayut and you didn’t even know it. LIke maybe at Milk Squad, you had one more cookie than your friend and thought, “if I give them my extra cookie maybe they won’t feel down anymore.” And you feel good when you help someone out! And you probably have done lots more that I can’t even think of. This is why achrayut, thinking about others, is so important!