Gesher Divrei T’filah
July 26th, 2025
Intro Bitachon Atzmi- Confidence, Independence Lucy, Maddie, Samara, Lexi, & Becca
All: Shabbat Shalom!
Lexi: As a camper, I always looked forward to meeting my counselors, hoping a former CIT from the summer before would be among them. As a shy kid, being able to connect with my counselors and CITs was an essential aspect of why I felt at home at camp. Now, as I cross the bridge from camper to counselor, I hope to be that same trusted role model—someone my campers can laugh with, confide in, and look up to. I want to empower them with confidence and independence, instilling the value of Bitachon Atzmi.
Becca: Camp has deepened my connection to Judaism by surrounding me with a community that celebrates traditions, rituals, and prayer. Watching the mishlachat and counselors bond over Shabbat and share traditions from around the world has inspired my passion for Judaism and Israel. Camp gave me the confidence to proudly express my Jewish identity—something I hope to pass on to my own campers.
Samara: At camp, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about showing up with pride and trying new things. Being in Gesher taught me to use that confidence to help others get involved, because participating is what makes camp fun. Whether it’s shouting during Havdalah or trying a new specialty, being a CIT means showing that it’s cool to care and even cooler to be yourself. When I let go and have fun, it encourages others to do the same—and that’s when the best memories are made.
Maddie: As you get older, the meaning of independence changes. This summer, I’ve learned that independence isn’t about being the only one dancing at Kef Ba Mayim—it’s about helping your campers feel confident enough to do it themselves. It’s guiding them to choose what they love, sitting with them when they need support, and asking for help. I’ve realized that being a role model isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being yourself and showing that you care.
Lucy: It is no secret that camp changes, the camp we grew up with is not the camp you will grow up with but one thing stays consistent and that is the Middot that camp upholds. Throughout the Gesher program I have seen myself channeling these middot that my counselors instilled in me, like confidence and independence. I know when to ask for help and when to challenge myself to complete something on my own. I am eager to come back next year and bring these values with me as I hope to build confidence in my future campers as my counselors once did for me. Throughout the service this morning, Gesher will be reflecting on the Middot that has shaped our camp experience, just as we did with the value of Bitachon Atzmi.
Ahavat Olam Nitzachon:
Mila, Tali, Sofia
Mila: Close your eyes. Imagine you’re on a bridge.
Tali: Now this bridge isn’t always sturdy. There are ups and downs. It can be bumpy, and sometimes it’s shaky and unstable.
Sofia: Being in gesher means continuing across this bridge regardless of the challenges we face.
Mila: As CITs, we live in a state of “in between.” Though some confusion lives in this state, it has lessened as I continue my journey across this bridge and learn to shape my new place in camp how I want it to be. I am the CIT who teaches young campers old Harlam traditions just as much as I am the Gesher participant who looks to staff for advice and guidance. I am now able to better appreciate both of these roles rather than struggle to pick between them.
Tali: Throughout this program I have struggled to find balance between managing big upcoming changes in my life and being present in this beautiful space. There are moments where a little voice in my head reminds me of the new phase of life I’m entering. While exciting, it is also scary. It curates anxiety when I’m present with friends at camp. Entering this new session, I will attack moments where I’m feeling anxious about reality with a big deep breath. I will feel lighter because I know that I am experiencing this hard transition with 34 others.
Sofia: Coming back to camp after not being together for our Israel trip, my mind was filled with uncertainty, but the only way to push through that feeling was to face it head on. Branching out and talking to different people can be intimidating, but the new bonds i’ve formed have made it all worth it. So as much as I would’ve loved to be together in Israel last year, these circumstances have made me a more confident person.
Mila: The bridge we are crossing will never truly come to an end, and the difficulties we face along the way will never disappear.
Tali: But we’ve pushed through many challenges in the past, and we will continue to do so, regardless of the obstacles along the way.
Sofia: As we join together in the Sh’ma, we’re reminded that we’re united not only as the unit of Gesher, but also as a camp and as the Jewish people.
Together: We will push through together.
Sim Shalom
Samantha, Hannah, Evie: Tiferet (finding inner beauty)
Welcome Home!
Evie: It’s opening day of camp, and these are the first words you hear when you drive through the gates. As the people who are now the ones screaming these words, we realize the deeper meaning they hold. We say “welcome home” because every camper deserves to feel seen and valued from the moment they arrive. Gesher has taught us how powerful helping others feel at home can be, and allowed us to discover the kind of people we want to become.
Shabbat Shalom.
Sami: It’s already the first shabbat, and everyone is dressed in white, walking up the hill with interlocking hands. What connects us isn’t our matching white clothes, but the shared sense of community that passes from one hand to the next. Being immersed in such a strong community makes each person feel like they are part of something so uniquely beautiful. When the tallit is held over our heads during the Hashkiveinu, we are reminded of the protection our camp bubble provides. It gives us a space to be the best version of ourselves without fear of judgment.
Bum Bum Bu dum bum bum bum (or RGBG).
Hannah: It’s the last day of Maccabiah, and after being divided into 4 teams for the past 3 days, our camp community comes back together to enjoy the last few days of the session. We reflect on our color war experience: seeing our friends shine in their dances, cheering our team on during each event, and feeling immense pride in yourself and your team whether you ended up in first or fourth place. At this point in the session, we know that our time at camp is coming to a close, and we begin to savor the final moments. We notice the beauty in everything around us and within ourselves.
L’hitraot camp harlam!
Evie: It’s the last night of the session, so we put our arms around each other, sway, and sing during our final havdalah together. It’s hard to believe that this day is here so soon. We come to realize how hard Gesher worked to make this place feel like home for every camper: the carnival, the variety show, color war, the banquet, and the list goes on. Through our walk across this bridge we have learned to appreciate the little things and find beauty in our campers, our peers, and our distinct role in this camp community.
We also have learned to appreciate the moments. Moments like this one as our camp community comes together to sing Sim Shalom, a prayer for peace and wholeness for everyone around us.
Before the Barchu – Bina
Eliot, Lyla, and Abby
Eliot: Finding meaning is a really difficult task for many because it might be really subtle and hard to spot. I don’t think I have fully found the meaning of me coming to camp every summer. And that is fine – not everything has meaning or has meaning that means something to you. Everyone has something they’ve attached meaning to and those things are very different for each other. I think the meaning most say they get from camp is the culture, the people, everything that makes camp camp. I think people want a second home they can come back to every summer and just be themselves.
Lyla: I understand that the Middah of Binah or seeking meaning connects to my journey as through seeking meaning I have been able to dig deeper into who I am allowing me to let go of the “front” I put on as a camper and truly be my most authentic self. I am an example of how camp can help you to find your meaning. Camp has not only helped me find my values and who I am, but who I want to be. So whether you’re a camper, staff, or a CIT I encourage you to look deep into yourself and find who you want to be, and who knows you might find that this camp has molded you into the person you will become as it did with me.
Abby: It’s easy in the camp environment to focus on just go-go-going. That’s how it’s been for me in my 7 summers at camp, always excited about the next big thing: the next Rak Dan, the next Shabbat, or Maccabiah. The week of July 7th this summer, my family and I experienced a devastating event that encouraged me to step back and reflect on how I was living out my CIT experience. Through Binah, I realized that the true meaning of camp isn’t in the big things – sure, those are fun – but in the small things like the beautiful Pocono mountains that surround us, the breeze in our hair, and the sounds of birds chirping and people talking. Being able to focus on the meaning behind smaller things is what distinguishes camp from the real world. So, take a step back, and find meaning in your surroundings – it is okay to slow down.
Amidah
Priya, Maya, Parisa – Achrayut
Pria: Achrayut, thinking of others is not always as simple as letting someone go ahead of you when climbing the tower. Which I wouldn’t know anything about because I’ve never gotten to the top. No seriously, I try every year. Have not made it past the mid way point.
Parisa: Thinking of others can be seen by meeting people where they are at, both campers and counselors. From hyping them up when the energy is lacking to sitting with a camper when the energy becomes a little too much for them.
Maya: This year as a CIT I have learned that campers want to feel seen. When they do, they tend to engage more with the activities and with each other. As a teva CIT, I’ve seen campers struggle with the stream hike. Sometimes keeping one’s balance on the slippery rocks is a struggle for campers, and well…me. This can lead to certain justified fears arising. By recognizing those fears I’ve been able to adapt and meet campers where they’re at to help them through the stream hike and possibly even enjoy it.
Pria: This middahl of “achrayut” has also been helpful in developing relationships with counselors. As CITs we are given less responsibility and more breaks from the busyness of camp. This year has given me an abundance of respect for the counselors around me because I see the hard work they put into this camp. So everytime I have energy and free time I make it a priority to step in when possible to give my counselors or other CITs a break. I have also felt that support when I am lacking energy. This aspect of thinking of others only works when you are intune with the people around you and aware of when they might need you to step in and help them.
Parisa: This summer has come with challenges. We have had to rotate often which can make it hard to connect with people and to get in a grove with specific specialties. We have found that what makes that easier is connecting with the campers and staff around us. This session try thinking about what you can do for others by noticing where they are and adapting accordingly.
Maya: As we turn towards the amidah we hope you open your eyes, your hands, and your hearts to life up the people around you. Please rise for the Amidah.
Mi Chamocha
Abigail Zlotoff and Amanda Watanabe – Rachamim
Amanda: In a moment we are going to sing Mi Chamocha, a prayer which marks a new beginning and a new journey for our people.
Abby: This prayer reminds us of a time when our people were able to shape their own actions and show rachamim to one another.
Amanda: Camp is a place that provides endless opportunities to display rachamim, or acting with your heart.
Abby: Since our first days at camp, we have been taught to act intentionally to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment.
Amanda: As young campers we embraced this environment and learned to try new things. Acting with our hearts came easy, but today we must dig deeper to display rachamim.
Abby: Participating in Gesher has provided us with a new perspective on what acting with your heart means. Through buying in and passing on traditions to our campers, we have discovered the incredible impact our actions have on others.
Amanda: Reflecting on our Gesher experience, we realize that camp is so much more than the song sessions and color wars.
Abby: Camp is truly about the decisions we make and the power we have to shape each of our summer experiences.
Amanda: So this week we encourage you
Abby: To make yourself aware of yourself and the people around you
Together: and discover how you can act with your heart.
Simcha – Before Yismechu
Ian, Evan, Jersh, Benny, Cole, and Simon
I came to camp looking for joy
Instead, I got sunburnt, lost my toothbrush, and was woken up by random alarms. So basically, I got everything I needed. What no one tells you is that joy doesn’t show up clean and polished.
It shows up muddy, exhausted, and only after you’ve had a truly awful shower with no hot water. You don’t know how good grilled cheese is until you’ve had a mystery meal. You don’t know how sweet laughter feels until you’ve cried a little first. Simcha isn’t the absence of bad moments, it’s what makes the bad moments worth it. It’s what sneaks up on you during nikayon, when someone turns the broom into a microphone. Camp taught me that happiness isn’t constant, but something you notice because of the chaos. Like how a freezing pool makes the sun feel warmer, and how homesickness makes belonging feel deeper. Not every second at camp is perfect, but that’s kind of the point. Joy lives in the contrast. And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Please join us as we sing about the joy of Shabbat