Dear Parents,
The first step into one’s home is usually through a door — and the first mitzvah when moving into a home is often affixing a mezuzah to the doorpost. Many wonder — Why it is our custom to affix the mezuzah in a slanted orientation when the machloket in the Rishonim is to place it perfectly vertically or perfectly horizontally. A common explanation is that the slant is to teach us that, while there is a machloket, multiple voices and perspectives are welcome and encouraged in Jewish life.
Summer camp opens doors to various opportunities and perspectives that children can embrace during their time at camp:
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Doors to New Experiences: Summer camp opens doors to a wide range of experiences that children may not have encountered before. Each activity represents a unique door that children can open to discover new skills, passions, and interests. By participating in diverse activities, children broaden their horizons, expand their knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. |
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Doors of Friendship: Summer camp brings together children from different backgrounds and communities. It acts as a meeting point where doors of friendship can be opened. As campers interact and connect with one another, they have the opportunity to form bonds, build lasting friendships, and gain insights into different perspectives and experiences. |
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Doors of Personal Growth: Summer camp can serve as a transformative experience for children, allowing them to open doors to personal growth and development. Within the camp environment, children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, take on challenges, and discover their hidden strengths and talents. By embracing new opportunities and pushing their boundaries, campers develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. |
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Doors of Leadership and Responsibility: Summer camp can also be a door to leadership and responsibility for children. As they progress through different camp activities, they may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as being a team captain, camp counselor-in-training, or group leader. These doors of leadership help children develop crucial skills like communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork. They learn to guide and support their peers, becoming role models within the camp community. |
This week was filled with opening doors. Just today, the doors to leadership and responsibility were in full swing, as our campers ran the Race for the Beis marathon that made us so unbelievably proud. Raising over $500,000 for our new central Beit Knesset was a huge Kiddush Hashem and we’d like to thank all of you who supported this incredibly event. You can watch a recap of this, and all of this week’s events, by clicking here or below.
From our home to yours, wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom!
Jeremy Joszef
Director, Camp Morasha