Kabbalat Shabbat was different in Machaneh this week. This week, Mach Hach joined us in Beit Yaakov Levi for a camp-wide tefillah. After Rosh Mosh Yitzi Matanky told a meaningful story, Ezra Allswang from The Hill led davening.

After lots of singing and dancing, the chanichim enjoyed their meal, but of course not before the “chicken dance”. On Shabbat day, the chanichim ate Shabbos cookies, attended shiur, and participated in Mischak HaGadol led by Rabbi Matanky, who was visiting for Shabbat.

During Slow Shira, the chanichim heard a story by Interim Director Avi Roth. They then headed to Maariv and havdallah, which is always a highlight.

Pictures from both Erev and Motzei Shabbat are online, be sure to check them out. Also, stay tuned for Friday’s “MachT”A Moment.”

Today, in machaneh we had the very special privilege of watching a Brit Milah performed by Rabbi Moshe Kushner of Chicago. Parents Jennifer and Ronen from Door County came to Moshava with their three daughters and newborn baby boy, Matan.

Rabbi Kushner transformed the Brit Milah into an educational experience for the chanichim. He explained the Brit Milah process step by step, which the chanichim enjoyed very much. Following the Brit, a seudah was enjoyed by the participants.

Mazal Tov to the Eliyah Family.

Please check out the pictures on the website as well as today’s Moshava Minute, featuring this very meaningful Brit Milah.

Today, the chanichim returned from their one night machaneh chutz (sleepout) at Evergreen Campsites here in Wild Rose. We arrived yesterday and the chanichim got strait to work. “It’s so much fun working with the chanichim to gather wood and start fires” said madrich Sam Stelzer. All of the madrichim, including Sam, were extremely helpful ensuring that the chutz was a safe and fun experience for everybody. We returned to camp today well rested and ready for the rest of this exciting week. Make sure to check out todays Moshava Minute to find out more about the chutz.

Tomorrow, former director Rabbi Moshe Kushner will be up at camp for a brit millah. This is sure to be a chinuchi (educational) experience for everybody. Check back tomorrow for pictures  and an article from the brit.

In an effort to take our programming to the next level, we have started running special programs specifically for the Oldest Shevet – 8th graders. Throughout the month, we hope to run unique peulot designed only for Oldest Shevet.

On Motzei Shabbat, after a very energizing and fun Melaveh Malkah, the Oldest Shevet was treated to an “after hours” shekem and a few games of Knockout. The Oldest Shevet chanichim spent time hanging out with friends and enjoying their special treatment.

Tonight, these chanichim were privileged to go bowling as their night tochnit. They had a blast! We hope to continue the special Oldest Shevet peulot throughout the month.

Be sure to check the website for pictures!