A Camp Inspired Havdalah

Families gathered together on Saturday, Jan. 29 for a Havdalah experience with visiting URJ Camp Directors from 6 Points Sports Academy, 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, and Greene Family Camp.

Before the celebration of Havdalah began, everyone was given a bracelet with three glow-in-the-dark beads that represented the three stars in the sky that we look for to know it is time to begin Havdalah and say goodbye to Shabbat. After that families got to choose which break-out group they wanted to be a part of.

Some families went with Jo-Ellen Unger from 6 Points Creative Arts and focused on the last prayer in the Havdalah service that blesses the seperation between Shabbat and the rest of the week.

Others chose to spend some time in a group with Danny Herz, Director of 6 Points Sports, and watched some recap videos and shared deep discussion about Jewish values and ethics in sports.

When the sun began to set, the whole group came back together for a beautiful Havdalah service led by teen songleader, Ilanna Feldman.

To close out the night in a true-to-camp way, families were invited to make s’mores on the fires! Michaela Rollins, Assistant Director at Greene Family Camp shared “Celebrating Havdalah has always been one of my favorite Jewish experiences. At camp, we sit together around the campfire, sing our favorite camp songs, and start a sweet new week together. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate Havdalah at Temple Emanu-El, bringing together current and future members of the Greene Family Camp, 6-Points Sports, and 6-Points Creative Arts Academy families, and looking forward to incredible summer experiences that are as sweet as s’mores around the campfire!”

If you have any questions about these camp opportunities or any other Jewish summer experiences please do not hesitate to contact Shira Stevenson, Director of Youth Engagement.