I can’t believe we’re already heading into our second Shabbat of the summer after a full, joyful week at Camp! Our chanichim (campers) have jumped into their first chuggim (electives), experienced their first Yom Meyuchad (special programming day), and so much more.
This week’s Havdallah will be especially meaningful as we celebrate our first-ever Glow Havdallah in honor of Parashat Behaalotecha, which we’ll read tomorrow morning. Havdallah at Ramah Darom is already a ceremony like no other—a full sensory experience and ruach-filled highlight of the week. We sing through the sadness of Shabbat ending and dance with joy as we welcome a new week together. This Shabbat, we’ll amplify the experience with glow-in-the-dark accessories, but the real glow will come from the light each person in our community brings. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength and radiance of our kehillah (community).
In our parsha, we read:
בְּהַעֲלֹֽתְךָ֙ אֶת־הַנֵּרֹ֔ת אֶל־מוּל֙ פְּנֵ֣י הַמְּנוֹרָ֔ה יָאִ֖ירוּ שִׁבְעַ֥ת הַנֵּרֽוֹת׃
“When you mount the lamps, let the seven lamps give light at the front of the lampstand.”
Rashi says when you light them, you must do so in a way that they can ascend on their own. In other words, they must be able to light for others. That’s what we strive for as Camp educators: to lift up our chanichim, helping them find joy in Jewish life—whether through Glow Havdallah or everyday moments—so they’re inspired to share their light with the world.
This Shabbat and always, may we continue to lift one another up and shine brightly as a Camp community. And may our collective light be a beacon of hope and peace for each other and for the land of Israel.
Enjoy our Kayitz 2025 Machzor Aleph Week 2 video