Camp Kesher was up to the usual this morning, except for one special addition after the morning Mishkan. All the campers got creative by making their own personal challahs for the evening Shabbat meal. The campers got into it by adding chocolate chips, raisins, cinnamon sugar, and the most popular, Nutella.
While the challah was proofing, the campers participated in a ninja activity, riflery, the rock wall, and the big swing. The afternoon activities concluded with a camp-wide game of ultimate frisbee. After the game, many hot and tired campers ran to the snack bar for popsicles and ice cream, while others went swimming, played in the gym, or just hung out for some down time.
Around 5:30 pm, the campers and counselors started making their way to the dining hall for Shabbat dinner. Unlike the previous nights, the campers were dressed up and ready to welcome the Shabbat. One of our seasoned campers lit the Shabbat candles, we recited the Hebrew blessing over the food (kiddush) in unison, we broke bread, and ate.
At evening Mishkah, we praised the Lord by lifting our voices, and many of our campers confidently joined in the dance circle. It was a special Mishkan, not just because it is Shabbat, but because we were visited by the beloved Israel and Judy Cohen (Uncle Izzy). Many of the campers know Israel from previous years at Camp Kesher, and they still remember the Yiddish words taught by Uncle Izzy.
Robert Walter provided the message quoting Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He explained how life can be emotionally, physically, and just overall exhausting, but Yeshua is calling us. Yeshua makes it possible to move forward in this life. The Scriptures show us our beginning and end and that, while we deserve God’s wrath, Yeshua took away our sins.
Following the message, it was fitting that two alumni campers wanted to get baptized. All the campers gathered around the pool, from the youngest to the oldest, to support the two young ladies who made bold declarations of faith, then symbolically entering the water dead but coming out of the water alive in Yeshua.
