B’ruchim Haba’im | Welcome!

The first ever opening day of Ramah Day Camp Greater Boston was incredible! We had a wonderful day meeting all our hanichim (campers). The tzevet (staff) was eager to welcome each and every one of your children and immerse them in the Ramah experience.

This morning, as the tzevet were playing games and giving a tour of the campus, I overheard a hanich (camper) say “so being here is like being in high school. Everything is so big!”

This week, we’ll be talking all about brachot (blessings) and how we can use them to notice the good things around us and appreciate what we have. In a culture where “busy” is the norm, how do we intentionally find moments to pause and be grateful for everything around us?

There are many aspects of Jewish tradition that urge us to live intentionally, to come from a place of gratitude and with awareness of the moment. The system of Brachot (blessings) is an example of how ritual encourages intentionality. For example, before we eat something, we pause and pay attention to what we are eating so we recite the right Bracha (blessing). Did it come from a tree, grow in the ground or come off of a vine? The answer will determine what blessing to recite.

Tonight, ask your camper about the activity we did in Yahadut. How does it feel to say thank you to someone and to hear someone say it to you? As parents, I encourage you think about how the concept of kevah “doing” vs. kavannah “intentionality” play into your day-to-day life.

We can choose for ourselves to be thoughtful, purposeful, and intentional, and in so doing, choose life and blessing.