Director's Corner, Friday, July 24, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026
We could be nice to each other
Nice to each other
Wrong for each other, right for each other
And rise to each other
Rise to each other, mm-mm-mmThere is something about Shabbat at camp that feels different.
Perhaps it's the pace. The Amphitheater quiets just a bit during services. The rush from one activity to the next gives way to Shabbat Schmooze conversations that linger a little longer. Phones and schedules don't compete for anyone’s attention. We sing, we laugh, we breathe a little deeper.
But I think what makes Shabbat at camp feel so special is something even more profound.
Camp is one of the few places where every person—every camper, counselor, hobby specialist, kitchen staff member, maintenance team member, and health center nurse—knows that what they do matters to the whole community. Every smile offered, every table set, every cabin cleaned, every game led, every song taught, every act of kindness contributes to something much larger than any one individual.
Our Jewish tradition teaches us that we each have a role to play in building a caring community. At camp, our children don't just learn that idea, they live it.
They cheer for one another's successes. They help a younger camper find their way. They scrape after meals because everyone shares responsibility for the space. They welcome new friends into a circle. They discover that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice; it's about making the people around you feel seen, valued, and included.
Shabbat gives us the opportunity to pause and notice this. To look around the Amphitheater as voices rise together in song. To watch campers who were strangers just two weeks ago sit shoulder to shoulder as if they've known each other for years. To appreciate the counselors who pour their hearts into creating moments of belonging. To recognize that every person here has helped shape the magic of this place.
Today, I witnessed campers shaping the Beber magic in countless small but meaningful ways. One of the greatest gifts of my job is that every once in a while, I get to slow down and simply spend time with campers. No meeting to rush to, no problem to solve, just the opportunity to listen.
This morning, I found myself out at Ramot Float with our Senior Ramot campers. We talked about camp, their favorite activities, the friendships they've built, and everything they're looking forward to before the summer ends. What struck me wasn't just how much fun they were having, it was how comfortable they were simply being themselves. As I listened, I couldn't help but think about how many of these campers I've watched grow up over the past several summers. The shy eight-year-old who wasn't sure about trying something new is now confidently sharing stories, encouraging friends, and beginning to think like a leader. Watching that transformation is one of the greatest privileges of this work.
Later in the day, I wandered into our recording studio, where Beber alumnus and Artist in Residence Zach Moss was introducing campers to the art of DJing. It was fascinating to watch campers discover that creating music involves so much more than pressing play. Next door, another group was collaborating with members of the Beber Band to write and record an original song. The room was filled with creativity, laughter, and the excitement that comes from building something together.
These weren't headline moments or camp-wide events. They were ordinary moments that quietly reminded me what makes Beber so special. Camp gives children the space to discover new passions, build confidence, express themselves, and simply enjoy being surrounded by people who encourage them to be exactly who they are. Sometimes the best part of the day isn't the biggest event on the schedule, it's having the chance to sit back, listen, and watch our campers become the remarkable young people they're meant to be.
Shabbat at Beber is always one of the most meaningful parts of the week. We began this evening with Shabbat Schmooze on Hobby Wheel Field before gathering for Shabbat dinner, services in the Amphitheater, Israeli dancing, and an energetic song session. It was especially meaningful to hear Music Area Director Victoria Schubarg accompany several of our prayers with her flute during services, and a highlight of song session was Makor Division Leader Sam Rhodes playing the trumpet. We are so fortunate to have a staff whose many talents help create such a joyful and memorable Shabbat experience for our campers.
We are equally fortunate to have campers who wholeheartedly embrace every part of the evening, lifting their voices during services, dancing with joy at Israeli dancing, and filling song session with incredible energy. Shabbat at camp is at its best when everyone participates. The more our campers lean into these shared experiences, the more meaningful they become, creating the kinds of memories and friendships that they will share for a long time.
That may be one of the greatest gifts of Jewish summer camp: learning that life is richest not when we ask, "What can I get?" but when we ask, "What can I give?"
On this Shabbat, I’m grateful for every member of our camp family who helps make this community what it is. Together, we create something none of us could build alone.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joyful Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom,
Michael
P.S. For our meals today, we enjoyed eggs with potatoes for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and our classic Shabbat feast with chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a diverse, nutritious, and delicious salad bar!
Yesterday's song was "Listen to the Music" by The Doobie Brothers. Congratulations to our correct answers:
- Barri Bate
- Nicole Jamison-Doinowitz
- Steven Junger
- Jessica Fonoroff
Can you name the artist behind "Nice To Each Other?" Huge fan of this artist! Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's blog.