Director's Corner, Saturday, July 18, 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
One of the things I love most about Shabbat at camp is that it gives us a chance to pause. After another busy week filled with fun, laughter, and growth, we have the opportunity to reflect before jumping into what's next.
As I learned from Saturday Torah Live, this week's Torah portion is Devarim, and it opens with Moses speaking to the Israelites as they stand on the edge of entering the Land of Israel. Knowing he won't lead them into the next chapter, Moses reflects on their journey together. He speaks honestly about past mistakes, reminds the people how far they've come, and prepares the next generation to lead.
Moses reminds us what great leadership looks like. Great leaders don't pretend every decision is perfect. They reflect, learn, take responsibility, and help others grow from their experiences. They understand that leadership isn't about being the hero of the story, it's about preparing others to write the next chapter.
That's something I see every day at Beber. Our counselors spend time reflecting after each day, celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and thinking about how they can be even better tomorrow. Those quiet conversations help create the confidence, resilience, and leadership our campers experience every day.
As we celebrate Shabbat together, I'm grateful that camp is more than a place where memories are made. It's a place where future leaders are shaped, one day, one conversation, and one reflection at a time.
-2.jpg)
Today, after our rolling Island breakfast, meaningful Shabbat morning services, a build-your-own sandwich lunch, and a peaceful menucha (rest hour), campers gathered with their camp Mishpachot for a meaningful afternoon program. In partnership with local Chicagoland organizations, campers of all ages worked together to transform T-shirts into reusable tote bags. These bags will be donated to individuals and families in need, giving new purpose to old materials while supporting the local community.
Following the Mishpacha program, campers broke into their divisional rotations for the afternoon: athletics, pool, and Jewish Life. This week’s theme is leadership, and our Jewish Life divisional rotations reflected this theme. Makor campers created a “Build-A-Leader” blueprint by decorating the outline of a person and labeling the qualities and characteristics of an effective leader. Kesher campers played a lively game of Pictionary, illustrating and guessing the traits that make strong leaders. Ramot campers chose between a gratitude yoga session or an exciting team-building race, both designed to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and appreciation for one another.
After an incredible day of learning, playing, and growing together (and eating delicious baked ziti for dinner!), our Beber kehilah kedoshah came together for Havdalah. As the sun began to set tonight, campers and staff came together to mark the close of Shabbat and welcome the new week. Our community listened to the division leaders’ weekly divisional songs, cheered for cabin cleanup winners (congratulations K3, G1, G3, and T3!), and swayed with cabinmates under a beautiful sunset. Surrounded by friends, singing familiar melodies, and sharing in the light of the braided candle and the sweetness of the spices, Havdalah tonight reminded us of the strength of our camp community and the beauty of our shared Jewish traditions. It was the perfect way to conclude a day centered on leadership, as we reflected on the connections we've built and looked ahead to another exciting week at camp.
We have a special Havdalah tradition here at Beber. As our division leaders extinguish the braided candle in the cup of grape juice, the entire camp falls silent, listening for the familiar sizzle of the flame. Together, we say, “The longer the sizzle, the better the week.” Judging by tonight’s long, lingering sizzle, we’re in for an absolutely incredible week ahead.
Shavua tov,
Michael
Yesterday's song was "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars. Congratulations to our correct answers:
- Lillie Burkons
- Shayna Plankar
- Jenny Wood
- Andi Leventhal
Can you name the artist behind "Man in the Mirror?" Send your guess to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I'll reveal the answer in tomorrow's blog.