Director's Corner, Saturday, July 26, 2025
Saturday, July 26, 2025
If You Leave - From “Pretty In Pink”
I'll be running the other way
Seven years went under the bridge
Like time was standing still
Heaven knows what happens now
You've got to, you've gotta say you will
Today at camp, we enjoyed a delightful second Shabbat. In the early morning, our campers cherished their time in General Activity (GA) on lower camp, engaging in activities like basketball, socializing with friends, or simply relaxing around their bunks. We started our morning with breakfast in the dining hall, due to chances of rain. I enjoyed some pickleball and Baggo, as usual for my Saturday morning. Following GA, campers cleaned their cabins and prepared for morning Shabbat services.
The services at Crown Hall were led with great spirit by Lara and our music team. We've introduced new songs that have been warmly embraced by everyone at camp. It's been heartwarming to see campers and staff eagerly volunteering to read Torah and lead prayers during our Saturday services.
Additionally, our CITs delighted us with their unique Saturday Torah Live puppet show, skillfully sharing the Torah's stories. This week's double Torah portion, "Matot-Masei," focused on the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Israel, highlighting their 42 stops along the way—at campsites, oases, and more. The core lesson was that the journey itself meant more than the destination; it was about savoring every moment, big and small.
Moses's message about being "good to your work" was connected back to B'rit Kehilah, the promises cabins made to camp at the beginning of the session. We discussed taking care of one another, and the CITs brought this to life in Saturday Torah Live, asking: "How will we 'settle the land' of Beber?" They talked about making Beber even better, perhaps by building new courts, creating something truly great for our sacred community.
After the service, campers, CITs, and staff took a GIANT alumni photo! What an honor to have 2nd and 3rd generations of Beber campers and staff.
During Mikud (reflection time), I had the opportunity to move around camp and listen as different cabins expressed what makes a sacred community, guided by questions from our Jewish life team.
As we continue discussing Beber Beliefs today, I want to connect our recent Mikud (reflection time) to Spirit and Fun. At Beber Camp, Shabbat is more than just a pause in the week; it's a celebration of who we are. It's a time to reconnect with our Jewish values, reflect on our shared experiences, and fully embrace the unique spirit and fun that make camp so special.
This Shabbat was filled with warmth in every sense of the word, blending tradition, creativity, and meaningful new moments. Mikud was a time for us to reflect not only on our Shabbat theme of Kehilah Kedosha (sacred community) but also on the infectious spirit of camp and all the joy campers have experienced over the past few weeks. Whether it's the boundless energy during Maccabiah, the dedication in hobbies, the enthusiasm of song sessions, or even the heartfelt Shabbat services, Beber Camp's spirit truly brings campers to life. They really step into their own, creating their own fun with their friends and those around them, even by simply standing up and singing during a meal to spread that special spirit to others.
After a delicious lunch featuring a sandwich bar with all the trimmings, campers enjoyed rest hour—a daily time for them to stay in their bunks. During this period, they can rest, write letters, play quiet games, or simply bond with their bunkmates.
A counselor, known as the Shomer (guard in Hebrew), remains with them during this hour and also after 10:30 PM, when other staff members have some free time. This ensures constant supervision and safety for our campers throughout the day. We want you to feel reassured that your campers are always cared for and under supervision here at Beber, with their safety as our top priority.
Campers gathered in their Mishpacha groups to participate in special activities led by Lara. Each group received a baggie filled with different activities. Some of these included stacking cups to create a "sacred community" tower, with each cup representing a different element of a holy community. They also used kindness rocks within their activities, which they then placed around camp, symbolically spreading kindness everywhere. I was super impressed with Lara and what she had the Mishpachot groups do!
After Mishpachot, we helped our Rookie campers pack their belongings—a reminder that two weeks have flown by in a blink! I'm incredibly proud of them for embracing new activities, stepping out of their comfort zones, and forging lasting friendships. Witnessing their growth over this short period has been remarkable. While it's bittersweet to see them depart, I'm eagerly anticipating their return next summer for the full session. I wish them a year filled with LO-HE-HA (Love, Health, and Happiness)!
Each division began their Saturday rotations later in the afternoon, which included time at the pool. For their Maccabi games this week, divisions rotated through activities like basketball, gaga, and soccer, focusing on both sports and teamwork.
For Shabbat programming, Makor focused on this week's Shabbat theme, "Sacred Community," by creating skits. Cabins were given specific topics, such as ensuring a new camper feels welcome, and had to incorporate a random object, like a rubber snake, into their performance. At the end, they performed their skits for the rest of Makor!
We concluded our Shabbat with a community-wide Havdalah in the amphitheater. Following the announcement of the week's cleanest cabins and a kitschy song from our division leaders, camp received exciting news about tomorrow: Israel Day!
Our Israeli staff stormed the stage, enthusiastically introducing the special day to camp. Tomorrow, we'll celebrate the Jewish value of Love of Israel. With passionate Israeli staff members this summer, our campers are in for an enriching experience as they share their love for Israel and celebrate our Jewish identity. Don't forget to wear your Blue and White tomorrow!
Meals:
- Breakfast: Grab and go on the Island
- Lunch: Sandwiches, fixings, chips and salad bar
- Dinner: Pasta and sauce, green beans and garlic bread
In closing, these past two weeks have been filled with memorable moments and meaningful connections. Tomorrow will bring a mix of emotions as we bid farewell to our Rookies and cap off the day with our exciting Israel Day Carnival. All of this joy and camaraderie reminds me of how fortunate we are to be together in this special place.
As our second Shabbat draws to a close and we look forward to the excitement of Israel Day, the lyrics of "If You Leave" from Pretty in Pink echo a bittersweet sentiment, especially as we prepare to bid farewell to our beloved Rookies. While saying goodbye is never easy, the profound connections forged and the growth witnessed these past two weeks remind us that the spirit of Beber Camp stays with us, no matter where our journey takes us. We'll always be here, ready to embrace new beginnings and cherish the community that makes every moment unforgettable.
P.S. Congratulations to the following who knew that Wicked, featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, singing "For Good"
- Julie Brodsky
- Michelle Konstantinovsky
- Jessica Fonoroff
Today’s question: Who sang “If You Leave” Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com for a shoutout in tomorrow’s blog!
P.S.S. I did a rap at GA tonight. If you want to see it, read below:
Okay, okay — I know what you're thinking...
“Here comes Michael with another speech.”
But listen — I’ve been watching the DLs.
They’re cool, they’ve got rhymes and vibe but I think I finally have figured this out.…
So I’m switching it up — just to keep up. Rapping is the new talking.
Let’s go.
Week 2 kicked off — sun was high,
New friends made in the blink of an eye.
Lost 12 water bottles — classic move,
But hobbies hit hard and we found our groove.
Tennis drills? We crushed that court,
Cooking wars? Full five-star report.
Climbing wall? You all obeyed.
Diablos flew — yeah, campers slayed.
Maccabiah came, and the ruach flew,
Colors were loud — but the winners were Blue.
Relays ran wild, cheers shook the floor,
Spirit points scattered like Makor socks in a drawer.
Late Night rolled in — you know the scene,
Blackjack and snacks at my house — clean.
Cabins who came? You know who you are,
You crushed it this week — absolute stars.
Pizza stacked high, the desserts didn’t stop,
You earned that invite — you rose to the top.
Laughter boomed, and moments stuck,
And that’s the real magic — not just luck.
This week we talked about something deep —
A Sacred Community we work to keep.
Kindness and spirit, we saw it grow,
In every high five, in every "hello."
Pride & Ownership — that’s your lane,
Picking up trash, not looking for fame.
You lived those beliefs — five strong and true,
And made Beber better — just by being you.
You danced in the dining hall, you hiked with pride,
You showed your counselors your best inside.
You lived that Beber joy, no need to fake it —
And when the moment mattered… you didn’t just show up —
You made it.
Now shoutout time — let’s start real strong:
Hobby Bobby kept us moving all week long!
And if your program ran on time, it’s no illusion —
That’s all thanks to Ynon and his perfect execution!
One more shoutout — gotta keep it real,
To my wife, my partner, my rock, my deal.
Behind the scenes, she does it all,
Lifts me up when I start to stall.
So thanks for the love, the calm, the grace —
You help me lead this sacred place.
From sun-up to lights out — I’m better with you,
This rap’s almost done… but that part? True.
No speech this week — just rhythm and rhyme,
You crushed this session, it’s been your time.
From bunkmates to staff — you passed the test,
Even your laundry gave it its best!
To our rookies — you brought the light,
You learned the ropes, you did it right.
We’re proud of you — from day one through,
And camp won’t be the same without you.
So now one more thing before I’m through —
You know the cheer… I’m counting on you!
UNGA — LA — BUNGA!!!