Monday 4th August

A slightly later wake up today but a busy day ahead. Our usual routine with 'Rabbi Time' and breakfast led to the penultimate Challenge of the week. Having had a lot of fun during Challenge, the Madrichim noticed how through the different activities and discussions the groups had bonded and become a close unit.

To mark the 100th anniversary of World War One, the leaders decided to run a Tekkes (ceremony) for WW1 Jewish graves. The participants gathered round and listened as different things were read out, it was a moving and inspiring experience and was a fitting lead to the start of Tisha B'Av (the Fast of Av).

Before the fast the participants were told about what the fast commemorates and different prohibitions of the fast. It is an annual fast day in Judaism which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jews from the Israel. It also commemorates many other tragedies including the Roman massacre of over 100,000 Jews at Betar in 132 CE and the Holocaust.

We had a large pre fast dinner and then met for the reading of Megillat Eicha, read on Tisha B'Av.

Today was a considerably more serious day at Tribe Summer Camp, the participants were extremely mature and listened carefully, sharing thoughts and feelings throughout. Today a truly moving day at camp and everyone went to bed exhausted as ever.

Until tomorrow,

The Tribe Team