It is with a heavy but full heart that I will be departing from my role on the Camp Harlam Professional Staff this spring. While this is a bittersweet announcement, I leave feeling immense gratitude and appreciation for the four years I have been a member of the Professional Staff and the seventeen total summers that I have spent in Kunkletown.

I will miss the frisbee tosses, COW onesies, Shabbat Sha-ball, banquet clean-up dance parties, 3v3 tournaments, cloud watching, DJing staff meetings and stonegs, scabby queen, office hangouts, cohort times, Camp K’ton golf cart washes, and so much more.

I might even miss the Pro Staff MTV night dances, mealtime ice machine patrol, luggage lifting, thunderstorm camper shuttles, pierogi days, Cold Brew brews, kitchen last cart clearings, variety show supervisor skits that make fun of the way I walk, and so much more.

But most of all, I will miss the people. Thank you to all the campers and staff who I’ve learned and laughed with. From Sharon Camper to Carmel Cabin Counselor to K’far Noar Assistant Unit Head to Assistant Director, all throughout my many camp years I have been incredibly lucky to form deep, strong relationships and wonderful, lasting memories with so many Harlamites. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me – I am grateful for each and every one of you.

This community will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m looking forward to seeing all the magic continue this summer and for years to come, because, after all – it’s summertime forever.

Can’t wait to visit 🙂

Aaron

The post Aaron Soloman Goodbye Letter appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

Among the tall trees and green fields of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, an extraordinary summer camp makes a point of inclusivity. URJ Camp Harlam welcomes adults with developmental disabilities to work, play and learn among peers and supportive staff.  

URJ Camp Harlam has long prioritized inclusive practices. Accommodating disabilities and diagnoses — and creating opportunities for real social inclusion — help define the Harlam experience for campers ages 8-16. But after they aged out of being campers, young adults found themselves with nowhere to return. In 2023, that all changed when we welcomed four inaugural members to Avodah, Camp Harlam’s  vocational education program for adults aged 18-30. In 2024, attendance doubled, and it grew again in 2025 to 10 participants from Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and even Texas. Participants quickly discovered that Avodah was about more than a job or a schedule — it was about community. As Arielle, an Avodah participant, shared, Avodah means “spending time with friends, having fun, and doing crafts together.” 

Abi Rappoport, parent to one of the new Avodah campers, described her daughter’s experience: 

Since 2019, Emily had gone to sleepaway camp counting the days until she could come home.  It was anxiety-filled for the whole family, but we were told that pushing her out of her comfort zone was important.  

It took us seven years, but this year, I made a wish and Harlam came true. Camp Harlam is Emily’s second home and her happy place. It’s supportive, spiritual, communal, and so much more. It has left a profound impact on our entire family.  

Thanks to you, she decided to lead the conga line at dinner and reported back that the experience was epic when more than 50 people joined in. Thanks to you, she was able to be her social, outgoing self. She was able to change her perspective from “Will it go by fast?” to “I don’t want to leave!” 

The magic of Harlam is made up of a million moments of connection, fun, and purpose. Avodah participants get the chance to live at camp and experience the joy of Shabbat, the thrill of jumping in the pool, and the challenge of the adventure program. There’s always something happening, from pool time to dancing, arts and crafts, and field trips. As Arielle assured future participants, “It’s ok. You will love it at camp. There’s so much to do… my new friends are fun and loving… Avodah means a lot to me.”

Participants sleep in shared cabins, eat in the dining hall, and interact with hundreds of kids every day. Their work experiences are built around individual interests, allowing them to work in the office sorting mail, assisting security, teaching campers a dance, or holding the hand of a child on the balance beam in gymnastics. They return day after day, building their skills and deepening relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and younger campers.  

The group also helps make magical moments for the camp community: They run the staff Coffee Cart, bringing iced coffee and a smile to tired, grateful counselors. They also distribute candy and chips at Canteen, and milk and cookies at night to eager campers during Milk Squad. They participate in Color War, field trips, and camp-wide activities like MTV Night. Along the way, participants connect with peers from a wide range of backgrounds. One Avodah camper, Anna, shared that her favorite memory from Avodah was “meeting the people that came from different continents,” highlighting just how broad and enriching the community can be. 

“I like working in the office and delivering the mail to the campers,” said Ethan, a recent Avodah participant. “I loved our trip to Lifetown, and I love our trips to Wawa and getting milkshakes. The staff is so nice!” 

Parents fill out a comprehensive goal-setting form prior to the start of the summer so that Avodah staff know which accommodations to provide and what else to focus on. Having that guidance allows staff to more confidently encourage campers to step outside their comfort zones and reach triumphant milestones.  

One participant arrived timid and unsure of himself, then left three and a half weeks later with more confidence and greater enthusiasm for trying new things. Avodah served as an uplifting transition from his home and high school into his residential program, where he has been thriving for the last two years. Another participant had the confidence to apply to and attend a college program because of the success he found at overnight camp.  

During their preparatory staff week, Avodah counselors undergo intensive training on everything from camp basics like homesickness, to the specifics of campers’ individual health, communication, and mobility needs. Though the college-aged counselors are typically new to caretaking, they receive in-depth, professional training that prepares them for their important roles. For many, it also prepares them for jobs after college. One staff member worked at Avodah prior to starting her Master’s in Speech Pathology, gaining experience with different speech-related disabilities.  

“Being in Avodah means that I am able to connect with others that are similar to me, but each person is different and unique in their own ways,” said Emily, who enjoyed her experience as an Avodah participant. “I would tell someone who is thinking about coming but feeling nervous that everyone at camp is welcoming. You also get the opportunity to have your phone when you’re in the cabin, so you can talk with your family and friends!” 

Harlam is now entering its fourth summer offering the Avodah experience, and no one can picture camp without the joy of its adult participants and the gladness they bring to the wider community. Harlam can currently house this unit for half of the summer; capital campaign fundraising is underway to construct a new building and enlarge the program with new participants who will stay all summer long. The expanded program stands as a proud testament to the URJ’s commitment to creating inclusive communities of belonging for all.  

Click here to learn more about our Avodah program. While our 2026 program is currently at capacity for participants, if you know someone who would like to staff Avodah for summer 2026 or beyond, please be in touch with Lori Zlotoff: LZlotoff@urj.org. 

The post From S’mores to Skills: Building Futures at Camp  appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

Sam in Sharon in 2008

Hi Harlamites,

I’m writing this to you from a place of enormous gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything I’ve gained from my time at Harlam. I truly cannot fathom how lucky I am to have had so many wonderful summers at camp – from my start as a quiet and nervous Sharonian to the current chapter I’m wrapping up as one of Harlam’s Assistant Directors.

It’s impossible to move on from Camp Harlam, and not just in the emotional sense. It’s impossible because camp has given me so much that will be a part of me always – my values, my self-confidence, my Jewish identity, and most of all, so many of my deepest and most meaningful relationships. I am beyond grateful for my wife, my friends, my colleagues, my supervisors and supervisees, and every camper, CIT, staff member, and community partner who has made my time at Harlam special. Camp is so collaborative, and I feel incredibly moved by the opportunity I’ve had to collaborate with thousands of Harlamites over my summers at camp.

I have an extra-special thank you to share with Ellie Tepper Schulman, Lisa David, and all the current Pro Staff, who gave me this opportunity to take on my dream job and supported me throughout my years on this team. Thank you for all the learning and laughter we have shared.

While my time working for Harlam may be coming to a close, I can’t wait to see what camp’s next chapters will look like. I am so excited to see camp continue to grow and to change, and to watch from afar as campers and staff I’ve worked with take their next steps on their own Harlam journeys.

The power of camp’s impact on me is indescribable, and therefore my words can never be enough, but I’ll say it again – thank you.

With love, always,

Sam

The post A Goodbye Letter from Sam Blum appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

August 16th, 2025

Opening Reading

Maddie, Ami, Shayna, Hudsyn, Sophia

All: Shabbat Shalom

MB: Our Middah is Ahava, love, and in Chavurah we show a ton of that.

AB: Whether we are talking in the hammocks or laughing during evening programs.

SS: Or debriefing late at night and taking photos to capture every moment.

HS: In Rah, we have learned to love the small moments and not take them for granted. 

SK: One of the reasons we all come back each year is because of how much we love this place.

MB: Throughout this summer we have grown our relationships with each other, showing love in the village.

AB: Our love for camp is also shown by our love for Judaism which we are able to express freely at camp.

SS: As you sit here today as your first or last summer is coming to an end, remember to take in the love all around you.

HS: Especially the small moments that you will carry with you through Chavurah and the rest of your life.

SK: Love has built a strong foundation for our Rah family and we hope you feel the same ahava we feel towards what has become our second home.

MB: Thank you

AB: Camp Harlam

SK: for the big things

HS: the little things

SS: and everything in between

All: We’ll miss you

Pre-Mi Chamocha

Zinnia, Julia, Rachel, Lila, Liv, Liza, Stella, and Maya

Liv: To all of our summers at Camp Harlam, thank you!

Zinnia: Thank you Carmel for teaching us the value of friendship when we needed it the most. The struggle of leaving home lead us to finding comfort in our new home.

Maya: To the Sharon year we never got to experience for giving us the ability to stay connected over difficult times.

Julia: Kineret, for re-sparking the love for camp in our hearts. Although things changed this summer, our love for camp just kept growing, encouraging us to keep coming back. Being in close quarters with just our bunk truly made us closer. 

Rachel: To Arava for allowing us to push through the awkward and the opportunity to make connections outside of our bunk. Arave was the start of branching out as well as finding out who we really are.

Stella: Thank you Galil for making us realize that our time was much better spent making memories instead of wasting it on bickering. We now prioritize focusing on the big, happy moments instead of dwelling on the small, negative ones. 

Liza: K’far for bringing us together to make new relationships and to appreciate our remaining time as the oldest campers because it was the beginning of the end. Kfar was when our true love for camp shined the most. 

Lila: Now as our Rah summer comes to an end, we realize time goes fast and you need to take in every conversation, every laugh, every cry, and every moment you share with your best friends.

Liv: Thank you Camp Harlam for the happiness that cannot be explained to people outside of this family. As it is now the last day of camp, the one thing we want you to remember for your upcoming summers is to enjoy every moment like it’s your last, because we just want to go back to our firsts.

Zinnia: It is truly a miracle to spend these summers at this place with these people.

All: (321 Goodbye Camp Harlam, we will love you forever) Please join us for the Mi Chamocha.

Pre-Amidah

Sarina, Maddie, Sadie, Sophie, Talia

SB: As Chavurah campers, our unit has shown love through every summer at camp.

MK: Throughout the summer, we have expressed this love in so many different ways, like hugs on opening day, ruach during color war, and our tears tonight at the banquet.

SR: On the last night of the session, chavurah has a tradition of signing the beit noar and bunks. It makes our love of this place and each other permanent. 

TW: Even though we are a large unit, we each have a unique journey at camp that helps us grow and change. Eventually, we leave our individual legacies behind, just as the amidah references our ancestors’ legacies. 

SK: Even though our journey as campers has come to a close, our legacy will be everlasting.

SB: Although my journey at camp started in Arava, I took a leap of faith and went double session my first year. I have never regretted this decision, as every year I come back to heal, learn, and love, truly living 10 for 2. 

MK: Coming back each year since Carmel, I’ve felt a sense of community and belonging. Looking around the room during song session, I feel at home and part of something bigger than myself. This Jewish community has become a hideaway from real world problems, my home away from home.

SR: Over my many summers at camp, I have realized the true meaning behind the motto “friends become family.’ Camp has given me the opportunity to meet new people that I would never have met otherwise. There’s no way to describe camp to outside people, because the memories and friendships made here are unlike any other. 

TW: For the past seven years, camp has watched me grow and change as a person. Camp has been a place where I feel safe to be myself, and where I have grown up with the same people each year. When life is hard at home, I know I always have camp. The connections I made at age 9 are now the strongest they’ve ever been. 

SK: Camp has meant a lot to my family, as both my parents have left their legacy on camp as campers and staff. Now my brother and I are following in their footsteps and keeping their love for camp alive. At first I came to camp because of my biological family, but now I come for my chosen family.

SB: Thank you, Camp Harlam, for the late night talks

MK: Stargazing

SR: Ice cold pool parties

TW: Rak Dan photoshoots

SK: And sleepy Beit Noar breakfasts

All: We’re so lucky to have friends that make it so hard to say goodbye (hug)

SR: Please rise for the amidah

Pre-Barchu

Aiden, Asher, Henry, Fish, Yale

Aiden: The Barchu is a prayer that calls us together to prepare for Shabbat.

Asher: Coming into Chavurah summer, we had to prepare for life in a village disconnected from main camp with none of the comforts or conveniences we are used to.

Henry: But the village has its benefits, like waking up late, our own pool and basketball court, and green time in the village.

Fish: We are also closer together than ever before, getting to spend our time together as a unit rather than being separated by bunks.

Yale: Like the Barchu, camp has brought us together, giving us more ruach and stronger connections than before.

Aiden: But the greatest moments at camp come when you least expect it, in a way you could never prepare for. My curveball came last year when, although it was my first year, it was welcomed in ways I never could have expected.

Asher: For me, I could never have expected the profound impact my 7 years of camp have had on me. And almost always, the best moments have been unscripted—whether it has been spontaneous dance parties or deep talks late at night, these little moments, the curveballs in our daily schedule, are what live with me to this day and have allowed me to grow as a person. 

Henry: Camp is such a special place because of these unplanned, unscripted, spontaneous moments that can sometimes bring us closer together than a pre-planned activity. As fun as climbing the tower or dancing on rock, laughing with your friends on late-night stargazing can be just as fun.

Fish: For me, a time that an unplanned moment turned out to be one of my favorite camp memories was when I heard a couple of my friends talking outside and decided to join them. When I left the bunk, I was met with the most beautiful sight a supernova star. Times like those make camp so special and what it is for me.

Yale: For me, the best moments at camp are all of the small ones, giving us crucial time to build our friendships. When our time at camp is over, these seemingly insignificant moments will be the ones that have the biggest impact on us.

Pre-Shema

Lila, Beckett, Danna, Riley

Lila: I don’t know how to leave the place where the memories I make are my best ones. When I used to be homesick, it was because I was leaving home, but now that camp has also become home, it’s hard to leave one for another. The first year I came to camp I didn’t know what to expect, but finding friends that turned into family, and people who make me laugh on hard days, was something I was never expecting to find. After I look back on my time here, I can see how much I’ve changed and how camp has made me realize I feel like myself here. Over 3 summers, time has never flown by faster, but my love for it will always continue. Once I started coming to camp I felt like I could never leave, but now I am left with no choice.

Beckett: I don’t know how to go home when it feels like I already am. Camp has always been special to me. It’s a place full of love and happiness people at home never fully understand. To me, camp is a supportive and loving community, a family, and a home. Even though I’ve been here 3 years, it feels like a lifetime and it’s still not enough. Knowing everything this year is my last, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things: ice-cold showers, yellow meal, and getting ready together on Shabbat. As my final summer comes to an end, I’m proud to call this place my home and these people my family who taught me how to love.

Danna: Love is an impossible word to describe. When I first came to camp, I didn’t know what it meant to be a part of something. Now that I’m standing here in front of all the people that have changed the way I view community, and have made my time here special, I can finally say: I know what love means. At home, being Jewish means lighting candles on Hanukkah. Here it means being together. It means dressing in all white for Shabbat, star gazing together, or even begging for more green time. It’s not until nights where we are jumping in the I pool after our last Rak Dan that I realize 3 weeks will never be enough. As hard as it is to say goodbye to the place that has been my home away from home, I’m so grateful that camp has given me a new meaning of love.

Riley: It is hard to define all the ways I have connected and changed here at camp. After my 8 incredible summers here, friends became family and camp became home. Now, realizing my firsts have become lasts, I can see all of the things I have taken for granted. I will hold on to my final drive through the gates, my final siyum, and my “see you laters” that have now turned to “goodbyes.” From those before me and me to you, never forget, this doesn’t last forever. Make it count: sing loud at song session, make a new friend, and when the time comes—NO RAHGRETS! We’re not ready to leave and may never be, but we know camp will always be ready for us to come back home.

Pre-Yismechu 

Spencer G., Elliot S., Paul S., Max A., Jake A.

Elliot: Every year we always rejoice in the thought of coming to camp and spending another summer in this special place. Consistency is what makes camp so comforting; however, RAH gave us a new perspective.

Jake: Consistency is maintained in coming back to the same place and doing similar activities year after year. In RAH we’ve grown as people through the independence and responsibility we take on.

Max: After this summer, camp loses its consistency. Israel and Gesher are going to be completely different experiences, changing our connection with camp.

Paul: Although many people view this process as an ending, we view it as a bridge to a new beginning. This inconsistency will allow us to experience camp in a new way and continue growing into young adults.

Spencer: Instead of choosing to dwell on losing the consistency of our previous years at camp, we are choosing to be excited about the new beginnings ahead. Camp changes just like life, and we have to change with it.

Havdalah

Noam, Elijah, Sammy, Josh, Nathan

Noam: At the end of every session, the last all-camp experience is Havdallah.

Elijah: For us this has been apparent since Carmel.

Sammy: We met in Carmel, 2018. Going into camp I was worried, yet excited at the same time. But meeting Noam and Elijah showed me what camp is all about. The love that a Harlam friendship holds.

Noam: and as we said “shavua tov” at the last Havdallah in 2018, we knew these friendships would last forever.

Elijah: Then in 2019 that love grew bigger.

Josh: Coming into Carmel 2019 was different because I was the age of 2nd year Carmel. The worry of established relationships limiting my enjoyment scared me. However, I immediately felt welcomed the second I arrived at camp.

Sammy: As time passed a new obstacle emerged in the way of our inseparable bond.

Elijah: When we found out that we weren’t going to have our Sharon summer, I panicked, but our love and friendship somehow grew stronger despite Covid.

Josh: No matter if it was facetime off our moms’ phones or if we asked to hop on Fort, we made sure to still be together even if not in person.

Nathan: As a new summer began, I was that kid in kineret with no expectations and a lot of fear. Unlike the others I didn’t really experience the same welcoming.  ‘Saying goodbye to kineret was tough, I didn’t know if I would come back or not, but with a bunk change going into Arava, I could’ve never expected what would come next.

Noam: When we found out that Nathan was in our bunk, we didn’t really know who he was. A couple of days before camp we had a facetime with him. After the call we realized what that summer had in store.

Josh: Arava was a summer where we expanded not just ourselves but our relationships and love for each other and camp. 4 of us decided to go double and it solidified our love for camp.

Elijah: Going into Galil was like welcoming in a new week. We all began to see things from an older kids’ perspective.  While some may think this may affect our love for camp, it didn’t.

Sammy: for years it seemed as if our love was only between us, but k’far brought our entire unit together. We finally realized the true love that camp brings. Not a minute went by that we weren’t thinking about camp after it ended.

Nathan: Not in Rah it seems we’ve been with each other our entire lives. But unlike past years, there is no next year as a camper. After each summer, we’d always say “just wait till next year”. Now that isn’t true.

Noam: Love has been a focal point of our time here at camp and we love each other more than anyone can know. But what comes with love is loss.

Josh: We realize we are losing a core part of our lives, but instead of dwelling on that we look forward to the next chapter. The chapter where we become CIT’s and then counselors and become campers’ role models.

Sammy: If it isn’t clear already- LOVE is our Chavurah second session middah. As we look and think about this, we realize that there is not a single word that resonates with our camp experience better.

ALL: We want to thank camp Harlam for the best…

Noam/Sammy/Elijah: 8

Josh: 7

Nathan: 6

ALL: summers of our lives. And as Ezra Tayler once said: “It never feels real- another summer of memories made”

Havdalah

Mikai B Alex S Zoe G Nathan N Noah S 

Alex Schar: Havdalah is about the upcoming week, and the Chavurah middot is love. We all love camp and count down the days until we come back. Next week we will be back at our home away from our real home. For the whole summer I’ve felt that this day was so far away, but in just 12 hours we will pack up our cars for the last time and drive out the gates, not knowing when we’ll be back.

Noah Siter: This is my 8th summer at camp, and every year I looked up to the Rah kids and wanted to be in their shoes and do all the fun things they got to do. I wanted to be leaders in camp. As I’ve grown up at camp, I’ve met people that have changed my life. I’ve made memories that I will never forget. Every activity you do at camp can turn into a lifelong memory with the people you love, so don’t take it for granted. The friends that you make and the love for them, and the memories, will always be a part of you and make a lifelong impact on you that you’ll never let go.

Mikai Bridges: There’s a quote I always see on the walls of the bunk: “Take it all in.” I really connect with this saying because I live so far from all my camp friends. During the year, I rarely get to see them. This summer I’ve really tried to take it all in and savor every moment of Rah with my best friends I almost never get to see.

Nathan Neches: Connections have the biggest impact on your camp experiences. You meet the best people, even if you “live in a different state” (Rivers & Roads). In your bunk, you can tell your closest friends anything. In Rah, we are all connected, and some even get to experience Right Side Talks and get to hang out in the hangout area.

Zoe Goldman: The bus ride back from Baltimore first session was the first time me and my friends really thought about the end of our last year as campers and what that means to us. Soon every one of us but me started crying. After the crying died down, I sat back down next to my friend and said, “The end of camp is so sad, but there’s still half of this session left, not to mention 2nd session.” I can’t imagine camp ending, and the thing he said back to me was the one thing that made me cry. He said, “You say that now, but soon you’ll be packing into your parents’ car, crying about how you don’t wanna leave.” I think the reason this got to me was because no matter how much time is left, it’ll never be enough. This brought me back to my first year at camp when I did the 2-week program in Carmel, and the first thing I said when I got into my parents’ car was “I’m not ready to go home yet,” and I know in just a few hours I’ll be saying the same thing. Except this time it’s 7 years later and I’m in Rah, so this time my dad won’t be able to reply, “You have next year,” because there isn’t really a next year as campers. As we get older, life becomes more complicated and it gets harder to make space for camp. But regardless of who returns, I will always hold my camp friends close to my heart.

Nathan Neches: I always come back to the quote, “Talking ‘bout the way things change” from Rivers and Roads. My first summer in Kineret could not compare to my last summer in Rah. So many new friendships and memories have happened since then. A lot has changed.

Alex Schar: Now in my last couple hours as a camper, I look back at my first year, when I would look up at these older kids in Chavurah and couldn’t wait to be them. Now that I’m in their shoes, I look back and wish to be those little kids. On my first day as a camper, I met my best friends that I have kept till this day.

Mikai Bridges: Camp is special for so many different reasons. One of the biggest reasons is people. Throughout my 5 years here, I’m so grateful for the opportunity of being a camper at Camp Harlam. Remember to savor every moment because it might seem like it will last forever, but now I know it doesn’t. 

Mourner’s Kaddish

Ellie F-R

Shabbat Shalom. The Mourner’s Kaddish is a prayer to commemorate those who we’ve lost.

Grief is a hard topic. No matter how long ago they passed, it never changes the fact that you miss them. I lost my father 7 years ago this past July. This took a huge toll on my family and I. We each cope in a different way. For myself, it felt like the whole world had collapsed in front of me. From the outside perspective it seemed like the other members of my family each coped in a different way.

No matter if it has been 1 month, 1 year, 7 years, or so on, their spirit will always be with you and their legacy will always carry on.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.

The post Chavurah Divrei T’filah 8/16/25 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

August 15th, 2025

Prayer for Inclusion

Dana and Ellie

Both: What is including others?

Dana: This is a prayer about how to include others.

Ellie: These are some examples of including others.

Dana: Once at school, I was playing with my friend and my other friend wanted to join. That is how I include others.

Ellie: Once at school, I was playing with 2 of my friends and I saw someone playing alone and I invited them into the game and then we had a fun recess. That’s how I included others.

Both: We were including others and now it’s your turn to include others.

Opening Reading

Asher, Matt, Ori, Cy

All: Shabbat Shalom

Asher: Our middah is nitzachon, pushing through a challenge! One way I pushed through a challenge was when I climbed the tower.

Cy: One way I pushed through a challenge was when it was nikayon and I tried cleaning but it was really hard. At the end I did it anyway.

Ori: I have a fear of heights and I went on the swing and the tower. 

Matt: A way I pushed through a challenge is during a service I had to go to the bathroom and I had to use the port a potty. 

All: We hope you push through your challenges this week. Shabbat Shalom!

Pre Barchu

Alex, Cyrus, Asher

All: The Barchu means to come together

Asher: Maybe at camp to eat meals together

Cyrus: And to go to services together

Asher: The Barchu also means to be ready or prepare

Alex: You can be ready or prepared by bringing a water bottle and hat in the morning

Cyrus: This prayer can also mean to stand for Israel in these hard times

Asher: To stand with someone to believe in them

Alex: Also to stand up for someone

Asher: One time, a classmate was being mean to another classmate and I told him to stop. Cyrus, what about you?

Cyrus: I stood up for someone when they were getting hurt. Alex?

Alex: I stood up for my brother when it looked like he wasn’t going to do good in basketball, but I told him he could do it. 

Asher: Hey Alex, you have a new nickname. It’s Bara.

Alex: Bara Who?

All: Please rise for the Barchu

Pre Shema

Vivian, Sadie, Ima

All: Being Jewish means believing in one g-d.

Sadie: When I came to camp, I felt alone. But as time passed, I realized that camp connects me more to family, friends, and g-d.

Vivian: The shema is about listening to g-d and the world around you. 

Ima: Just being Jewish connects me to people from all over the world. When I’m around other Jews, I feel safe to share my thoughts and feelings. The shema connects us to places like Israel

Sadie: Coming together as one big family shows…

Vivian: … that no matter where you are, Jews are all around you.

All: Please rise for the shema. 

Pre Mi-Chamocha

Nora, Abbie, Zavi, Dani

All: The Mi Chamocha is about 3 things

Dani: One of the 3 things is freedom

Zavi: I feel freedom on camper free choice when I can do what I want

Dani: Another one of these 3 things is miracles

Abbie: A miracle that happened to me was getting to the top of the tower when I thought I couldn’t do it

Dani: And the third thing is awe.

Nora: Once when I felt awe was a few days ago when I found out that my name, Nora, means awe in Hebrew.

All: Please join us in the Mi Chamocha

Pre Amidah

Flora, Sonya, Eva, and Franny

Flora: The amidah is about being an individual

Sonya: While also representing your larger community

Franny: At my house, I’m always with my sisters but at camp I fell like I can choose things for myself while still being part of a community.

Eva: I feel like an individual when I’m at athletics and I can choose what I want to do by myself and make my own team.

Sonya: I feel like an individual when I can choose what to eat at meals after saying HaMotzi all together. 

Flora: I feel like an individual when I’m drawing and painting at arts and I get to choose what to paint while sharing materials with friends. 

Eva: Wait Franny, are we supposed to rise for the Amidah?

Franny: Ami- DUH

All: Please rise for the amidah!

The post Carmel Divrei T’filah 8/15/25 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

Ethan S (G4), Milo Z (G2), Micah P (G2), and Louis S (G2)

All: Shabbat Shalom camp Harlam!

Ethan: As we’re transitioning into senior camp, we need to start thinking not only about ourselves, but about others.

Milo: That’s why our middah is Achrayut, which means thinking of others.

Micah: in younger years, we may not have been willing to share things, such as hot water or extra food at the table.

Louis: but now that we have grown and become more mature, we realize that taking care of someone else, can be even more enjoyable than having hot water or extra dessert.

Ethan: from individuals to entire units,

Milo: from Louise sharing his guitar with all of his bunkmates,

Micah: to the units of early camp learning old traditions and making new friends,

Louis: We all show acharayut in different ways.

Ethan: and for the next week, 

Milo: We have a challenge for you…

Micah: to think about others

Louis: and all that they do.

Pre Barchu

Piper S (G3), Ellie F (G3), Juliet L (G1), Sydney G (G1)

Piper: At camp, coming together can mean many things.

Ellie: To me, coming together means having your arms around your friends during Siyyum

Juliet: For me, coming together means helping your friend do their job during nikayon.

Sydney: It means coming together as a bunk to get ready for Shabbat

Piper: We even came together to write this Dvar T’filah

Ellie: As a camp, we all came together this morning to celebrate shabbat

Juliet: Oh! Look over there

Piper: It’s Bara

Sydney: Bara who?

All: Please rise for the Barchu

Pre Shema

Rebecca C and Sydney W (both G3)

R: Take a moment to listen to your surroundings

S: You might hear leaves blowing in the wind, birds chirping, or the sound of your neighbor playing with their fidget

R: What we hear is the sound of Shabbat. This sound is difficult to describe; however we can explain the feeling it brings us.

S: It brings us a sense of peace, belonging, and community. The sound of camp brings us this feeling every day.

R: The Shema is a prayer about these feelings. Embracing these feelings can make you and your friends feel more connected to the people around you.

S: As the new week arrives, take a moment to think back at how the Shema relates to you.

All: Please rise for the Shema

Pre Mi Chamocha

Jonah S (G2), Noah R (G2), Jacob G (G2), and Jacob K (G4)

Jonah: The mi chamocha is about freedom.

Noah: We find freedom here at camp while doing many things. 

Jacob G: I find freedom at athletics when I get to choose what sports to play

Jacob K: I find freedom when I get to choose what rides to go on for trip day.

Noah: Mi Chamocha is also about miracles

Jonah: If you decide to slow down or stop here at camp, you may find some small miracles every day

Jacob G: Camp is the biggest miracle we ever experienced because it gave us friendships that will last a lifetime.

All: This week, we hope that you can slow down and find your own miracles.

Pre Amida

Ezra S (G4), Lev H (G4), Eliza G (G3), Harley W (G3)

All: The Amidah is about legacy and those who came before us

Harley: I see legacy in going to camp just like my mom did and having the same experiences as her.

Ezra: I see legacy in camp by participating in camp traditions like Color War and Song Session and Rak Dan.

Lev: We honor those who came before us by being respectful during Shabbat and making every moment we have here count.

Eliza: Even though my brother is not a CIT this year, I still came back to carry on his legacy.

All: This week think about ways you can honor camp’s legacy. Please rise for the Amidah

Pre Yismechu

Harley K, Naomi W, Mia T, Hannah N (all G1)

Harley: Rest is an important part of camp

Naomi: From rest hour to flashlight time, rest and rejuvenation can lead you to the best week possible

Mia: But you don’t have to do it alone, that’s why the Yismechu is so crucial to the Shabbat service. 

Hannah: Because it reminds us that we have a community even though we may need some space, at times.

Harley: Knock knock

Hannah: Who’s there?

Harley: Yisme

Hannah: Yisme-hu

All: Please join us for the Yismechu

Havdalah

Elianna B, Paige K, Amalee T (all G1)

All: Shabbat Shalom

Paige: Our unit’s middah, acharyut, means thinking about others. Throughout this week we have shown this middah through…

Amalee: helping a friend during nikayon…

Elianna: comforting a friend when they’re homesick…

Paige: or even a small favor that can help a whole lot

Amalee:  As shabbat comes to an end, and the new week approaches, focusing on the little things that are part of acharayut can help min ways that you may not realize.

Elianna: This can be aimed towards the people around you or even yourself. Acharayut is a main focus of camp, and we challenge you to reflect on how you thought about others during camp and even try to focus on it more in the days ahead. 

All: Shavuah Tov and please join us in the Havdalah blessings

The post Galil Divrei T’Filah 08/09/2025 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

Ari C (S4) and Avi W (S2)

Both: Shabbat shalom camp Harlam 

Avi: We wanted to share with you today how we have included others or how others have included us. Ari, how do you feel that either of those happened for you?

Ari: One time at school, someone fell and got hurt really badly. I walked them to the office even though I didn’t know them.

What about you, Avi?

Avi: One time I felt that I included someone was the first t’filah prep. I was supposed to have to do this alone, but Ari didn’t have a group, so I welcomed him to work with me.

Ari: We have both included and helped other people, but now it’s your turn.

Avi: So how should you go out of your way to help or include other people?

Opening Reading

Chloe W, Zoe H, Dani B, Lia S and Eliza F (all S3)

All: Shabbat Sharon

Chloe: Our midah is Bitachon Atzmi, which means confidence and independence.

Dani: Being confident isn’t not being scared, it’s being scared and doing it anyway.

Zoe: You can show independence by getting ready on time or being away from your parents.

Elize: One way I showed confidence is when we were at Dorney, when most of the roller coasters looked scary, but when I tried them, they ended up being fun.

Chloe: For me, bitachon atzmi means trying new things and having fun while doing it.

Lia: I showed bitachin atzmi by sleeping in the tree house for the first time.

Dani: I feel independent during song session.

All: In this new week, we encourage you to show bitachon atzmi!

Pre-Barchu

Maya K (S5), Bayla S (S3), Ila O (S5), Liv K (S5) and Miriam P (S5)

Maya: The Barchu is our next prayer. 

Bayla: We chose to find the connection between the prayer and the Sharon Middah of Bitachon Atzmi.

Miriam: Part of our middah is confidence. I felt confident in small things like asking for more flashlight time and asking to go to the Mirpa’ah.

Liv: I find confidence when I as to be a part of the conversation if I am not.

Ila: Another part of our middah is independence. I found independence when I packed for camp and my mom was not there to help me.

Maya: A way that I show independence at camp is by getting ready every morning because the counselors are not going to tell me everything I need to do.

Bayla: A time that I feel independent is when I come to camp every year.

Liv: Confidence connects to the Barchu because we stand up for the Barchu as we stand up for what we believe in.

Miriam: The way independence connects to the Barchu is that you need to be prepared every day, but it takes some extra independence.

Bayla: Knock Knock

Maya: Who’s there

Bayla: Barach

Maya: Barach-hu

All: Please rise for the Barchu

Pre-Shema

Michael F (S2), Ari L (S2), Lincoln K (S4), Jack O (S2), Elliott T (S2)

Jack: The shema means connection and unity.

Michael: We show unity by helping clean our bunkmate’s area with friends.

Ari: We show connection by playing card games and trading jibbitz at rest hour and shower hour.

Elliott: We also show unity by all of our bunkmates uniting to beg our counselors to stay up late during ETB.

Lincoln: One way I show connection is when me and my bunk do evening ritual and we all connect and share about our favorite parts of the day.

Elliott: What is tonight’s evening program?

Ari: I think we have ETB?

Elliott: Oh man

Jack: Well we don’t have to lie down yet!

All: Please rise for the Shema

Pre-Mi Chamocha

Jaye W (S3), Rachel G (S5), Abby K (S5), Ava B (S5), Lilly P (S3)

Abby: The Mi Chamocha is about…

All: Freedom and miracles

Lilly: This is my first year staying for a full session. I feel more freedom now at camper free choice and canteen.

Rachel: This is also my first full session. I have more freedom now. Some ways I feel freedom are climbing the tower or the rock walls. 

Jaye: I feel freedom when I eat pudding for breakfast and when I eat canteen.

Abby: Having the ability to be able to go to camp is a miracle for me.

Ava: Hanging out with my friends is a miracle.

Abby: Knock knock

Ava: Who’s there?

Rachel: Mi

Jaye: Mi who?

All: Please join us in the MiChamocha

Pre-Amidah

Anastacia A (S1), Dalia W (S1), Abby M (S3), Adele S (S1), Charlotte G (S5)

All: The Amidah is about connecting to g-d and saying our own prayer:

Anastacia: How I connect to g-d is by doing the things I love.

Dalia:  I connect to g-d by chilling and thinking about things.

Abby:  I connect to g-d by praying.

Adele: I connect to g-d by cleaning my space during nikayon.

Charlotte: I connect to g-d when I have fun with my friends.

All: Remember to take the time to connect to g-d. Please rise for the Amidah.

Peace Prayer

Joshua F (S4), Josh A (S2), Zach N (S4), Seth R (S2), Ethan L (S2)

JA: The Oseh Shalom is a prayer for peace

ZN: I find peace at camp by playing music for my friends at Gaga

JA: I find peace at camp by sleeping, reading, and playing cards.

EL: I find peace at camp when I’m relaxing in the chill zone.

SR: I find peace by playing sports and hanging out with my friends.

JF: I find peace at camp by playing cards, reading, and playing sports.

ZN: I feel calm when I play cards and throw a football or baseball.

JA: I feel calm when I am with my friends.

EL: I find hope when I’m singing prayers during Shabbat.

SR: I feel the most calm during rest hour and playing soccer with my counselors.

JF: I feel calm when I read or listen to music during flashlight time.

All: This how we find peace and calm at camp. Peace out!

Havdalah

Libby S (S3), Stella S (S1), Sloane B (S5), Shoshana E (S3)

All: Our middah is Bitachon Atzmi

Stella: As a first-year camper, I felt confident driving through the gate of Camp Harlam.

Shoshana: I felt independence by going double session for the first time.

Libby: I also felt independent at camper free choice when me and a few buddies picked our activities for the day.

Sloane: I felt confident when I got to the top of the tower and saw my friends cheering for me down below

Shoshana: Havdalah is about separation. For us camp separated the independence our parents give us from the independence camp gives us.

All: This is your week to shine and show bitachon atzmi

Shavua Sharon

The post Sharon Divrei T’Filah 08/08/2025 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

Elena G., Lucy P., Sophie L., Julia K. (all KN 1)

Together: Shabbat Shalom camp Harlam

Elena: The middah we’ll be speaking about this week is Bina, or Seeking meaning.

Lucy: As campers, Bina can look like many different things, whether its finding the values in ourselves or in those around us, Bina can be different fro everyone

Sophie: For me, I find deeper meaning in spending time in the bunk with all of my friends

Julia: Bina can also be found in the village where we come together as a unit

Elena: I find it in waking up and starting each day with breakfast in the Ulam

Lucy: We are always curious and ready to ask questions, which can help us lean and discover a deeper connection to the world around is

Julia: As Kfar campers, we know our time at Harlam is coming to an end. 

Elena: with Chavurah around the corner, we are reminded to not take the little things for granted

Sophie: Bina means to live each minute to the fullest and not letting the time slip through our fingers in this magical place.

Pre-Barchu

Kate K., Sari H., Ella R., Becca K. (all KN 1)

Kate: Coming together can be different for everyone.

Sari: Sometimes when a friend needs a hand in nikayon, rating someone’s dives, or pulling somebody up the swing.

Ella: When we unite as one, we motivate people to do their best.

Becca: Being prepared can look different as well, like putting on your bathing suit for ke b’mayim, even if you don’t know if you want to go in.

Kate: Being ready can look good, but also feel good, even though you might have your least favorite job at nikayon, it will benefit the whole bunk because you’re ready to get a 10!

Sari: Standing up for something is important too.

Ella: I stand for respecting everybody no matter how different they are.

Becca: Taking a stand can also be, going to the tower when the rest of your group wants to go to the zipline in camper free choice.

(Sari nudges Kate and Kate overdramatically falls on rocks)

Sari: Kate, you have to stand for the Barchu

(Sari helps Kate up)

Becca and Ella: Na Lakum, please rise for the Barchu

Pre-Shema

Alexa B., Sadie S., Sasha J. (all KN 1)

Sadie: We have been going to camp for many years and we hope for many more. In our many years, we have realized how important being open minded is and a way to do so is by listening to others and their opinions. 

Alexa: This year we have a lot more perspectives than previous years, having international campers as well as counselors. But that isn’t the only difference between senior camp and junior camp. It’s not only having 2 working toilets for over 40 people or avoiding skunks, but bigger changes too. Like having more freedom which comes with more responsibility. It’s looking out for many more campers than previous years, and fending for yourself in the Ulam breakfast. 

Sasha: Camp is such a special place not only because of our belief in Judaism, but our love and spirit for camp. The village really shows how connected we all are no matter which bunk you’re in. This week, try to go out of your way and make connections with people, no matter if they’re in your bunk or not. The Shema is about listening and at camp that seems like something we do a lot. But listening to each other is what makes this place magical. 

Na Lakum, please rise for the Shema

Pre-Mi Chamocha

Haley R., Lily A., Shai F., Ella B. (all KN 1)

Haley: The Mi Chamocha was sung by Moses after the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, giving freedom to the Israelites.

Lily: Freedom for me is the ability to come to Harlam all the way from Israel, create new memories and meet new people.

Shai: Freedom for me is to be able to express myself freely, and be my true self.

Haley: Freedom for me is to be able to learn and grow with my friends

Ella: Freedom for me is having the ability to be with my family, sleep in my bed, and eat 3 meals a day.

For us as Israelis, and for the Jewish community, it can be hard to talk about freedom during this period of time. 

Shai: Not all of our people are free. We hold in our hearts the 50 hostages currently held in Gaza. This reminds us to appreciate the freedom we have today.

Haley: Being here today singing and praying as a Jewish community is a miracle.

Lily: The Mi Chamocha is about our ancestors’ freedom and miracle.

All: May the hostages gain freedom and return home safely.

Lily: Please join us for the Mi Chamocha

Pre-Amidah

Jack L., Jackson M., Chase W., Gabe L-M. (all KN 2)

Jack: Dear Carmel me

Gabe and Chase: Dear Sharon me

Jackson: Dear Arava me, do you remember the first time you drove through the gates?

Chase: How about the first friend you made?

Gabe: These are all core memories of our camp experience.

Jack: A core memory of entering senior camp and walking into the bottom of the Ulam and seeing all the signatures for the first time.

Chase: The core of our Shabbat service today is the Amidah, which is all about remembering those who came before us.

Gabe: Whether it’s people from the Torah, or campers who came before you, it’s important to remember the legacy of those who came first.

All: Sincerely, your Kfar self

Jackson: Please rise for the Amidah

Pre-Yismechu

Ellis W., Zeke D., Jonah K., Bryce A. (all KN 2)

Ellis: sha

Zeke: bat

Jonah: sha

Bryce: lom

Ellis: We came together to say Shabbat shalom, just like the whole camp comes together each Sabbath,

Zeke: in Kfar we come together as one unit instead of multiple bunks

Jonah: This helps us build stronger bond with people we may not have bonded with otherwise

Bryce: As a double session camper, I have the privilege of making long lasting connections with people from both sessions

Ellis: On Shabbat we come together by: 

Zeke: banging on the tables during song session

Jonah: Moshing together at Rak-Dan

Brice: and singing with our arms around each other at the chapel

(Jonah taps Bryce)

Bryce: Who was that?

Jonah: Bro- it was “Yisme”

Bryce: Yisme- who

Everyone: please come together in joining us for Yismechu!

Havdalah

Liv L., Caroline B., and Sam S. (all KN 1)

Liv: This week’s middah is Binha, seeking meaning.

Caroline: Throughoutt this week, we have found meaning in many different activities.

Sam: Like during camper free, when we can talk to new people.

Liv: Trying new activities 

Caroline; Or even just chill around camp

Sam: Now that we’re in senior camp, we learn to seek meaning even in situations where it may be hard to do so.

Liv: It is important to reflect and seek meaning in your everyday life.

Caroline: We encourage you, in the following week, to take a moment and…

All: Seek meaning

Blog Post

Atticus L., Eli W., Ethan D., Micah C, Josh Z. (all KN 2)

We seek meaning (Binah) by finding the small details every day. 

We found meaning when we got our Kineret buddies. 

We found meaning when we do Kef B’Mayim. 

We found meaning when we help lead Shabbat services. 

We found meaning when teaching younger campers the Harlam traditions. 

The post Kfar Noar Divrei T’filah 08/02/2025 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

Dylan J. (K2), Yoni L. (K4), Asher S. (K4), Austin B. (K4)

All: Shabbat shalom Camp Harlam.

Dylan: Our middah is tiferet. Tiferet means finding inner beauty and balance. 

Yoni: When I first came to camp, I thought I woundn’t make any friends. But then I realized that my friend from home was going to the same camp. That made me feel better about making friends. 

Asher: I found inner beauty in who I really am, not trying to become someone who I wasn’t.

Austin: I found balance by being able to balance my camp friends and my friends from home.

All: That’s how we found tiferet– inner beauty and balance.

Pre-Amidah

Henry G, Jagger D, Julien Z, Levi M. (all K2)

Henry: Before I came here, my sisters went to Harlam day camp. Then, I came here and continued the Harlam legacy.

Julien: For me, my parents went here, and they continue the legacy onto me. I am so glad they sent me here, and I hope to continue this legacy.

Levi: Just like Julien, my parents came here before me. Even though camp is very different than when my parents came, I still want to pass the feeling of being here at camp to future generations.

Jagger: Just like Julien and Levi, my parents also went here. The Amidah makes me remember to pass down this legacy every Shabbat. And this is what the Amidah is all about.

Henry: Even though not all of us have these kinds of connections with camp, we can still pass a legacy on.

ALL: Please rise for the Amidah.

Pre-Shema

Sonia N. (K1), Layla K. (K3), Rozzie L. (K3)

All: The Shema means to unite with other people

Layla: Rozzie and I have been in the same bunk for 3 years

Rozzie: We invited Sonia to join us even though we have never really bonded. 

Sonia: That is the meaning of connection, coming together with people that you don’t know 

Layla: As Jewish people we don’t just come together as a group of three, we come together as a community 

Rozzie: No matter if we’re in the Beit or on the hill, we come together as a camp 

Sonia: As we say the Shema, we should think about how we will always have a friend by our side no matter what the situation is. 

Layla: Please rise for the Shema 

Pre- Mi Chamocha

Gabi F, Poppy M, Dani S, Goldie P. (all K3) 

All: The Mi Chamocha is about freedom. 

Poppy: Camp makes me feel by providing me a safe space to be myself   For example, during camper free choice, we have freedom to do what we want at camp. 

Goldie: The Mi Chamocha talks about freedom. The Israelites felt freedom when walking through the Red Sea. I feel freedom at the top of the tower. 

Gabi: In the Mi Chamocha, it talks about miracles. One miracle that happened to me was having the opportunity to go to camp. Camp was a miracle to me because I met all of my best friends here. Like all the people up here with me and many more. 

Dani: I feel free when I come to camp. I have the freedom to make new friends and try new things. For example, this year was my first year going double session. At the beginning of second session I missed my first session friends, but soon after I made new friends that I know will last forever. 

All: Please join us for the Mi Chamocha 

Pre- barchu

Nate K, Jacob K, and Noah Z. (all K4) 

Nate: At the start of camp, I was new and didn’t have many friends but now it’s already the second Shabbat service and I feel more welcomed than ever. 

Jacob: This is now my 4th summer at camp. I usually know what to pack and bring and do, but for some bunk mates, it’s their first year. Whenever they need help with something, I’ll do whatever I can to help them prepare. 

Noah: I’ve been coming to camp for a few years now and I was really excited to come again this year. I love camp and hope that the campers starting this year feel the same and will come again in following years. 

Nate: Whenever I’m hurt, sad or homesick, there’s always someone by my side. Whether it’s a counselor helping me or a fellow bunk mate hanging out, I know I feel welcomed everywhere I go. 

Jacob: Now most of us are good friends, and like we always say, camp friends are the best friends. 

Noah: I found out that many campers have unique interests and stories from their homes. Now that I’ve been to camp a few times, I know that sharing with bunk mates can lead to a strong friendship and you can’t have fun at camp without being prepared to make friends. 

All: Please rise for the Barchu 

Pre-Oseh Shalom 

Acadia G, Gabby D, Evelyn T, Molly S. (all K1)

Acadia: Peace is different for different people, for some it could be taking a shower, for others, it could be playing cards with your friend, for some people, peace could even mean playing sports with your teammates! 

Molly: I find peace during the silent prayer on Shabbat. I get to reflect and focus on my thoughts and feelings and think in the quiet. I get to let go of stress and recenter myself in the calm.

Evelyn: When I think of peace the first thing that comes to my mind is balance. Balance between groups, emotions, and environments.
Peace is two countries talking but not fighting, or something that is fun but not overwhelming.

Gabby: I think that being peaceful is being able to do things that are less rushed and make me feel less stressed so that I can be ready for my day.

Acadia: When I think of peace, I think of when I have a busy and chaotic day at camp, and I finally get back to the bunk for rest hour. It makes me feel less stressed when I’m able to relax and not have to worry so much about what I have to do next.

Gabby: The Oseh Shalom is about making our world a better place.

Evelyn:You can start by little things like respecting others’ me time or letting people speak.

Molly: Or big things like taking a hurt friend to the mirpa’ah!

All: Please join together for the Oseh Shalom.

Havdalah

Noa B, Sadie G, Samantha K-L, Fable S. (all K3)

Fable: As you probably know by now, Kineret’s middah is tiferet, finding inner beauty and balance. 

Noa: So how can you as a person, make yourself a more well rounded person?

Samantha: I can be more well rounded by finding my inner beauty and balance. That reminds me… Hey Sadie, how do you find inner beauty and balance?

Sadie: I find tiferet during flashlight time when I go from talking and laughing with friends to being completely silent.

Fable: So in this next week, how can you make yourself more well rounded by using tiferet?

All: Shavuah tov, Camp Harlam. May you have a good week

Prayer for Inclusion

Fable S, Noa B, Samantha K-L, Sadie G. (all K3)

All: How can you include someone?

Fable: By letting someone join your group during camper free choice.

Sadie: You can also include someone by letting them sing with you during song session.

Noa: Another way to include someone is by putting your arm around them during Shabbat services.

Samantha: Or letting someone sit on your bed during flashlight time.

Sadie: All of these are ways to include people.

Samantha: This Shabbat…

All: we hope you will think about all the ways you can include people.

The post Kineret Divrei T’filah 08/01/2025 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.

July 26th, 2025

Intro Bitachon Atzmi- Confidence, Independence Lucy, Maddie, Samara, Lexi, & Becca

All: Shabbat Shalom!

Lexi: As a camper, I always looked forward to meeting my counselors, hoping a former CIT from the summer before would be among them. As a shy kid, being able to connect with my counselors and CITs was an essential aspect of why I felt at home at camp. Now, as I cross the bridge from camper to counselor, I hope to be that same trusted role model—someone my campers can laugh with, confide in, and look up to. I want to empower them with confidence and independence, instilling the value of Bitachon Atzmi.

Becca: Camp has deepened my connection to Judaism by surrounding me with a community that celebrates traditions, rituals, and prayer. Watching the mishlachat and counselors bond over Shabbat and share traditions from around the world has inspired my passion for Judaism and Israel. Camp gave me the confidence to proudly express my Jewish identity—something I hope to pass on to my own campers.

Samara: At camp, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about showing up with pride and trying new things. Being in Gesher taught me to use that confidence to help others get involved, because participating is what makes camp fun. Whether it’s shouting during Havdalah or trying a new specialty, being a CIT means showing that it’s cool to care and even cooler to be yourself. When I let go and have fun, it encourages others to do the same—and that’s when the best memories are made.

Maddie: As you get older, the meaning of independence changes. This summer, I’ve learned that independence isn’t about being the only one dancing at Kef Ba Mayim—it’s about helping your campers feel confident enough to do it themselves. It’s guiding them to choose what they love, sitting with them when they need support, and asking for help. I’ve realized that being a role model isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being yourself and showing that you care.

Lucy: It is no secret that camp changes, the camp we grew up with is not the camp you will grow up with but one thing stays consistent and that is the Middot that camp upholds. Throughout the Gesher program I have seen myself channeling these middot that my counselors instilled in me, like confidence and independence. I know when to ask for help and when to challenge myself to complete something on my own. I am eager to come back next year and bring these values with me as I hope to build confidence in my future campers as my counselors once did for me. Throughout the service this morning, Gesher will be reflecting on the Middot that has shaped our camp experience, just as we did with the value of Bitachon Atzmi.

Ahavat Olam Nitzachon: 

Mila, Tali, Sofia 

Mila: Close your eyes. Imagine you’re on a bridge. 

Tali: Now this bridge isn’t always sturdy. There are ups and downs. It can be bumpy, and sometimes it’s shaky and unstable. 

Sofia: Being in gesher means continuing across this bridge regardless of the challenges we face.

Mila: As CITs, we live in a state of “in between.” Though some confusion lives in this state, it has lessened as I continue my journey across this bridge and learn to shape my new place in camp how I want it to be. I am the CIT who teaches young campers old Harlam traditions just as much as I am the Gesher participant who looks to staff for advice and guidance. I am now able to better appreciate both of these roles rather than struggle to pick between them.

Tali: Throughout this program I have struggled to find balance between managing big upcoming changes in my life and being present in this beautiful space. There are moments where a little voice in my head reminds me of the new phase of life I’m entering. While exciting, it is also scary. It curates anxiety when I’m present with friends at camp. Entering this new session, I will attack moments where I’m feeling anxious about reality with a big deep breath. I will feel lighter because I know that I am experiencing this hard transition with 34 others.

Sofia: Coming back to camp after not being together for our Israel trip, my mind was filled with uncertainty, but the only way to push through that feeling was to face it head on. Branching out and talking to different people can be intimidating, but the new bonds i’ve formed have made it all worth it. So as much as I would’ve loved to be together in Israel last year, these circumstances have made me a more confident person.

Mila: The bridge we are crossing will never truly come to an end, and the difficulties we face along the way will never disappear. 

Tali: But we’ve pushed through many challenges in the past, and we will continue to do so, regardless of the obstacles along the way. 

Sofia: As we join together in the Sh’ma, we’re reminded that we’re united not only as the unit of Gesher, but also as a camp and as the Jewish people. 

Together: We will push through together.

Sim Shalom

Samantha, Hannah, Evie: Tiferet (finding inner beauty) 

Welcome Home!

Evie: It’s opening day of camp, and these are the first words you hear when you drive through the gates. As the people who are now the ones screaming these words, we realize the deeper meaning they hold. We say “welcome home” because every camper deserves to feel seen and valued from the moment they arrive. Gesher has taught us how powerful helping others feel at home can be, and allowed us to discover the kind of people we want to become.

Shabbat Shalom.

Sami: It’s already the first shabbat, and everyone is dressed in white, walking up the hill with interlocking hands. What connects us isn’t our matching white clothes, but the shared sense of community that passes from one hand to the next. Being immersed in such a strong community makes each person feel like they are part of something so uniquely beautiful. When the tallit is held over our heads during the Hashkiveinu, we are reminded of the protection our camp bubble provides. It gives us a space to be the best version of ourselves without fear of judgment.

Bum Bum Bu dum bum bum bum (or RGBG).

Hannah: It’s the last day of Maccabiah, and after being divided into 4 teams for the past 3 days, our camp community comes back together to enjoy the last few days of the session. We reflect on our color war experience: seeing our friends shine in their dances, cheering our team on during each event, and feeling immense pride in yourself and your team whether you ended up in first or fourth place. At this point in the session, we know that our time at camp is coming to a close, and we begin to savor the final moments. We notice the beauty in everything around us and within ourselves.

L’hitraot camp harlam!

Evie: It’s the last night of the session, so we put our arms around each other, sway, and sing during our final havdalah together. It’s hard to believe that this day is here so soon. We come to realize how hard Gesher worked to make this place feel like home for every camper: the carnival, the variety show, color war, the banquet, and the list goes on. Through our walk across this bridge we have learned to appreciate the little things and find beauty in our campers, our peers, and our distinct role in this camp community. 

We also have learned to appreciate the moments. Moments like this one as our camp community comes together to sing Sim Shalom, a prayer for peace and wholeness for everyone around us.

Before the Barchu – Bina

Eliot, Lyla, and Abby

Eliot: Finding meaning is a really difficult task for many because it might be really subtle and hard to spot.  I don’t think I have fully found the meaning of me coming to camp every summer. And that is fine – not everything has meaning or has meaning that means something to you.  Everyone has something they’ve attached meaning to and those things are very different for each other. I think the meaning most say they get from camp is the culture, the people, everything that makes camp camp.  I think people want a second home they can come back to every summer and just be themselves. 

Lyla: I understand that the Middah of Binah or seeking meaning connects to my journey as through seeking meaning I have been able to dig deeper into who I am allowing me to let go of the “front” I put on as a camper and truly be my most authentic self. I am an example of how camp can help you to find your meaning. Camp has not only helped me find my values and who I am, but who I want to be. So whether you’re a camper, staff, or a CIT I encourage you to look deep into yourself and find who you want to be, and who knows you might find that this camp has molded you into the person you will become as it did with me. 

Abby: It’s easy in the camp environment to focus on just go-go-going. That’s how it’s been for me in my 7 summers at camp, always excited about the next big thing: the next Rak Dan, the next Shabbat, or Maccabiah. The week of July 7th this summer, my family and I experienced a devastating event that encouraged me to step back and reflect on how I was living out my CIT experience. Through Binah, I realized that the true meaning of camp isn’t in the big things – sure, those are fun – but in the small things like the beautiful Pocono mountains that surround us, the breeze in our hair, and the sounds of birds chirping and people talking. Being able to focus on the meaning behind smaller things is what distinguishes camp from the real world. So, take a step back, and find meaning in your surroundings – it is okay to slow down.

Amidah

Priya, Maya, Parisa – Achrayut 

Pria: Achrayut, thinking of others is not always as simple as letting someone go ahead of you when climbing the tower. Which I wouldn’t know anything about because I’ve never gotten to the top. No seriously, I try every year. Have not made it past the mid way point. 

Parisa: Thinking of others can be seen by meeting people where they are at, both campers and counselors.  From hyping them up when the energy is lacking to sitting with a camper when the energy becomes a little too much for them.

Maya: This year as a CIT I have learned that campers want to feel seen. When they do, they tend to engage more with the activities and with each other. As a teva CIT, I’ve seen campers struggle with the stream hike. Sometimes keeping one’s balance on the slippery rocks is a struggle for campers, and well…me. This can lead to certain justified fears arising. By recognizing those fears I’ve been able to adapt and meet campers where they’re at to help them through the stream hike and possibly even enjoy it.

Pria: This middahl of “achrayut” has also been helpful in developing relationships with counselors. As CITs we are given less responsibility and more breaks from the busyness of camp. This year has given me an abundance of respect for the counselors around me because I see the hard work they put into this camp. So everytime I have energy and free time I make it a priority to step in when possible to give my counselors or other CITs a break. I have also felt that support when I am lacking energy. This aspect of thinking of others only works when you are intune with the people around you and aware of when they might need you to step in and help them. 

Parisa: This summer has come with challenges. We have had to rotate often which can make it hard to connect with people and to get in a grove with specific specialties. We have found that what makes that easier is connecting with the campers and staff around us. This session try thinking about what you can do for others by noticing where they are and adapting accordingly. 

Maya: As we turn towards the amidah we hope you open your eyes, your hands, and your hearts to life up the people around you. Please rise for the Amidah.

Mi Chamocha

Abigail Zlotoff and Amanda Watanabe – Rachamim

Amanda: In a moment we are going to sing Mi Chamocha, a prayer which marks a new beginning and a new journey for our people.  

Abby: This prayer reminds us of a time when our people were able to shape their own actions and show rachamim to one another. 

Amanda: Camp is a place that provides endless opportunities to display rachamim, or acting with your heart. 

Abby: Since our first days at camp, we have been taught to act intentionally to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment.  

Amanda: As young campers we embraced this environment and learned to try new things. Acting with our hearts came easy, but today we must dig deeper to display rachamim. 

Abby: Participating in Gesher has provided us with a new perspective on what acting with your heart means. Through buying in and passing on traditions to our campers, we have discovered the incredible impact our actions have on others. 

Amanda: Reflecting on our Gesher experience, we realize that camp is so much more than the song sessions and color wars.

Abby: Camp is truly about the decisions we make and the power we have to shape each of our summer experiences. 

Amanda: So this week we encourage you

Abby: To make yourself aware of yourself and the people around you

Together: and discover how you can act with your heart.

Simcha – Before Yismechu 

Ian, Evan, Jersh, Benny, Cole, and Simon

I came to camp looking for joy
Instead, I got sunburnt, lost my toothbrush, and was woken up by random alarms. So basically, I got everything I needed. What no one tells you is that joy doesn’t show up clean and polished.
It shows up muddy, exhausted, and only after you’ve had a truly awful shower with no hot water. You don’t know how good grilled cheese is until you’ve had a mystery meal. You don’t know how sweet laughter feels until you’ve cried a little first. Simcha isn’t the absence of bad moments, it’s what makes the bad moments worth it. It’s what sneaks up on you during nikayon, when someone turns the broom into a microphone. Camp taught me that happiness isn’t constant, but something you notice because of the chaos. Like how a freezing pool makes the sun feel warmer, and how homesickness makes belonging feel deeper. Not every second at camp is perfect, but that’s kind of the point. Joy lives in the contrast. And we wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

Please join us as we sing about the joy of Shabbat 

The post Gesher Divrei T’filah 7/26/2025 appeared first on URJ Camp Harlam.