Shalom! Almost every evening at camp, we have a different cabin lead T’fillot (services). Each camper writes a part and reads it before all of camp in between the prayers we say or sing as a community. This way, every camper gets the opportunity to share something of themselves with the wider camp, and to teach the community something about their values, Judaism, or their connection to our prayers. Our cabin services make each of our T’fillot that much more unique and meaningful. —Jacob Kraus, T’fillah Specialist

Shabbat Morning Service

July 12, 2014

Cabin 10 Topic: Finding Value

Mah Tovu pg 192

Everything has value in life, even the small things. The Bar’chu is a small short prayer, but has a lot of value. As you say this prayer, think about all the things you value in your life. –Hannah Cutrona

Please turn to page 226 and rise for the Bar’chu.

Bar’chu pg 226

Through the years, I have constantly been told by those older and wiser to find the worth and value in every moment, situation and day and to relish every second of it. The prayer yotzer Or is about the gift of light. Light can be seen in multiple places, people and objects, such as in services, when everyone is praying, the nature surrounding us and in every single person. All of us who come to camp create this unique, loving, and caring community that I have fallen in love with, through just this one simple, yet not so simple summer. I want to thank all my past and present camp parents, siblings, and everyone who has made this summer unforgettable for welcoming me into this community and showing me the worth and value in every one and thing throughout this magnificent, amazing, stupendous place. –Marcy Lerner

Please join with us on page 228.

Yotzeir Or pg 228

Ahavah Rabbah pg 231 (“Love your neighbor…”)

A large part of the Jewish culture and religion focuses on re-interpreting and discovering new meaning in the Torah. However, the prayer we are about to say – the Sh’ma, lets us and others know who we are and what we believe. No matter what movement of Judaism an individual belongs to, everyone says the Sh’ma. It states that we believe that what makes us Jewish and this is the value of the Sh’ma: no matter what disputes we have about how to practice Judaism, the Sh’ma unites the Jewish people and lets us know who we are. -Miriam Ross

Please turn to page 232 and rise for the Sh’ma.

Sh’ma/V’ahavta pg 232

Value is found in both simple and complex things. Value can be found in simply being alive or having a place to come and express yourself, such as at GUCI, or any other special place. Value is the worth of something, and can vary in importance. It is very important, us all being together, the value of being here now, especially because it’s my last summer as a camper. –Baily Doctrow

Please join in the Mi Chamocha on page 240.

Mi Chamocha pg 240

A yellow wristband with the black lettering “All in for Aidan” can always be found on my left wrist. About 10 years ago, a kid in my high school got a brain tumor. I had absolutely no idea who he was when I first heard the news through school. Aiden is a student in my grade. His smiles are completely and utterly contagious. Seriously, a smile can make someone’s whole day. I would see him in the hallway every few days, and he always had a smile on his face. He had a leg brace, went through radiation treatment, and his left side was weak, because of the brain tumor. He never stopped smiling. He inspired me that even when you are having a rough day, you can still smile. I am a leader at home and school. Part of being a leader is having a positive attitude and being able to make others smile. Just like the Amidah, we can all be leaders, but you can’t go anywhere if you don’t smile. You can’t value something, if you don’t smile. Each and every one of us has a precious and contagious smile. Don’t be afraid to share it with others! -Ashley Schlaeger

Please turn to page 242 for the Amidah.

Amidah pg 242

I find value in the peace of prayer here at camp. When I was younger, I never looked forward to services, but now it is one of my favorite parts. The singing we do here at camp, gives me chills with how beautiful our voices are. I will never find any place of higher value in my heart other than GUCI. –Leah Jacobson

Please join in Sim Shalom on page 258

Sim Shalom pg 258

There is value in many things. Take for example, the Silent Prayer; this prayer has always been an important and big part of my life. It gives you a moment of silence and calmness that you can reflect of things or pray to God. For me, I find it being my escape. It’s my moment away from everyone and everything. It’s my moment to think and pray and feel my troubles lift off my back. Silent Prayer has been a valuable part of my life just as camp has, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world. What do you find value in it? –Alex Woosley

Please pray silently.

Silent Prayer

The Torah portion we are about to read talks about how God told Moses that if a man dies and has no sons, his daughters can inherit the property. I think this fits in perfectly with our theme, Finding Value, as this is acknowledging value in treating women and men equally. Many girls today feel insecure about themselves or feel that they are worthless. I just want to tell girls that they always have value; everyone does, even if they can’t see it. You are valuable and amazing, never forget that. – Amanda Techner

Please rise to take the Torah out of the ark on page 364.

Torah Service pg 364

Torah Blessings pg 368

Everyone in the world has different personalities, hobbies, and things that make them unique. The Aleinu is about appreciating what makes us unique. One thing that usually strikes out to people about me is that I am quiet. I am always labeled as the “Quiet one.” I always thought that it was a bad thing, especially because people always remind me to “Be louder and talk more,” as if it is a flaw that I can just get rid of if I open my mouth. Which I could, but it doesn’t seem natural. I read a book that talked about people like Rosa Parls, and Steve Wozniak, who was Steve Job’s partner, who were both quiet people. Even though they were both quiet, they were also powerful, and they made a big difference in the world. I am not saying that I would like to change the world—I am saying that I can find value in the things that make me unique. -Ally Doctrow

Please join in the Aleinu at the bottom of page 586.

Aleinu pg 586

Please join in the Kaddish Yatom on page 598.

Kaddish Yatom pg 598

The closing of anything can be sad. When one door closes another opens they say. Sometimes that’s true and sometimes that’s not. However, every closing is important. The closing of services is happy for some, because they think, “Yeah, now we can have free time!” While others are sad because they want the peace and sanity of services to continue. While it is my last year at camp and I am upset that something this wonderful is ending for me. I have looked on the bright side and found value in my situation. Every day at camp now seems more special, because it is going to end. I urge you to do the same. Next time something is ending for you, try and remember the value in its ending. –Rachel Sullivan

Closing Song – How We’re Blessed