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

GUCI Evening Service

July 24, 2014

Cabin 18: L’Chaim

Opening Song

Life has an end and a beginning. Even though I am still at the beginning of mine, it has been enjoyable thus far. While relatively average, my enjoyment comes from the places I visit, the people I meet, and the things I encounter in various media. The Bar’chu, the entrance to prayer, and the early years of your life prepares you for the remainder. L’Chaim. -Josh Lashley

Bar’chu

For a 15 year old there are many opportunities to say L’chaim. However, it is important to balance school with your social life and get a good night’s sleep. This connects to the Ma’ariv Aravim because it taks about the creation of night and day. Getting good sleep is important in everyone’s life. L’chaim. -Ethan Adato

Maariv Aravim

Ahavat Olam is the prayer of G-d’s love for us, the same love we should attempt to apply L’chaim –to life. It may seem cliché, but a sense of love, wonder, and gratitude can go a long way. Most recently, Kesher offered me options to slow down and recognize the beauty around me not always in obvious places. Waterfalls and the successful swat of a mosquito all can help us see the love in our lives. -Robby Creed

Ahavat Olam

1, 2, 3, 4, 5. That 5 means more than you could ever imagine. Time is funny; it is aloways going by and you can’t stop it. Those five seconds just brought you closer to the end of another day, closer to when you graduate, closer to when you learn to drive. Time will always be passing by and it is up to you to go along for the ride. That’s a part of life. L’chaim. – Tim Morrison

Sh’ma/V’ahavta

The Mi Chamocha teaches us to remember our past and look forward to our amazing life ahead. While we may not want to participate in some activities, we should generally just go for it and we will feel much better just knowing that we lived the experience to the fullest. Personally, I struggle with the concept. It is hard for me to just jump in an activity, but when I do, I feel much better afterwards. If you follow this advice, it will significantly help you, especially at Guci. L’chaim. -Zachary Nosanchuk

Mi Chamocha

Everyday I try to live my life to the fullest. Hashkiveinu is about protection and peace in my life and I don’t need to be worried about being put in danger. L’chaim. -Spencer Laufenberg

Hashkiveinu

Life is something that is constantly changing. Sometimes things happen that you don’t expect. When these things pop up, you just need to take them in stride and accept it as a part of life. L’chaim. -Elijah Hirsch

Amidah (Avot V’Imahot, G’vurot, Kedushat Hashem)

When you have no conflicting emotions or altercations you are at peace with yourself. When I am in a tough situation, I find my happy place and clear my mind. The Shalom Rav talks about peace and wholeness. Israel is in an unnerving situation right now, so let’s pray for peace. -Philippe Kogan

Shalom Rav

In one of my favorite songs it says, “Meanwhile back at mama’s porch lighs on, come on in if you want to, supper is on the stove, drinks are in the fridge.” This means to me that we expect our parents to do things for us all the time when we are younger, but as we get older, we have to learn to do things for ourselves and our families. We all live different lives at home. Some of us have no responsibilities and some of us have more than we can imagine. Camp however, is the one place when all of us, young, old. Healthy, sick, weak, strong, can all come together as a community to take to these responsibilities and live life to the fullest. L’chaim. -Michael Richards

Silent Prayer, Yih’yu L’ratzon

In life, one may experience sadness and anger. I live for the moments of friendship and love. When these occur, I lose all memory of the sadness and anger life brought me. As always, life goes on. L’chaim. -Clinton Rothschild

Aleinu L’shabeiach

During the Kaddish Yatom, I think about the people who passed, ones still with us, and even happy to meet other good friends to call brothers and sisters. I feel more connected to G-d and family during this prayer, because it reminds us that they haven’t left us, they are just above us watching. At camp, my connection to Judaism is greater than at home, because this place was the start of my religion. My mom always told me to bereave than forget. Also, life is like a firework, it shoots up to show the duration and when it pops the colors show the people who will always be with you. My point is never forget but to smile and say L’chaim. -Josh Verbitsky

Mourner’s Kaddish

This is my first year at GUCI. I was nervous at first, but after just a couple of days unfamiliar faces began to fade away and I got to know everyone. I realized how great Guci is. My experience has shown me that new experiences are nothing to be afraid of, because it could turn out to be something great that you will remember for the rest of your life. L’chaim. -Jonah Katz

Closing Song