Yesterday was Shabbat, and boy did we observe it! Shabbat at Camp Tawonga begins on Friday night (which doesn't make it any different from anywhere else, it just helps to say that for the story's sake) with our Kabbalat Shabbat services. Each unit (four bunks of similar ages, two boys and two girls) gather together and join in traditional songs and prayers such as the Sh'ma and Barechu. In addition, each bunk is given a theme to explore before the service, and given the task of presenting something back to the group on their theme during the service. Following the services, the bunks head back to their cabins and have a discussion and debrief the week they have had together and further explore the theme of shabbat. Saturday morning the camp had a sleep-in buffet breakfast with eggs and bagels and cereal. The Saturday Morning Torah service is held at our outdoor chapel called Makom Shalom, or, "Place of Peace." At this service the whole camp joins together in prayer and song, and our third year counselors take the Torah portion for the week and create a skit, usually combining pop culture with Torah themes. The day is relaxing and fun and features floats, free swim, and a Shabbat program that introduces Jewish teachings in creative ways. Lunch is a buffet and dinner is a barbecue with the special treat of sodas for drinks. The day closes with a camper talent show, this year filled with amazing acts including songs, acrobatics, skits and dances. The kids cheer each other on and the ones who perform leave the stage with huge smiles on their faces. The night is concluded with a Havdallah service once the first star can be seen in the sky. The braided candle is lit and then extinguished in the cup of wine (or a non-alcoholic stand in) to signify the week's end. Sunday morning, the camp wakes up at the normal time, and the week begins again.