The first days of camp are always filled with excitement, energy, and the beginnings of new routines. Cabins settle in, friendships begin to take shape, and our community starts to come alive in both familiar and fresh ways. In these opening moments, we’re reminded how much each person contributes to making camp feel like home.
This week’s Torah portion, Korach, offers a powerful lens through which to reflect on the kind of community we’re building. Korach challenges Moshe and Aharon’s leadership, asking why they hold special roles when “the entire community is holy.” It’s a bold question and one that raises important ideas about leadership and responsibility. But what Korach misses is that leadership is not about status or spotlight. It is about stepping forward with humility and care for others.
Already this week, we’ve seen those quieter forms of leadership all around us. Campers welcoming new bunkmates, staff lending a hand without being asked, and moments of kindness that help set the tone for the summer ahead.
Yesterday’s all-camp evening program brought this idea to life in a joyful and meaningful way. Through a combination of a spirited song session and a pre-Shabbat carnival of stations, we experienced what it means to prepare for Shabbat as a community. Some campers helped create a mural featuring a prayer for the State of Israel, others cooked a traditional Yemeni dish that will be served at lunch tomorrow, and still others assembled spice bags for our first Havdalah. Each person contributed in their own way, and together, we built something greater than any one individual.
As we welcome our first Shabbat of the summer, may we carry with us the message of Korach: that true leadership is about showing up for others with consistency, humility, and kindness.
Warmly,
Josh Micley, Camp Director