Bogrim discusses identity

Today Bogrim had a peulat edah run by staff that discussed Jewish identity. Being that today is Tisha B'Av (9th of Av), it was an appropriate topic to discuss. We started by breaking up into groups and going to different stations. At each station a counselor was given a character to act as. Each of these characters are famous Jews who, whether they are observant all the time or not, stand up for their Judaism at some point in their life. A few of these people included Sandy Koufax, Senator Joe Lieberman, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

After they learned a little bit about each of these people, the groups discussed their own Jewish identity, and the struggles that they may face being teenagers in a secular world. It was great to hear the chanichim having a discussion with each other. They come from a variety of backgrounds, and it is clear that they have a level of intellectual maturity to have these types of discussions. I was very impressed with the deep ideas the chanichim have, and it was wonderful to reflect on being Jewish on this specific day. Tisha B'Av is time of tragedy in Jewish history, and we commemorate that at Camp Ramah. However, on this day we are also privileged to see Jewish youth growing and maturing in a safe and positive environment.