Issue 6 - August 9, 2013 - Gesher Summer Camp

The Gesher Gazette“Like" us on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/geshersummercamp"Follow" us on Pinterest:http://pinterest.com/gesherfunView our latest videos at:www.youtube.com/user/Gesher2012Happy BirthdayMiriam Grodin 8/5Samuel Grodin 8/5Jack Sapherstein 8/5Madeline Rothschild 8/11WildWest DayAugust 12h August 13th August 14th August 15thA Message From the Directors:Where has the time gone! It’s hard to believe that we have already come to the end ofWeek Six here at Gesher. This was, of course, another exciting week, full of lots of fun activities,theme days and more.One of the things that sets Gesher apart from any other camp is our Jewish ideology. Incelebrating our heritage, Tuesday we experienced an incredible full-day, camp-wide Yom Yisraelprogram as we went on a special journey to Israel. Campers spent the day helping the shlichim ―findthe ruach‖ as we visited the kotel in Jerusalem, went to a "disco" in Tel Aviv, simulated irrigating theNegev to make the desert bloom, were challenged with fun sports games at a Maccabiah, practicedmaneuvers on an Israeli army obstacle course, and even made own family Bruchim Habaim (welcome)plaques at the Souvenir Shop! This entire day could not have been possible without the efforts of ouramazing shlichim, who worked so hard to plan this fun filled and exciting day for our campers. Wehave been so fortunate to have Oren Bar Bachar, Adi Yodev and Hadas Yeheskeli share their talents,their enthusiasm and their passion with us this summer.A favorite stations that campers visited on Yom Yisrael was Abraham and Sarah's tents wherecampers learned the lesson of hospitality that was taught to us in the Bible. We'd like to express ourgratitude to our wonderful host families who embody the ideals of Abraham and Sarah. It is becauseof their generous hospitality that we were able to accommodate our three shlichim. Todah Rabah toHelene, David, Ariel & Yoni Arzt; Sharon, Josh & Zaky Cohn; Orit, Asaf & Noa Dor; Cindy, Neil &Jordana Goldstein; Stacy, Scott, Rebekkah & Eliza Merkel; Elana, Claude & PalomaSzyfer; and Heather, Dimitry, Brooke & MadisonVorona.As we say goodbye to out 6-week friends, we lookforward to a great 7 th week, that includes Negev’s trip toBowcraft and Galil’s Family Dinner and Show!~ Scott, Marla & AmyB-Ball DressUp DayMadrichim/LIT Rebounderz TripMad HatterDayAugust 16thVolume 12, Issue 6August 9, 2013Elul 3, 5773Scott Lantzman, Director(862) 437-8111All Star StaffDirector’s ChoiceEva NelsonKinneretEllie CohenSophie FoxHannah GelberAndrea PerkinsJuila PortnoffRyan ShaevitzNegevAdam BeneroffLIat DavidRaechel RitzerNick SaranoGalilSammie CarusoAmanda DecterAdam SolomonTalia SolomonSpecialistsOren Bar BacharAlex DaviesSam StaceyPete WilliamsonHadas YeheskeliAdi YodevAquaticsJulia BinderMargit LandaWallis LinkerTalia RosenstrauchDavid Shulman

Page 2Gesher GazetteKinneretWeek 6 kicked off with many a rainbow hueAs campers wore tie-dye in colors like, red, green,yellow and blue.Yom Yisrael was a special treat.Gesher-made pita was yummy to eat.Many areas did we get to explore,Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Negev were just a bit ofwhat our Shlichim had in store.The games and activities were so much fun.There was truly something special to do for each and everyone.On Wednesday a juggling show visited Gesher and performed for all.How did they manage to keep all their props from taking a fall?Tennis racquets, bottles and even plates flew through the airThe performers made it look so easy—That's not fair!Everyone at camp would have to agreeThat Crazy Hair Day was a sight to see.Mohawks, spray-painted hair, and spikey hairdosWere just some of the options campers decided to choose!Pajama Day brought out all of our sleepyheads.Campers and counselors appeared to have just rolled out of their beds.Farewell to Week Six, it went by so fast.~ Michelle, Audra & StaceyGalilMonday of Week Six started out with a funky tie die day whereeveryone in camp showed off their cool designs. The Shlichim did anamazing job with Yom Yisrael and everyone enjoyed traveling to Israeland rediscovering the amazing Ruach in Gesher in a new way! We had aJuggling show on Wednesday and were really happy to have greatAida News!NegevMonday was a very colorful day here at camp. It was fun to seeeveryone's version of their tie dye shirts! Tuesday was YomYisrael. The day started with a great video made by Bayleh(our video specialist). There was lots of laughter in theauditorium as everyone watched. Through the whole day, therewas so much spirit in camp. Whether we were making pita inSarah or Abraham's tent, to training like a soldier at Gad-Na(obstacle courses), to the Maccabiah in our gyms,it was a terrific day! Wednesday we enjoyed ajuggling show in our auditorium. We ended theweek with Crazy Hair Day and Pajama Day.Although we're sad that camp is ending soon,we're looking forward to two more actionpacked weeks! Shabbat shalom.~ Sharon and LyndseyMadrichimIt has been an incredible summer so far here at Gesher Summer Camp for theMadrichim. We've gone to so many incredible places and there are so many moreto come! Week 3 we accompanied Galil to watch the thrilling NY Liberty WNBAteam. In Week 4 we had our first overnight after a fun-filled trip at Camel BeachWater Park. Last week we went to one of our favorites, Laser One laser tag arenain Wantage, NJ. We even brought along one of our Shlichim so he could show uswhat his army training taught him (he won of course!) This week we had anawesome time on our annual trip to Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom as well asour second overnight of the summer. Also, we started our Gesher-certifiedBabysitter course and will be starting our CPR training with our Aquatic's DirectorJeff sometime next week.So much is going on here at GESHER!! We can't WAIT for another incredible week!!~Mike and Daniweather most of Thursday when we were out in Dorney Park! While their was minor rain at points during the day the campers hada blast with the short lines and amazing rides, and campers were thrilled that we chose a day when the park was so empty! Weare sad to be done with our Galil trips, but can't wait for the our exciting Galil Undernight when we get to perform for all theparents and relatives next Wednesday night. Hope to see you all there!~ Shai and the rest of the Galil Staff!August 9, 2013Elul 3, 5773

Page 4Gesher GazetteJokes of the DayFrom Deep, Deep Down in theArchives of Jokedom!Monday:Where do cows go on Mondaynight?To the Moovie TheatreTuesday:Yom Yisrael Day-No JokeWednesday:Why did the shark not eat theclown?Because they taste funnyThursday:Which magician has the best hair?Hairy PotterFriday:What is the best day of the week?Snooze-DayWhat an AMAZING week this has been!! Wehad the best time singing songs especiallyon Yom Israel where the campers enjoyedlots of music and leaned about marching atthe army station we set up. The weather hasbeen beautiful so instead of being inside thecabins, the campers sat outside to sing songsand listen to awesome guitar playing.There is never a dull moment in Shirah! Thenext two weeks will be full of ruach!~OrenTorah Portion of the Week: ShoftimShirahRabbi RichThe opening sentence of this week’s Torah portion reads, "Judges and officers shalt thou makethee in all they gates, which the Lord thy G-d giveth thee.”The commentators teach us that every person has gates (eyes, ears, mouth, etc.) which weneed to be mindful about in order to live an ethical life. We must see what is right and hear whatis correct, in order not to be easily led into temptation. Decency combined with structure helpestablish a respectable community. The Bible, therefore, teaches us "Guard your tongue fromevil and thy lips from speaking deceit.” It's important to keep in mind that self-scrutiny appliesto you—but be kind and merciful in your judgments of others.On another note, this past Wednesday, as we ushered in the new monthof Elul, we witnessed a tremendous number of our campers who steppedforward to blow the shofar at Boker Tov. Their joy and excitementpermeated throughout the entire camp. May the sounds of the shofar continue to remind us of theimportance of unity during the present as well as the future.Shabbat Shalom to all!~Rabbi RichGesher Mitzvah of the Week: ShofarCandlelighting time: 7:45 Shabbat Ends: 8:45Mitzvah Award Winners: KG1, G2A, B2A, G3AAugust 9, 2013Elul 3, 5773

Page 7Gesher GazetteOur camp photos are now online!The website is: http://gesher.smugmug.com Password: ilovegesherAugust 9, 2013Elul 3, 5773110 South Orange Avenue Livingston, NJ 07039 Phone: (862) 437-8111Email: info@gesherfun.org Website: www.gesherfun.org