By Matt Lubin- Bus 15
It’s amazing what people can do together. Camping out in a hot desert, sleeping outside, and having zero cell service. These are some of my favorite people in the world. The spirit and compassion they show is amazing. While we could have been complaining, instead we created memories. Inspired by the nostalgia of Camp Harlam’s song sessions, we created our own circle of good music and friendship. With our arms around each other, we sang and laughed—and maybe cried a little—as we lived in the moment.
That is what is truly beautiful about Jewish community. It brings people together in ways unheard of anywhere else. Where else can you see American teenagers hand in hand with Israelis, singing a song neither might truly understand but tries to all the same? Where else are people of all genders, sexualities, and backgrounds treated so equally? Where else would I find my best friends in the whole world?
I wouldn’t even know where to look.
These types of moments are so essential for the trip experience. While the true attractions are fun, the real memories come from times where everything isn’t so ideal. In 95 degree heat, around the remains of a campfire, we came together in unity. Songs from camp, pop culture, and tradition blended together to form a meaningful experience. Did the Israelis know what or where West Virginia is? No, probably not, but they sang of its country roads with the same longing of some who lived there.
These are the moments, the ones we remember. Campfire songs are a regular occurrence at Camp Harlam, but I have a feeling this one in particular will stick with me. Whether it was the setting, the atmosphere, or simply the community, it was truly special.
