Do you ever feel a strong sense of belonging and pride when you're surrounded by the people who make you feel the most loved? Well, I had the pleasure to have that happen to me many times this summer. I could go on and on about every single moment, but I want to highlight the power and sense of security, warmth, and closeness when celebrating Havdalah at Perlman. There is something magical about Havdalah at Perlman and there's no place I'd rather do Havdalah. 

I always thought the way my camp, URJ camp Kalsman in Arlington, Washington, Havdalah, was so special for me there.  It was so special to me because it was one of the only versions I knew how to celebrate Havdalah. It was special in its own way; we would gather around the fire and sing classic camp songs. While doing the blessings. I always looked forward to having Havdalah every week while at camp. I could have a chance to lean on my friends and reflect on the past week at camp. 

Then I came to Perlman, and I felt a stronger sense of belonging that I had never felt before. It was like there was a light that just kept getting bigger and brighter. It shined the brightest and the strongest when I was surrounded by the Perlman community that we had built in both programs. From running around in a big circle holding one another tight, singing at the top of our lungs, and watching the lights of the magical “Perlman Tree” turn on. Those are just some moments I loved about Havdalah at Perlman. All these things have made Havdalah feel even more special and close to my heart.

One of my favorite parts of Havdalah is after we are done singing around the tree together. We all would hug each other, and I like to call it “Hugging Time,” where we all post singing start, sobbing, and hugging all of our friends. Some weeks are short and nice, and other weeks, like the last week of ILTC or Kallah, the hugs are long and meaningful because we all know that this could be the last time we hug each other around the Perlman Tree. It was my favorite moment because I got to hug my closest friends so tight, and it was our special moment of the week. Then, I felt ready for the week ahead. Also, one moment that I love is when, right after we finished singing one of my best friends just jumped into my arms, and it was the best moment because we hugged each other so tight. To this day, it is one of my favorite photos I have. This connects back to the sense of belonging and undying love for the community because when I came to Perlman, I didn't realize that I could have something so special that I loved so much that I can't wait to go back and do it again when I'm a staff. It brings me so much joy whenever I think about those nights under the tree, singing at the top of my lungs, surrounded by my closest friends. 

I did bring some of what Perlman Havdalah gave to me, back home with me. For example, I work at my temple as a madricah, meaning I’m helping out the teachers by managing kids, kind of like being a camp counselor, and part of my job is to be a role model to the little kids who are just starting their Jewish journey. By showing up to my temple every Sunday morning. Personally, for me, connecting with the kids is really special to me and showing them how proud I am to be Jewish. I feel it is the most special when I'm sitting around the little kids, on my lap, or leaning on me while we're singing the blessings for Havdalah. It reminds me of how special havdalah at Perlman was and that now, every Sunday, I can bring a little bit of Perlman into their lives. 

I also feel that as we are approaching the holiday season. We should remind ourselves that having a strong community like BBYO, we can still be connected as one big jewish community that we are. By surrounding ourselves with the people we love. We should also be grateful for all the special experiences that this organization has given us, whether on a summer program, in your own chapters or regions and all around the order, or at IC!

Have the best holiday season!!  

xoxoxoxo

Becca

‍