By Jenny Rehkugler, Communications Specialist
This week Crane Lake campers and staff learned and lived the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Tikkun Olam is a central part of the Crane Lake mission statement as well as the mission of Jews around the world.
Campers have been learning about the meaning of Tikkun Olam in their Limud and Kesher courses all week and on Thursday they were given the chance to put their repairing skills into action. Crane Lakers of all ages signed up to volunteer and get their hands a little dirty at an Albany farm that is connected to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Earlier this summer a different group from CLC went to this farm and planted vegetables. This week the Tikkun Olam group helped take it full circle by picking the planted veggies. From weeding sweet potatoes in the fields to getting a tour of the greenhouses, everyone had a great time working hard and learning about the farm to home process.
The farm was unique because it works hard to optimize crops both outside and in greenhouses to better its ability to provide food for the hungry. The produce that the farm grows goes directly to the food bank to be distributed into homes. Campers not only learned how to help by doing physical work, but also why doing Tikkun Olam is an important part of life.
There are many ways to repair the world. Repairing can happen with hands, with minds, with words and with hearts. With Shabbat in the air, upper Bonim held a Tikkun Olam fair on the main lawn of camp to share what they’ve learned in their Limud lessons this week about advocacy and philanthropy.
Upper Bonim campers spent the week learning about and researching different organizations to represent at the fair. While at the Tikkun Olam fair, each unit had the chance to visit the stations to be educated about the organizations and pick their favorite. Once they made their choice, campers were given a sticker to show their support. Each station also had an optional donation cup if campers wanted to donate left over trip money.
On Saturday after the Crane Lake and Eisner half marathon, campers and staff will participate in a walk-a-thon. Everyone is encouraged to walk for a cause to show support for Crane Lake’s efforts in repairing the world. We are proud of all the work and learning our campers and staff have been involved in with regards to this special value of Tikkun Olam.
Learn more about the organizations Upper Bonim represented at the Tikkun Olam fair.