|
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfNRyPtH9Zo[/embed] Dear Parents,
I hope that you are doing well. One of the campers asked me this week, “why is it allowed for us to have so much fun during the Nine Days?” I thought for a moment and I replied, “The Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because we didn’t understand the importance of loving, caring for, and supporting our fellow Jews. RTC is our opportunity to make up for that. Through the fun and excitement, new friends become old friends, and old friends become better friends. We are doing our part to bring about the building of the Beis Hamikdash, one deep relationship at a time.”
While this week was jam-packed with invigorating chaburahs, intense sports leagues, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, a Yankees-Orioles game, Hershey Park (1.5 times), Zavazone, a Jets-Giants game, and so much more, I truly believe that the fun we had and the connections that have been made, was the perfect way for us to adequately prepare ourselves for Tisha B’av.
The 9 Days is meant to be a time of reflection, meaningful introspection, and growth. As such, it was a tremendous honor and privilege for us to have Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz join us in Baltimore this week. His engaging shiurim and words of Torah, coupled with his authentic care and concern for each and every camper was an invaluable asset to our program and the growth that our NCSY’ers want and need to have.
Unless Moshiach arrives within the next few hours (in which case, I’m going to do my best to get the hotel in Cleveland to transfer our stay over to a hotel in Yerushalayim), RTC will be spending Shabbos and Tisha B’av together in Teaneck. Tisha B’av is a very hard day for most people (especially teenagers) to truly grapple with and fully understand. As such, our goal this weekend is to make Tisha B’av as relevant and meaningful as possible for the campers, while also not overburdening them while they are fasting. There are some portions of the weekend that are open to the community as well, so, please feel free to join us during those times (see the attached schedules for details).
Wishing everyone an easy fast and a meaningful Tisha B’av. May we soon have the ability to add the Beis Hamikdash to the RTC itinerary, bimheira b’yameinu amen.
Sincerely,
Avi Rosalimsky 
|
