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The first Shabbat at the “Jewish ECOcamp” ecological camp in the RC “School of Health” village of Pecheski was successfully celebrated on June 18 at 9:03 PM, as tradition requires. Despite the excitement of the participants and organizers, the first trip was fun and relaxed. This was facilitated by the comfortable conditions of the Rehabilitation Center, as well as the friendliness of the Youth Club participants, who became the first visitors, and the hard work of the “Community” volunteers who ensured the smooth operation of the camp.
We have already written many times about the Rehabilitation Center "School of Health" and its capabilities, so we will not repeat once again how unique this place is. Adults and children love to spend time here, but the experiment with overnight stays in this city was held for the first time. This was facilitated by the continuation of the "Shabbat Night" project, which is held monthly at the "Thia" Community Center.
Upon arrival at the RC, visitors were greeted by good weather and an interesting program, as well as several surprises from the organizers. A mountain bike was brought here especially for the event, and everyone could "ride" the quiet village street where the Center is located. Those who did not know how to ride could try to learn. Good company in this case was provided by two local dogs, who came to the RC to visit and got into a fight with teenagers everywhere, playing and making mischief.
In the yard, deckchairs were already set up for relaxation, and in the garden, red currants had just ripened, which were not only large in size but also had a pleasant taste. The camp program began with getting to know each other and defining expectations from the time spent together. After a short activity to build trust in each other, the teenagers began practical occupational therapy classes. They could choose to try weeding corn beds, turning mowed hay with a pitchfork, picking berries, or digging up weeds. They had to hurry to figure out all the goals by Shabbat. The most agile ones tried all the options and felt like real residents of the non-urbanized periphery.
The Shabbat meeting was held on the lawn in front of the RC building. A small table was set up here, candles were lit, and blessings were recited over the juice and challah. It was quite unusual for all the participants, but the teenagers enjoyed meeting the Queen of the Sabbath in the open air. Upon meeting her, everyone turned to the open gate to the courtyard of the Health School, since there were no other open-air entrances.
Even before the start of Shabbat, a large bonfire had been lit in the backyard. Therefore, even after the bans began, the children were able to sit by the burning fire for some time until it finally died out. The meal was also held outside in the gazebos.
In the morning, the teenagers were treated to "Boker Tov" and a nutritious breakfast of dairy products, which are abundant in the village. Then, in the calm atmosphere of the morning, the reading of the Weekly Torah Chapter took place. Before leaving, the children had time to play various active games, ride bicycles, and chat with farm animals. The cows that passed by the Center to graze looked at the guests from the city with interest and allowed themselves to be treated to bread.
This is how the first ecological Shabbaton ended. The organizers took into account all the shortcomings that the group may have and will eliminate them before the next group arrives. And there should be a lot of such people, since summer began not so long ago, and there is enough natural wealth for everyone!
