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What teens are saying about Bais Chana's Un-Camp ... Dena, 15, New York City Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey It’s amazing how just a few words can change your whole perspective. I got some of my major questions in life answered - and they weren’t the usual explanations that people give. They actually made sense. In the process, I met other girls who were struggling with exactly the same questions I had and we really connected. .............................................................................. Elizabeth, 17, Brooklyn, NY Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey I didn’t expect the house to be so beautiful or in such a lovely setting. I didn’t expect to talk to the Rabbi one-on-one. I thought he would talk to us once and leave. I learned a lot about Judaism and how Shabbat works - I learned so much that there isn’t enough room for me to describe it all. I feel like I gained more spirituality, and like there’s a lot more to discover. I feel like I’m getting closer to my Jewish background. I definitely want to go back. One suggestion: please make the program during a longer school break. It’s so hard to go back home - it’s a huge transition back into everyday life, school, etc. .............................................................................. Sara, 17, New York City Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey I didn’t think it would be so organized and fun - but it was really fun. You have to be very open-minded, ready to learn and willing to listen. I used to be afraid of the word marriage. What if he cheats? What if it doesn’t work out? There’s still a lot to learn and I want to hear it, but the idea of marriage doesn’t scare me anymore. I think I have the tools now to be a much happier person. .............................................................................. Helen, 18, Brooklyn, NY Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey I came in order to learn new things about the Torah, praying and Judaism as a whole. I was nervous about meeting new people and not being able to keep Shabbat all the way. But I did it!!! I learned. Philosophy? Yes. Answers? Yes. Wisdom? Yes. Everyone was so nice… the Rabbi, the hosts, the counselors, and the other girls. The most important thing I learned is that first comes marriage, then comes love. An interesting thing to ponder. Another thing is that to be happy is to feel. To not feel is to be numb - depressed. Yes, I knew before, but I understand it now. It was fun. It was educational. It was spiritual. And it was mentally challenging. The complexity of Judaism has been untangled a wee bit more. .............................................................................. Chana, 16, New Jersey Thanksgiving 2007 – New Jersey One of the most important things I learned is to be respectful of other people’s opinions even if I don’t agree. I think I’ve gained a much better understanding of what it means to be a good person - not necessarily more religious or anything specific… just a good person… someone people will like - and how to get there. I also really enjoyed the graphology and painting workshops, which I didn’t think I would. .............................................................................. M, 18, Long Island Thanksgiving 2007 – New Jersey I was looking forward to being inspired, learning and gaining a new outlook in some areas… meeting new people and seeing their outlook on life, but I was nervous it might be too intense. I loved it so much! I had an amazing time! I really have a new outlook in many areas and ideas. The Rabbi taught me a lot, and the girls who I met here are all really amazing. They inspired me by their struggles and how they got through them. I wasn’t really expecting to meet such amazing people who would inspire me for good…and although I didn’t plan on it, I made new friends whom I really admire. The classes totally changed my outlook on the idea of marriage. Now I understand that marriage is a re-uniting of two parts of the same soul. Love in a marriage builds up over time. I learned about sadness, grief and how everything has a purpose, but I still don’t understand how everything, like people suffering, could be good. I also discovered that I love to paint. From the handwriting analysis I found out some things about myself that I’d like to work on, and that I should appreciate everyone for their unique personalities. I can’t wait to go home and teach all I learned to my friends who weren’t able to come. Thank you so much for this amazing weekend! .............................................................................. Leora, 15, Toronto I was nervous about the normal things, I guess you could say. Will I fit in? Will I be interested in the classes? Would I like the activities? The program exceeded my expectations in so many ways. The classes were amazing, and the girls were so sweet. Everything was perfect. I learned that it’s important to surround yourself with holy things in order to live holy lifestyle by serving G-d, and how important it is to encourage Jewish pride. I will never forget our last farbrengen on Shabbat. I feel that now I have the tools to keep myself inspired in to grow in my Judaism. This experience was a turning point in my life. It changed my perspective of Judaism for the better. Kali, Surfside, FL The location was perfect. The counselors were amazing. The classes were fascinating. This program literally changed my life>. Shevy, 17, CT I was excited to be able to learn in an environment where nothing was forced upon me, and I could ask most any question I wanted to. Everyone loved the counselors, even though people might call them “ultra-religious” because they wore stockings and covered their collar bone, etc. The classes are great. You really grow by the end of the summer, even if you don’t realize it. Nothing is forced, so you feel free to choose. You make lots of good friends from tons of different backgrounds. There are great trips, and even when you’re staying in, you’re never bored. I just feel that my faith is stronger. I feel like I’ve gained confidence as well, for some reason, and I know that it’s not just enough that I’m a good Jewish girl, but I need to work on myself constantly. Naomi, 18, New Haven I’ve met so many special and talented people over the past few weeks who shared one common goal: to learn. I’ve bonded with the group and opened up to them in ways I never thought I was capable of. Bais Chana is the perfect example of a true “melting pot.” Everyone comes from such different backgrounds that it would seem impossible to connect with each other. On the contrary, everyone opens up to each other and learns from each other’s differences. Bais Chana’s most impressive “trait” is that it provides you with a level of indescribable freedom, but balances it with the perfect amount of trust. The overall environment is so welcoming and warm. Everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and the atmosphere is extremely non-judgmental, regardless of your background or past experiences. As much as I’d like to avoid the though of it, I’m on the brink of adulthood. And not just any adulthood, but a Jewish one, which comes with an overwhelming responsibility. I have learned to embrace adulthood and acknowledge my important responsibilities. It’s the ideal way to spend a summer – extending your social circles, going on exciting trips and learning at the same time. It’s a positive experience from all angles. It broadened my understanding of having a higher purpose in my life. This contributed to my having a much less selfish outlook in life. It was fun, and at the same time, I learned so much – mostly about things I wouldn’t have had a chance to learn about elsewhere. Rabbi Friedman was very honest when it came to answering our questions. He was very informative on delicate subjects. Chassidus is beautiful. It’s a totally different way of looking at everything and I love it! Chelsea, 16, Los Angeles |
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