Sages in Samara, Russia
Ages: 14- 16

Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning."

In Samara, campers enthusiastically played a game called 'Sages' where they asked many questions and learned loads about Jewish principles and traditions.

Campers were divided into different groups or communities and were asked to compile a list of questions that were relevant to their respective communities about the topics of Shabbat, Tzedeka, Jewish law, and customs.

Campers divided up in to different groups to play the 'Sage' game.

Each community turned to the sages with specific questions. Once the sages gave their answers, each community discussed all of the sages' answers and chose the most appropriate answers for their own community.

Through this game, the campers learned about the value Jewish tradition places on asking questions. They explored many new and different themes and learned to prioritize the values and principles most important to them personally and in a communal setting.

Campers learned the value of asking questions.

Larisa Sviyazova, 16 years old

"Hi, my name is Larisa Sviyazova and I am 16 years old. I really liked the 'Sage' game and our ensuing discussions about rules. I never thought before about rules and their benefits. What are rules? They confine and you never want to follow them. But after our discussions I understood why we need the rules. We have so many rules in our religion. I have a lot of questions about Shabbat, Kashrut, and Jewish holidays. So many prohibitions! But if you study about them you understand that all of them are very sound. I'm sure I'll keep on studying these issues after camp. I want to understand what these rules are for?  What do they give us?"

Daniil Tishansky, 16 years old

" I am Daniil Tishanskiy and I am 16 years old. Most of all I liked Shabbat. I tried to observe all the Shabbat rules. I smoke but I always thought not to smoke on Shabbat. It was difficult for me but in camp everything was different because I wasn't alone. Almost all smokers in our camp didn't smoke last Shabbat. I felt wonderful! And I even was very proud! And the ceremony – candles, and songs, and our pride, it was very exiting. And also my dream came true – in this camp I made a film. I want to continue doing it and to be in touch with all my new friends."

Camp is a great way to see old friends and meet new ones.

July 19 – 27, 2009