Jewish Life & Values
Camp Alonim is where children thrive and Judaism comes alive. Ours is a pluralistic community, and our families come from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds, beliefs, and levels of observance.
Jewish values are woven into the fabric of life to connect our campers to their rich Jewish heritage. We encourage each camper to discover their own Jewish identity through exploring our traditions and today’s world.
Jewish life at camp can be felt throughout the entirety of our 2800-acre campus. From the Israeli music played on the dance pavilion before meals to our joyful and exciting Friday evening Shabbat song session. Campers explore daily Jewish themes and values through interactive learning experiences. Campers may learn about the value of Tikkun Olam (healing the world) through a nature hike or Israeli culture by making shakshuka in our Teaching Kitchen. Each activity at Alonim is viewed as an opportunity for campers to discover a spark that will ignite a life-long love of Judaism.
Shabbat at Alonim
The culmination of the camp week is Shabbat, and if you ask many Alonimers they will proudly say it is their favorite time of the week! Shabbat at Alonim is marked by a community dressed in white and engaging in joyous dancing, rousing singing, and meaningful prayer and reflection.
The excitement of Shabbat begins on Friday afternoon with a community wide barbecue. Afterwards campers head back to their bunks for an extended rest period where they recharge and get ready for the Shabbat experience.Each cabin, dressed all in white (a tradition dating back to our founding!) meets together to welcome Shabbat with songs and stories. Then together as one community we make our way over to our prayer space, one of the most beautiful spaces at camp, for our Friday evening prayer service. The evening continues with a delicious Shabbat dinner, rousing song session and Israeli dancing into the evening. Shabbat at Camp Alonim is not to be missed!
On Shabbat morning campers sleep in late and wake up to our famous coffee cake breakfast! Age-appropriate services occur throughout camp, followed by an afternoon of free play and a break from the regular schedule. We end Shabbat similarly to how we started — together as a community, with an all-camp Shabbat themed talent show, Malaveh Malkah followed by Havdallah.