Shabbat-O-Gram: Passover Edition
Dear Kingswood Families,
As we head into the weekend and prepare for Saturday’s Seder, I’ve been thinking about the meaning of Passover, my favorite holiday. There’s something magical about the Seder: the structure and order, the storytelling, the songs, the Afikomen search, the jokes about Elijah’s Cup emptying.
But beyond the food and fun of whacking each other with green onions, what speaks to me especially this year, is the deeper meaning. There’s a heaviness in the air as hostages remain in captivity, and the words, ‘Next year in Jerusalem’ at the end of the Seder bring a painful moment as we know so many families in Israel are incomplete. Themes of liberation, fighting oppression, and freedom have always connected my social justice-minded heart to the holiday, but this year more than ever, I’m finding myself thinking about these themes as we navigate complexities that remind us how precious – and powerful – freedom really is.
At camp, while it may appear at first glance we’re just playing, we’re intentionally living these values every day, in an effort to internalize their importance, so campers leave camp committed to making the world better. Kingswood is a place where campers experience their own kind of freedom – one that helps them grow into independent, caring, compassionate people. Whether they’re choosing their own electives, walking on their own to activities, or designing their own independent study, campers learn they’re capable of so much more than they thought, in ways they don’t experience in the rest of their lives, or even at many other camps.
And just like we ask the Four Questions at the Seder, we encourage our campers to ask big questions. To be courageous, to think critically, to speak up, and to stand up for what they believe. Voice and choice are important values for us at Kingswood, and we’re constantly thinking about how to be even more intentional about creating space for kids to feel heard. Whether through bunk discussions, camper surveys, or the camper feedback box in the Dining Hall, Kingswood campers know their voices matter.
Which brings me to an announcement I’m excited to share – next month I’ll be hosting Returning Camper Feedback Sessions, for our returners to share their thoughts, ideas, questions, and I’m sure, a few strong opinions about Color War themes. 😉 I’m looking forward to hearing what they have to say and getting them involved in shaping an incredible 2025 summer. Look for an upcoming announcement with those meeting details.
Until then, wishing you and your family a peaceful Shabbat and a meaningful, joyful Passover. May your matzah be crisp, your Seder songs loud, and your kids show you some Camp Kingswood independence by helping with the dishes.
Read on for a few important updates and reminders—summer is coming faster than it takes to find the Afikomen!
With love and gratitude,
Jodi
