David S., Age 12
Tribe of Zebulun

This year, Malachai had his bar mitzvah at camp. This was a part of Camp Gilgal history. It was the first and only (until now) bar mitzvah held at junior camp. Malachai’s birthday was on July 1, at camp, and since he was turning 13, he had his bar mitzvah here (July 2, 2011). His family came a few days before it. Rabbster, Mrs. Walker, Tirzah, Kezzi, and Talia (Zemeira and Jaden were already here). His parsha was Balak. He read Numbers 22:2-6 in the Hebrew. For his drash, he went through the story of Balaam and Balak. He talked about how God will not let Israel be cursed. Then, since it was Shabbat, Rabbster talked about some verses and the lessons we can learn from them. I am really glad to be Malachai’s friend. Moose called up the “manly tribe of Zebulun” and Chai’s family and we prayed for him. I learned a lot from his bar mitzvah, and I hope that he will grow closer to God as he reaches manhood.