Top 8 Best CSL Shabbat Traditions:
8. Stump Aaron Cantor
The new tradition is a born off of previous years' "Ask John Golden". Once the main service ends on Friday night, every village gets their chance to "stump Aaron Cantor". They ask him a question in the hopes that he does not know the answer. If they so in fact, stump him, the village gets a point. The village with the most points in the end gets canteen! Anything for candy.
7. The Matzo Ball
The only reason why this tradition is not higher on the list is simply because it is so new. After every Shabbat service Mohawk, Seneca and Tusc congregate and dance their hearts out at a "ball". Whether you are jamming out on the stage or circling the dance floor you are assured to have a good time dancing to the songs of the summer.
6. Discussion Groups
As boring as this activity sounds in comparison to all of the other exciting things we do at camp, the campers thoroughly enjoy discussion groups. It is the only time of the week where we can sit down and truly share their feelings about some of the struggles we face. Not only is it a fascinating hour of the week, we learn a large amount about our peers.
5. Shabbat Choice
One of the only times besides hobbies where the campers get to choose how to spend their time around camp. You can swim, play conpetetive gaga, or even talk about the economics of sports!
4. Shabbat Clap
Another example of how we would do anything for candy. Aaron Cantor gives us a clap. We have to follow it and get a thumbs up from every judge. I never see Onondagans and Cayugans as focused as they are trying to get a clap rhythm down. But when all of camp comes together, we succeed!
3. Shabbat Walk
One of the oldest and most raved about tradition at CSL. The walk from the dining hall to the waterfront for services may be a great time to chat with your friends or a romantic evening with a date. That is for you to decide. All that is known is that one of the most commonly asked questions at camp is "Who are you going on Shabbat Walk with?"
2. The Salad
Yep. The Shabbat salad is definitely one of my highlights of every week. With its combination of crunchy lettuce, juicy strawberries and the camps very own berry dressing, the salad is undeniable. The line for the salad bar is always a mile long. Honestly, a Shabbat meal would not be complete without this salad.
1. Services
What else? Services are obviously the best part of camp Shabbats. It is a time to both pray and sing. Services are what brings is together as a camp. When we are at the Fire Circle or at the Goldenview, We are always at peace. Isn't that what Shabbat is about?
-Amelia Schwartz, S3 Counselor
