There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of music echoing across your dorm and knowing you’re surrounded by hundreds of teens who share the same love for Judaism and community. This summer, I spent three transformative weeks at International Kallah, my 3rd BBYO summer program, and those weeks reshaped how I see my Jewish identity and the world around me.

As part of the Bloutfit team for Maccabiah, I helped plan, organize, and lead one of the best days at camp. Seeing every color come together, not as rivals, but as one Kallah family, was a reminder that leadership is about sparking joy and unity. As an Israel 360 Coordinator, I got to dive deep into conversations about Israeli culture, identity, and the ways our global Jewish community is interconnected. It wasn’t just about learning facts; it was about exploring feelings, values, and our collective future.

Beyond leadership roles, my days were filled with Limmud sessions that inspired self-reflection and discovery. Whether we were studying texts, discussing social issues, or exploring our own stories, I learned that Judaism isn’t only in a prayer book; it’s in the questions we ask and the conversations we share.

Of course, no day at Kallah was complete without Chofesh, the best part of every day. Whether it was laughing by the Hammocks, playing frisbee by the Perlman Tree, or just sitting in a classroom with friends talking about life, Chofesh was when camp felt most alive. It was in those unplanned, joy-filled moments that friendships deepened and the true meaning of Jewish community came to life.

In Beiteinu, my smaller group class, I found my spiritual home. We laughed, we debated, and we grew together. Those intimate moments, singing during Kabbalat Shabbat, running around during Chugim, or just talking late into the night in our dorms, made me realize that Kallah is more than a program; it’s a community that stays with you long after the summer ends.

Kallah gave me the confidence to lead, the curiosity to keep learning, and the love to carry my Judaism proudly wherever I go.

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