Camp Tavor Reflection

Every summer for the past 8 years, I travel to rural Michigan and enter the microcosm of Habonim Dror Camp Tavor. Camp Tavor describes itself as a Jewish overnight camp that creates an inclusive community that emphasises the learning and discussion of Jewish values and social justice. I describe Habonim Dror Camp Tavor as the community that provided me with my most important, lifelong friends and taught me valuable skills of critical thinking, social awareness and interpersonal community building skills that allowed me to transform into the feminist, socialist, hyper progressive radical jewess I am today. As a visibly asian looking human being, I tend to stand out in Jewish environments and communities. I treasure my jewish identity, but
I am also keenly aware of my status as an “outsider” among some jewish communities. Habonim Dror has provided me with an overwhelming accepting environment that celebrate the diversity within the Jewish community.
This camp, my oasis, and my home away from home has instilled within me a deep appreciation for activism and education. I am confident that the Macalester community will not only accept with open arms these values, but nurture them and guide me to a place of actualization on these values. I am looking forward to turning my strong beliefs into actions, and I know the strong activist community at Macalester will encourage me. I thrive off a strong sense of community, and I will use this drive to immerse myself in the greater Mac community while also searching for my smaller niche within the school.