In accordance with today’s theme – biblical times – the campers got to see, touch, and even try on antiques from 3000 years ago. Rabbi Deutch from The Living Torah Museum presented us with the personal jewelry of Ramses wife, the Queen of Egypt. Campers modeled the stunning royal necklaces and bracelets that were excavated from Ramses’ tomb. Then, we saw a selection of ancient coins. One was an ancient Greek coin with the king Antiochus’ picture engraved upon it. It was discovered on a sunken Greek boat on the Mediterranean Sea. He also passed around an original Machatzit Hashekel (half-shekel coin), as well as a coin that is almost 2000 years old, with the only picture of the Second Temple imprinted on it. Afterwards, campers were able to hold and stroke real stuffed animals: a lamb, a baby goat, a deer, a fox, and a full-size wolf. We were then presented with one of the catapulting stones that the Romans shot at Israel’s walls. There was a contest to see if any of the staff could hold it above their heads for 4 whole minutes. (It’s a lot harder than it sounds – trust me, I tried!) Then, at the end of his fascinating presentation, Rabbi Deutch presented every camper with a free copy of his new book! Thank you so much for the captivating journey back in history!
-T