Gibbush means "formation" in Hebrew. We call this experience a Gibbush because the point of the retreat is to help the kids with the complex series of phenomena that contribute to "formation." We are interested in individual formation (growth and transformation) as well as communal formation (growth and transformation). By all accounts the Gibbush is a very successful program that helps set the tone for students during their "senior year" at Davis.
It's beyond the scope of this post to articulate all of the rationale, pedagogy, and programming that takes place on the 8th Grade Gibbush. Students spend time in a variety of different groups doing everything from Israeli Dance to ropes courses to cooking to Hitbodeduth (individual spiritual reflection in a natural setting). We had a great campfire song session with lots of kids leading on guitar and percussion, enjoyed smores, had cabin based activities, played improv games and much more.
A number of important conversations either began or advanced during our time together---
"What does it mean to be a leader?"
"How, as Jews, do we study Torah?"
"How can we strengthen our Kehilah?
"How can we support one another?
"What will our legacy be as an 8th grade class?"
"How can we inspire others at The Davis Academy?"
--- and many more.
The Gibbush opens the door to having these and other conversations as we help our 8th graders understand their personal and collective power and responsibility as well as their profound sense of blessing.
Here's a fun video of a part of our "Walking Tefilah." After reciting the prayer thanking God for our soul and noting that the Hebrew word for "soul" is connected to the Hebrew word for "breath" we took a deep breath and then ran and screamed as far and loud as we could!
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