the countdown begins - comfort, consolation and conciliation are sweet

Now beyond Tisha B’Av – commemorating so much tragedy of the past – we count down toward the New Year. Recalling the destruction of the ancient Temple, we read the sheva de-nechemta, the seven “haftarot of consolation”, bringing us from utter despair toward renewal by the onset of Rosh HaShanah. And we are taught – though perhaps we haven’t experienced such calamity as the Temple’s destruction or persecutions or pogroms – ALL of us go through difficulty (ranging from hardship and illness to miscommunication, misperception and even our own stupid behavior) which can only be salved through the same call of nachamu nachamu ami (“comfort, comfort, My people”) that God promised before…in these weeks leading toward 5774, may we all be granted the strength to give comfort, consolation and conciliation to whomever needs, and the openness to receive these blessing as well. 

L’dor Vador – cultivating a new generation of camp kids

For all generations we will tell of Your greatness and for all eternity proclaim Your holiness…Blessed are You Adonai, the holy God.

I remember as a young camper (at URJ Eisner Camp) learning to sing “L’dor Vador” – from the morning sanctification prayer that speaks of our obligation to shout praise for God. We often use these words as a catch phrase regarding our ongoing commitment to ensure Jewish continuity “from generation to generation.” We especially enjoyed a version written by Debbie Friedman,z”l, whose life story was so closely intertwined with OSRUI, where I am privileged to serve. At first, this lovely hymn was mostly a catchy way for us to learn a fairly difficult piece of Hebrew liturgy. As I grew through my teen years toward adulthood, the words began to challenge and enhance my appreciation of where I stand in the flow of the Jewish people – that is, what is my job in being part of the “chain of tradition.” And then, as a rabbi and teacher, and even more so as a parent, L’dor Vador took on new meaning: as I began to explore the richness of our tradition with adult congregants, I recognized that none of us are alone on this journey through the generations; while teaching students about Jewish life and living, I came to embrace my role as a mentor, role-model and guide; and of course as a parent, I have been able to see the fondest of my own hopes come to life through my children, as I have grown as a Jew and human being with them. I have been fortunate that my own son and daughter have found a home, a place to flourish surrounded by a loving community of peers here at camp.

Just today, I had the chance to give a tour of camp to a family with prospective camper children. Yet this was different than the several other camp visits I’ve guided. Sure, I shared the same enthusiasm about OSRUI and the power of Reform Jewish camping with them. Here’s the sweet thing: this was the family of my best friend from college. He and I met on our first day as freshmen, nearly 30 years ago. Though already age 18 at the time, we’ve truly “grown up” together. I officiated their wedding, they attended our son’s celebration of Bar Mitzvah, and so on…and today, I was able to share the joy and magic of camp with them and their two young daughters, who I hope will attend OSRUI in the future. What a complete pleasure to promote the wonderful experience of this camp not only with my dear old pal – but with his children as well. Unbelievable and priceless.

So now, as I intone the words of L’dor Vador, I am able to look back on the many episodes that have helped shape me. More so, I take note of the trust given to me to help shape the generation ahead.

150 years after Gettysburg

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

These words, likely Lincoln's most famous, paid tribute to those who engaged over the three-day battle at Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. One hundred and fifty years later, I still believe that this is the most pivotal episode in U.S. history - preserving the nation, and confirming that the framework for a progressive democracy outlined by the founding fathers has lasting merit. It remains our obligation to live up to the aspirations that they, amplified by A.L., left as a sacred legacy.

Tzofim Bet off to smashing start - OSRUI 2013

Tzofim’s second session this summer at OSRUI has begun with great success. After an opening day through which the new campers were enthusiastically welcomed by the staff and remaining children from Aleph – the entire eidah (unit)is building a warm sense of community based on powerful Jewish ideals.

During this session, we are exploring the limud theme of “Superheroes: cultivating the power of Jewish living.” The initial presentation set the stage for the campers and staff to embrace a range of Jewish values that are vital for our eidah to flourish. We began with hachnasat orchim (welcoming others) as we committed to practicing *radical hospitality* throughout our session. We’ve come to understand that being welcoming is not just how you say hello upon meeting, or goodbye when parting ways – that it is about how we treat one another throughout our time together. We e continued with developing models of Jewish “super behavior” as the campers offered wonderful creative ideas about what it means to be a hero. From drawing out the good in others to seeing the best qualities in everyone, the children imagined eight individual members of our own SuperChevra – somewhat of a Jewish Justice League.

In the coming days of the session, we will be including additional values like emet (truth and the power of speech), tzedek (our dedication to justice) and g’milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). It’s already evident that we are blessed to serve as segel for a group of wonderful young Jewish superheroes.