Category: blog archive

Conference Art: Doodling During Discussions

I have discovered that if I really want to soak in the discussions during conferences or classes, I need to take notes. In recent years, I have taken to creating what I call “Conference Art,” doodles done during discussions which keep my mind focused (multitasking, of course), and capture significant ideas or experiences. Sometimes these doodles are the work of one session; often they – like the conference – span a few days or a week. For me, they help me retain the essence of the experience.

At the recent Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Hevraya retreat in West Cornwall, Connecticut, we explored prayer, our prayer lives, and how every moment of every day can – with attention and intention – be a prayer. My Conference Art captures the spiritual exploration.

Prayer in My Life: Some Reflections

I just returned home from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) Hevraya (spiritual alumni) retreat in West Cornwall, Connecticut. Five days of Jewish mindfulness meditation, yoga, intense study of Chasidic texts, self-reflective silence (for 15 hours a day), and some of the most uplifting prayer I have ever experienced. Rabbis, cantors, educators (my wife!) gathered together in spiritual exploration. We focused on prayer, and how every moment of every day can be a prayer of holiness. The retreat provided ample opportunity to reflect on my relationship with prayer. In preparation, I wrote a short exploration of how I felt about my own prayer life. Excerpts are below:
I stood on the bimah one Rosh Hashana, closing my eyes for Shema. We sing it with a contemporary tune – Listen written by our Cantor – which often sends flutters into my heart. Opening my eyes during the “Baruch Shem Kavod,” I saw a good percentage of the congregation standing with arms around each other. Some had their eyes closed; some were crying; some swaying slowly. I flashed back to Martin Buber’s teaching that when two people engage in authentic meeting, becoming I and Thou, God is in that moment. A colleague once explained that God is “in the hug.” I flashed forward to a teaching that echad means more than “not two” (as in Zoroastriansim) and “not three” (as in Christianity) and “not many” (as in ancient Greek or modern Wiccan polytheism). That echad speaks of oneness; we are all part of the Oneness of YHVH (Adonai/the Holy One/God). In that Rosh Hashana moment, as we stood arm in arm, declaring in unison the Oneness of God (and that we are all part of that Oneness), I experienced the Presence of the Holy One. In the words and in the community, achen yeish Adonai bamakom hazeh – God is surely in this place and I did not know it!
I also recall: In recent years, during times of greatest need, I have turned to God. I first encountered such personal prayer at our final IJS retreat here at Trinity Retreat Center, when we experimented with Nachmanian hitbodedut (personal prayer). I remember walking around on the grass, outside the meditation building, for forty five minutes, arguing vociferously – angrily – with God. Thankfully, God seemed to listen. Since then, our conversations, whenever I opened them, have been calmer and very efficacious. When I had tsuris (problems) with one of the kids that ripped at my heart, when an employment issue required I quickly find skills that diverged radically from who I was, when I had to make decisions for the synagogue mediating between my deeply held beliefs and the demands (the realities) of the moment, I sought support from the Holy One. Sometimes we speak when I am driving in the car; sometimes I interrupt my davening at shul, placing the open siddur against my chest, so I can silently speak my words directly to God. My prayer is a simple variation on: “Please help me find the strength and the skills that I need to face that which we are facing. I do not ask for a particular outcome – though You know the desires of my heart – but I ask merely for the wherewithal to be able to figure out what to do and to help those I love navigate the current difficulties.” In recent years, each time I have turned to God, God has turned to me. While in the short term things do not always turn out as I might have preferred, nonetheless the long term results have been pleasing. In each case, I have discovered the strength and courage that I needed to face the future.

Or Ami Delegation Energizes Camp Newman

One Shabbat each session, Michelle and I invite all of our Or Ami campers and staff to a “study session” (a.k.a. junk food party). It is one of our highlights of the summer to hear the campers kvell about their camp experience.


They eat some junk food. They talk loudly. They eat more junk food. They talk more loudly. They each participant shares their most exciting moments at camp. They eat even more junk food.

It is amazing to watch these campers, some nervous on the first days, warm up to camp. They love it.

It is also incredible to notice how many Or Ami faculty and intern alumni are now part of the Camp’s senior staff. Rabbinic Intern Sara Mason Barkin (former Mishpacha Coordinator) and Rabbinic Intern Jordana Chernow-Reader (former Mishpacha Faculty member) are co-Directors of Education. Their husbands also work at camp: Josh Barkin, former Education Intern, is on faculty while Luke Reader, Mishpacha faculty member, is a Rosh (unit head). Jake Singer-Belin, former Mishpacha faculty member, is Rosh Tefillah (in charge of ritual life at camp). Fisch (Jonathan Rothstein-Fisch) is CIT Director. A week before we arrived, Rachel (Isaacson) Margolis, former Mishpacha Coordinator, served on faculty.

Camp Newman is one of the most creative Jewish learning and living places in America today. As so many Or Ami interns and faculty come from Camp Newman, that bodes very well for the continued creative life of our Congregation Or Ami community.

The Joy of Hanging with “My Kids”

There is something special about hanging at camp with “my kids,” the children of Or Ami congregants. Sure, Michelle and I have three our own (biological) children. Yet, each summer that number jumps as we chaperon a delegation of campers from Congregation Or Ami to the URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, CA.

Most of the 18 campers this year come during the first sessions, because their parents find comfort knowing that their child will be watched over by their Rabbi (me) and by my wife (“Camp Mom”) Michelle November. We love checking in with the campers at meals, celebrating Shabbat with them, playing frisbee or doing art together.

Often, as we are walking down the path, dodging hordes of campers, we find ourselves suddenly wrapped in a hug given by one of the congregant kids. Then just as suddenly, smile shared, we part and go on our separate ways.

A moment of holiness.

What’s a Rabbi Do Up at Camp?

We met yesterday with some people from a Foundation who were interested in partnering to further deepen the Jewish educational experience at camp. They asked us a series of questions including: What do you do as Rabbinical faculty at camp? We asked: Expected responsibilities or unofficial ones? They asked: Both!

What does a Rabbinical faculty member at the URJ Camp Newman do?

  • Lead services and help others lead services
  • Help the Rosh (unit head) lead tochnit, or daily content programs
  • Meet with cabin groups for Torat Chayim, relaxed discussion about explore how Torah lives in our lives
  • Support the Rashim (unit heads, plural) as they work with counselors and their campers
  • Teach adult learning “lunch and learn” sessions – this week a panel on tattoos and Judaism
  • Partner with the Infirmary staff to comfort sick campers, especially when they are from our congregations
  • Tutor Bar/Bat Mitzvah students to keep them on track in their studies
  • Orient newer faculty members on our responsibilities at camp
  • Meet with the eidah (unit) staff to brainstorm programs and manage camper problems
  • Provide support for HUC Rabbinic/Education students who give their summers to help lead camp (three current and past Or Ami interns/faculty are Education and/or Tefillah/service Directors)
  • Fill in wherever the Directors need help

We also have a lot of fun, hanging with our friends, sharing ideas about synagogue programming and leadership, drafting future High Holy Day sermons, reading, talking walks in the beautiful forests, go wine tasting, watch our kids make friends and grow up, climb the 50 foot tower…

We Rabbis come to camp for so many reasons:

  • Camp is one of the premier Jewish educational and Jewish living environments, and we want to help create and sustain it
  • Camp provides a real time laboratory for informal Jewish education
  • Camp offers a place for spiritual renewal for us too
  • Camp allows us to interact with our congregant kids in informal ways (18 Or Ami kids and staff are up here this summer)
  • Camp is so much fun
  • Camp gathers together some of the most creative rabbis which allows us to share ideas to bring home to our congregations
  • Camp, like life in general and sometimes better, allows us to watch our kids grow in a loving, supportive environment with positive Jewish role models.

In Loco Parentis: Camp Staff Are Crazy for their Camper Kids

On Friday night, the Beit Tefillah, Camp Newman’s main amphitheater outdoor sanctuary, is an ever moving sea of white shirts, kippot, and smiles. Hundreds of campers and staff join together for a guitar and saxophone-led singing tribute to holiness and the Holy One.

At one high point in the service at the URJ Camp Newman, the Reform Jewish Movement’s summer camp in Santa Rosa, counselors rise from their benches, stretch their arms out over their campers’ heads, and bless them with Birkat Kohanim, the “priestly benediction”. It is both touching and incredibly symbolic. Touching, because you can see how much these college-age counselors love their campers. Symbolic, because it captures the essence of what being a Jewish summer camp counselor is all about.

Some background: On Shabbat eve in Jewish homes around the world, parents place their hands on the heads of their children and bless them with Birkat Kohanim. Originally recited by Moses’ brother Aaron (on God’s instruction) and the other Kohanim (biblical priests) over the entire Israelite people, Birkat Kohanim became a mystical moment of duchenun, when those claiming to be descendants of the Kohanim would rise up, cover themselves with their tallitot (prayer shawls), and bless the congregation. Today, rabbis and cantors bless babies and bar/bat mitzvah students and wedding couples with the same words of Torah.

Still, when 19 and 20 year old camp counselors bless their campers, you know that this is a moment of transcendent symbolism. With this ritual act, these counselors offer more than words of blessing. They are demonstrating their acceptance of the sacred responsibility of caring for other people’s children.

Sending Your Kid to Summer Camp: Excitement and Worry
Plenty of parents send their kids to camp each summer without thinking twice. But parents approaching that possibility for the first time worry about who will ensure the safety and sanity of their young ones while they are away from home.

During staff week at the URJ Camp Newman, Camp Directors Ruben Arquilevich and Phil Hankin explain the sacred responsibility each counselor and staff member assumes when he or she accepts the responsibility to watch over and care for a parent’s child. The seriousness with which these young counselors approach this obligation astounds me. These counselors are but 18, 19 or 20 years old (supervised by a graduate school-aged Rosh, or unit head) , years away from contemplating the daily responsibility of raising a child of their own. And yet, they set aside their own need to play and be kids to make the camper’s well-being their number one priority.

But – from what I have witnessed here – being a Camp Newman counselor is more than assuming a quasi in loco parentis role. Sure, health and safety takes priority. You should see the seriousness with which they spread out to offer coverage during pool time or patrol the cabin area during shmira (late night coverage). What amazes me is the caring and compassion with which they attend to the campers’ emotional and spiritual needs as well.

Which circles us back to Shabbat eve’s Birkat Kohanim blessing. College kids blessing teenagers and elementary school kids. The spiritual life of the children second only to their physical safety. Holiness embodied as each finds the holiness within and shares it with others. Very cool. Very spiritual. Shabbat shalom.

Camp’s the “Ultimate” Experience

Before we arrived at the URJ Camp Newman for summer camp, my sons told me that I WAS playing in the camp’s Ultimate Frisbee game this summer. No excuses. No made-up last minute meetings to attend. Their dad was to join the staff team in their annual Ultimate Frisbee combat against the CITs (Counselors in Training).

Little known fact: their dad played on the Trinity College (Hartford, CT) Ultimate Frisbee Team for at least half a semester, though I have no recollection of competing in a tournament. More likely, my college roommates, slightly embarrassed that I would be lettering only in Varsity Religion, cajoled me into joining the team with them.

However, Dad’s now 44, the average age of the camp players is 18, and this camp game, a highlight of each week, is intense. Taking place after camp nikayon (cleanup) but before personal nik (“shower for Shabbat”), the game is athletically challenging and exhausting. In days gone by, this game saw its share of sprained ankles and broken bones. So I readily admit that I was a tad ambivalent, or more truthfully, a bit concerned about playing. Would I be able to keep up with all those college kids, including one female Rosh (unit head) Samara who plays varsity Ultimate over at UCLA and can throw down field with precision that amazes? In the back of my mind I had fears of spending the rest of the summer with crutches. (Apparently my wife did too; she made sure the Camp Doctor was around when I took the field.)

Well, I had my 5 minutes of fame on the Ultimate Frisbee field, ratcheting myself up in the eyes of the boys. I did okay too! Still, more significant than any single play I made (or missed), was the fact that I stretched myself to do something new and scary. ‘Cause that’s what we do at camp. And that’s what makes Jewish summer camp so special.

Every summer, a few thousand Jewish kids come to the URJ Camp Newman for a summer of fun, friends, vibrant Judaism and personal growth. The most common refrain from older campers and staff about why they love camp (coming after “making new friends” and “spiritual Shabbat”) is that they grew so much during each summer.

Imagine going away to a place where love is boundless, where every adult is tasked with making sure you feel valued and loved. Imagine being with a group of people who truly believe – as it says in Genesis – that you were created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, and therefore are special, unique, worthy and valued.

That’s summer camp. No pressure from school assignments, parental smothering and worry. No social pressure. Just acceptance and love.

Kids learn quickly to try new things. This kid, afraid of heights, nonetheless tries to climb the 50 foot tower. She makes it only halfway up, and upon descending, smiles widely and proclaims victory, “Last year I only made it up 1/4 of the way.” That teen, born with two left feet, tries Israeli dancing chug (activity) and finds himself performing before 300 people at the end of the session. Another one sits at a potter’s wheel and creates a beautiful pot, her first ever “successful” artistic creation. Camp removes the judgment from the process, allowing kids to do what we hope they would: spread their wings and try to fly.

So I flew. In fact, that’s me flying in the air, wearing the dark green shirt, in the picture at the top of the page. I made one diving slap at the frisbee, knocking it (we think) out of the way. The other team scored eventually against my line anyway. Didn’t matter. Because Rabbi Paul, facing the fears, played in the Staff-CIT Ultimate Frisbee game. I did it! And though I ended up pretty winded, I showed my boys – and myself – that Camp’s the Ultimate Experience of taking that chance and soaring to new heights.

Back at Camp Newman, Summertime 2008

Camp Newman 2008/5768… We’re back!

Our two boys graduated from their respective Jewish schools – Daniel from what we call “Kadeshel” (officially Kadima-Heschel West Middle School) and Noah from Heschel West Jewish Day School. The ceremonies were meaningful and fun. But for the two boys, and their sister Rachel, these experiences merely served as the last events separating them from their true love – getting back to Camp.

The URJ (Union for Reform Judaism’s) Camp Newman sits among the most beautiful Northern California mountains and greenery, just between Napa and Sonoma wine country. For mom and dad, it is a fresh air breather, after a frenetic two months of school, finals, synagogue year end activities and more. For our three kids, Camp is that special place that invites them to be joyous, Jewish and free.

Moments after Noah’s graduation concluded (he eschewed the various parties to get up to camp), we shoehorned suitcases for six (us five and our niece) and five passengers (Rachel would fly up later) into the Honda Odyssey van for the trek north. Between movie viewing and radio station surfing, the talk kept turning back to camp: favorite activities, camp trivia, who’s my counselor gonna be… For Michelle and I, alumni of various Jewish summer camps, this was music to our ears. We know our children have had poignant Jewish experiences at their Jewish day schools (including the New Jewish Community High School) and at Congregation Or Ami. And that the children enjoy their experiences there. But camp offers much of the same, minus the homework, tests and (for some reason), without the social pressure that they even find at school.

When we turned into the Camp property, the screaming began! Shrieks of joy, cries of “check that out” and “look over there.” No sooner did the van stop at our faculty cabin, than the boys bounced out and raced off with their friends, to do a quick, late night survey of the expected and the new at Camp. One happy bunch of campers, we are…

AIPAC Conference Highlights

Three whirlwind days at the America Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference 2009. Amazing. Heard from both presumptive nominees (Obama and McCain), candidate Senator Hilary Clinton, the Speaker of the House Pelosi, Leader of the Republican in Congress, Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israeli Minister Natan Sharansky dozens of Senators and Congresspeople, and more. It was a clean, crisp event, well-managed, well-produced. We fretted about the threats from Iran and its underlings (Hamas, Hezbollah and others), talked about the Palestinian-Israeli challenges, and considered the strangehold oil has on our country.

Or Ami’s delegation of 11, represented the same percentage of membership that the larger LA synagogues had. Led by Faculty member Patti Jo Wolfson, we comprised different political backgrounds and multiple perspectives on how to solve the problems of the Middle East. We came together in that we all are pro-Israel, pro-American and concerned about the future for both and the whole world.

Learn more about the Conference here (or read about my experiences listening to Senator Obama and Senator McCain elsewhere on this blog).

Thank you to participants: Patti Jo Wolfson, Shirley Wolfson, Cindy Walkov, Fariba Cooper, Bob Rothstein, College Students Max Cohen and Chaniel Cooper, teenager Kenya Rothstein, Mishpacha and Temple Teen Night Faculty member Lauren Gottlieb, and myself. Former intern Rabbi Brett Krichiver was also in attendance.

Or Ami is committed to doubling our participation at next year’s Policy Conference (May 3-5, 2009). If you are interested, Rabbi Kipnes.

Obama Speaks, Jews Listen, AIPAC Amazes

The day after he surpassed the delegate threshold, Senator Barack Obama showed up at the AIPAC Policy Conference to honor and reflect upon the amazing relationship between America and Israel. That this was one of his FIRST stops once he clinched the nomination is a tribute to the intense work AIPAC does to create relationships with leaders on both sides of the political aisle.

The presumptive Democratic nominee came to AIPAC with a purpose: to share his vision of the American-Israeli relationship and to address questions that we have of all candidates – Democratic or Republican – about how they will deepen and secure Israel’s present and future.

Obama’s words were clear; his meaning could not have been misunderstood. He explained, emoted, clarified his connection to Israel, his belief in the importance to America (and to Israel) of this unshakable alliance, and his conviction that this relationship must be deepened and maintained. He said what needed to be said to convince open-minded Jews that he is a very pro-Israel candidate and will take care of Israel and the American-Israeli relationship as well as our best presidents in the past. That he is an amazing speaker, so moving, was well-known. Experiencing it firsthand was so inspiring. You may view his speech here.

Politics
Sadly, politics seemed to blind democrats and republicans alike. I watched Democrats watch Senator McCain, and they were dismissive of some of his words. I watched Republicans watch Senator Obama, and they were dismissive of some of his words. The reality is, with regards to Israel, Iran, Iraq and the Middle East, they will be equally strong, resolute, thoughtful and committed. So vote for whichever candidate or party suits your other political concerns, since each will be “good on and good for” Israel.

Hearing McCain Speak: AIPAC Delivers the Presidential Candidates

I’m here in Washington DC leading a delegation of 8 from Congregation Or Ami to the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) Policy Conference.

Congregation Or Ami is well represented. Some of the larger congregations boast having 100 members present. Yet when you look at percentage of membership attending (they have 3200 plus members; Or Ami has 320), our smaller delegation seems impressive.

I have attended plenty of conventions but I must admit, this AIPAC conference is very impressive. From the use of technology to the level of assistance to the information booths to the electronic preregistration, AIPAC makes learning about our concerns very easy. Moreover, the friendships they have cultivated to support Israel becomes clear as a perusal of the program evidences their uncanny ability to turn out congressional leaders, top journalists and think tank scholars, Israeli leaders and ALL THREE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES.

We heard presumptive Republican nominee John McCain speak this morning. (See the video here.) Sitting next to Faculty member Patti Jo Wolfson and her son college campus delegate Max Cohen, I listened to Mr. McCain reaffirm his deep connection to Israel even as he laid out some pretty scary concerns about the growing influence of Iran in the Middle East. He took his swipes at Obama, as I’m sure Obama (and Clinton) will do toward McCain tomorrow. Ha’aretz, Israel’s New York Times, reviewed his speech here. AIPAC’s internal report is here.

We also heard an opening panel discussion with The Honorable Howard Berman (D-CA), Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, United States House of Representatives; Ms. Elizabeth Cheney, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, United States Department of State; Ambassador Dennis Ross, Counselor and Ziegler Distinguished Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; and The Honorable Ephraim Sneh, Former Deputy Defense Minister, Member of Knesset, Labor party.

I took in a session on “Inside Islam: Can the West Overcome the Extremists and Reach Moderate Muslims” with Mr. Daniel Benjamin, Director, Center on the United States and Europe, Brookings Institution ; Dr. Martin Kramer, Wexler-Frommer Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Adelson Institute for Strategic Studies, Shalem Center; and Dr. Walid Phares, Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Fascinating. Scary. Thought-provoking. The conservative speaker was more hopeful; the self-described more liberal presenter was less hopeful.

I am impressed with the level of concern and discussion about Israel, Iraq, Iran, the Middle East and Israel’s relationship with America. Said simply, we need an AIPAC to help us keep the relationship strong and secure.

Walk for Darfur: 179 Or Ami Members Say “Don’t Stand Idly By”

Or Ami Congregant Laurie Tragen-Boykoff and President Susan Gould led a contingent of over 179 Or Ami members and friends during Jewish World Watch‘s Walk for Darfur. The 1000 person strong march sought to raise awareness, support and funds to end the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan that has killed 400,000 Darfuris and forced more than 2 million people to become refugees. As the largest synagogue contingent, Or Ami proudly carried the Walk for Darfur banner and I was honored with the opportunity to address the crowd. Fired up by the commitment of so many to stand up against genocide, I said:

I am holding in my hand a Kiddush cup (okay, it’s a water bottle but only because I forgot the Kiddush cup at home). Many of us raise a similar cup on Erev Shabbat while sitting at the Shabbat table in the comfort of our own homes. Surrounded by family. Or maybe friends. Maybe you are just enjoying a quiet Shabbat at home alone. The candles lit. And you raise a cup of wine or grape juice. Kiddush, that prayer of holiness, is recited. And just before you drink, someone always calls out “l’chaim – to life!”

We Jews are a people who value life, sanctify life, we say, “L’chaim”. At every simcha (joyous time), on every holy day, whenever we can, we raise a glass to say “L’chaim.” Yet “L’chaim,” is not enough, because it is not enough for us to sit around our tables in comfort and contentment, to wish and hope. Jewish tradition calls upon us, instead, to get up and act, with passion and intention, until everyone else can say “L’chaim” with smiles on their faces and peace in their hearts.

So let me teach you another Hebrew phrase, the one which explains why Laurie Tragen-Boykoff (our synagogue JWW chair), 170 Congregation Or Ami members, and why more than 1000 of us have gathered together here today. It’s from Torah. Repeat it after me: Lo ta’amod (Lo ta’amod) // al dam ray-eh-cha (al dam ray-eh-cha). Again: Lo ta’amod (Lo ta’amod) // al dam ray-eh-cha (al dam ray-eh-cha). It means “Don’t stand idly by, while your neighbor bleeds.” Let me hear it: Don’t stand idly by (Don’t stand idly by) // while your neighbor bleeds (while your neighbor bleeds). Again. Lo ta’amod. Don’t stand idly by.

Lo ta’amod… don’t stand idly by.

  • When our people were burning in Hitler’s fires, and the nations of the world claimed innocence or worse, we Jews countered, with tears in our eyes (say it after me): Lo Ta’amod – Don’t stand idly by.
  • When our government knew that bombing the concentration camp railroad tracks would have killed many but saved hundreds of thousands more, we begged (say it after me): Lo Ta’amod – Don’t stand idly by.

And yet, they did. And yet, our government did. And yet, the world did. Too many who knew, did… nothing.

The Holocaust is a stain upon humanity. Stained with the blood of our brothers and sisters and millions of others.

We declared “Never Again!” But “Never again” was a slogan. It was a call to remember. Lo Ta’amod is a mitzvah. It is a call to act. It’s not enough to remind them that our blood ran red. We know that everyone’s blood runs red. Lo Ta’amod goads us to stop all that unnecessary blood from flowing.

So today we declare:

  • Since we know about the purposeful, planned, systematic attempt to wipe out the people of Darfur, and we cry out together (say it): Lo Ta’amod – Don’t stand idly by.
  • Since we know about the use of rape, to terrorize and control women, to harm this generation and taint the next, we insist – of ourselves and our governments: Lo Ta’amod – Don’t stand idly by.
  • And since we know about the continued attacks on the refugee camps in Chad, where innocent Darfuris have gathered seeking shelter, we demand – of ourselves and the world: Lo Ta’amod – Don’t stand idly by.

Let these 1000 voices be heard throughout the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys, the Simi and San Gabriel Valleys, and all over Los Angeles, and California, all over America and throughout the world, that we expect, we insist, we demand… (Let them hear it): Lo Ta’amod – Don’t stand idly by.

May God bless the work of Jewish World Watch, of her partners and supporters, of all of you, for giving up your Sunday morning to answer the call of Torah. Lo Ta’amod – WE WON’T STAND IDLY BY! Amen!

President Susan Gould Shares a Or Ami’s Year of Achievements

At our congregational meeting last night, Or Ami’s President Susan Gould review Congregation Or Ami’s achievements this past year. We all schepped nachas (shared the joy).

  • Henaynu Caring Community Committee
    • Our new software (Hineynu Tracker) helps us keep track of our congregants in need.
    • Henaynu is expanding support especially for families with special needs children, and for people undergoing marital transitions.
    • Our commitment to “being there and being caring” continues to be a shining light of our congregation.
  • Our Social Action Programs are expanding to reach more people than ever before.
    • We have provided assistance and support to approximately 1000 children in the foster care system.
    • We lead the community in signups for the Walk for Darfur (to stop the Genocide in the Sudan)
    • We continue to donate weekly fresh produce for 1500 people to the SOVA Food Pantry
    • We are currently creating a Family Oriented Social Action Group, tentatively titled “Kids Mitzvah Club,” which will allow for family participation in social action projects.
  • Our Outreach to the Community has been booming.
    • Our new Or Ami Center for Jewish Parenting has held well-attended workshops about talking to kids about sex, death and parenting.
    • Our Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention program has led programs for our teens, trained another intern (Lydia Bloom Medwin) in pastoral counseling for Jewish alcoholics and addicts, and sent out multiple eNewsletters on how to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol.
    • Our Brandon Kaplan Special Needs program provided educational opportunities and support to dozens of Jewish children with special needs.
  • We have been racking up the awards.
    • At the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial convention this year, Or Ami won the Belin Membership and Outreach Award for our creative use of the internet to reach out to interfaith families, and the Nachshon Community of Learners Award for our Mishpacha program. In the last 6 years, Or Ami has won 4 of the 5 national awards the URJ gives out.
    • In addition, our members and clergy presented lectures at multiple educational sessions at this national biennial convention
  • Eco-Kosher: We have made the commitment to become environmentally cognizant of our eco-footprint. For starters, we have been installing energy efficient bulbs, implementing a recycling program, and distributing 300 re-useable shopping bags via our holiday delivery.
  • Our innovative educational programs, Kesher, Mishpacha, and Temple Teen night, continue to grow under the guidance of our Principal/Program Director Michal Rozenberg-Yalovsky and our interns.
  • Or Ami continues to attract Rabbinical and Education students who want to be here so much that they schlep all the way out to Calabasas to serve as interns, teachers and service leaders for our congregation
  • Fiscally, this year is on track to end in the black. This can be credited to:
    • Our new committee – Resource Development – has received over $500,000 in pledges and donations
    • This year’s Gala Committee which brought in record amount $60,000. Oh, and we sold & sold out
    • Our new Grant Writing chair has led us to identify, apply for and receive a record amount of grant funding
  • Membership has grown by 14% this past year, at a time when most synagogues are experiencing contraction. We are retaining significant numbers of members post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah and are bringing in record numbers of empty nesters. Our new members kvell like our veterans over how warm and welcoming Or Ami is.
  • And, of course, our Cantor and rabbi rock!!

Obama and the Jews

Vote for whomever you want. I have my preferences, but those are mine. You may have yours. But make sure when you make your decision, you have the facts straight.

In Obama and the Jews (May 18, 2008), journalist Thomas Friedman writes that The notion that a President Barack Obama would have a desire or ability to walk away from America’s bipartisan consensus on Arab-Israeli peace is ludicrous. Read on.

Celebrating Rabbi Eric Berk: Another Or Ami Intern Becomes Rabbi

I schepped nachas (beamed with pride) as another Or Ami intern became a rabbi. Eric Berk, a rabbinic intern this year who previously served as rabbinic intern for us during his second year in school, ascended the bimah to be ordained “Rabbi in Israel.” Rabbi Berk, a thoughtful, compassionate, Israel-loving Jew, wrote a thesis illuminating the connections between the poetry of the late Israeli national poet Yehuda Amichai and the Biblical Ecclesiastes. He has taught in our religious school, mishpacha, and temple teen night; gave sermons from our pulpit; read the service at High Holy Days; challenged my thinking on numerous occasions, pushing me to open myself to new possibilities. We shall miss his presence at the synagogue. Rabbi Berk will soon be entering the placement process to find a position which suits his interests.

Eric joins an esteemed group of former Or Ami interns who are now rabbis, including

We are proud of them all. Their good works at Or Ami still illuminate our lives; the good works they now do beyond Or Ami’s area brighten our entire Jewish community.