Blog

I was one of over 300 Reform rabbis that stood, marched, and sang side by side with faith leaders from every corner of the country, from scores of religions and denominations…It is always a powerful experience to reunite with summer camp friends to practice the values we teach and live at camp – be it at Eisner, or in our nation’s capital on the 54th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. 

This summer, what did you see? This week, we read parashat Re’eh, which translates to “behold” or “look.” For many, this is the first Shabbat we will spend at home, apart from each other and outside the Eisner Bubble. Shabbat is one of the most sacred times at camp – full of singing, dancing, and joy. There is nothing like Shabbat at camp.

Ancient Greek philosophers spent years debating over a question that they called The Ship of Theseus. As the story goes, Theseus returned triumphant from Crete having slain the Minotaur and to honor him the people of Athens displayed his ship in public, for all to see.

In lieu of this week’s Unit Updates, we are sharing an update from Maccabiah, an all-camp event. Maccabiah challenges our campers and staff to participate in friendly competition, push themselves to attempt new challenges, and cheer on their friends on their team and others.

This week our Bonim campers learned, “We don’t have to pretend to use the powers God has given us. These powers are real and they are super! Our God shares God’s powers with us so we can make our lives better and the lives of others better.

If I were asked one year ago today how to make a change in this world, I would have gone on about all the big actions I would have to take, how much work I would have to do by myself, and how many tireless years of work it would take.

Have you ever wondered what makes a great speech? What makes people sit up and listen? Who are the great Jewish orators of our time?