Divrei Derech

RK's

I’ve been collecting pictures. 

At some point last summer, I realized that camp was full of RK’s.  That’s the shorthand for ‘Rabbi’s Kids.’  In the general world, they’re known as PK’s… ‘Preacher’s Kids,’  but we have our own Jewish subset.

There is a stereotype that PK’s are wild and rebellious from living life in a fishbowl with overburdening expectations of certain types of behavior.

Most of the PK’s I know these days are relatively normal.  That’s probably because we’ve gotten better at protecting them from those expectations and do what we are able to help them live relatively normal lives.

(Okay, maybe they're not so normal.)

So, last summer I started putting my kids together with other RK’s for pictures.  It’s usually Max, but Saul gets in a few as well. 

The RK’s have a special bond, many common experiences… and a few, like Max and Saul have two rabbis for parents.  That’s a double whammy.  I met a rabbi who believes his kids are the only ones with four rabbis for parents.  He had to help me wrap my brain around that one.  His ex-wife married a rabbi and he married a rabbi.  Wow!

I believe that an inordinate number of RK’s become rabbis.  While I would certainly be happy if one of my children chooses this noble pursuit, we hope, as any parent, that they will find meaning and joy in whatever they pursue.

I’m still collecting pictures.  Some of the kids we’ve known all of their lives.  Some of the Rabbi’s Kids are older than me and a couple of them I didn’t even know they were RK’s until the subject came up. 

Feel free to take a look at my growing collection and if you belong in the album, find one of my kids, snap a picture, email it to me and I’ll put it up with the rest.

Check out: Rabbi Rick's RK Album

Back to the Real World

(Shabbat at camp, blessing the community)

Even an unusual summer plagued with swine flu and cancelled sessions still provides powerful, meaningful experiences at camp.

Camp’s back in session.  Hopefully, the kids there now are having a great time as always.  Laura and I enjoyed the valuable time with colleagues, we took some opportunities to interact with the Israeli staff, worked with teens, heard great, new music and got out for a couple good meals in the surrounding wine country.

My rabbi had the wisdom to send me off to work at camp for the summer following my senior year of high school.  He told me that I would find there 24 hour Judaism, an experience more intense than our normal, suburban, Northern California life.  He was correct.  We certainly have our moments, plenty of great Jewish moments, but the concentrated intensity of Jewish life at camp is unlike anything most of us around here get to experience.  Israel provides this experience in its own way.  In fact, taking advantage of those two settings have long been considered the best tools for assisting create long-term engagement in Jewish life.

Over the last few years our camp t-shirts wore this phrase on the back…

‘Camp is life, all the rest is details.’

This year, in little writing around the picture, the words read…

‘From the Shores of Lake Tahoe, to the redwoods of Saratoga, and now the vineyards of Sonoma, the voices of living Judaism are singing louder than ever 63 years later.’

At full capacity, I’m told there are up to 700 in the camp community at one time.  Camp Newman swells with living Judaism.  I hope all those who have the opportunity to spend time there this summer have an amazing experience, I hope all those who couldn’t make it will have opportunities soon.  Remember that even the weekends we create there are a taste of the 24 hour living Judaism that refreshes our souls.

Camp Collegiality

It occurs to me that there is an additional benefit to our URJ summer camp experience.  Those of us who come to serve the camp as faculty also gain a mini-conference or convention type experience.

One of the things I especially appreciate about attending URJ and CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) conferences is the time spent with colleagues, comparing notes, shmoozing about a host of topics and strengthening our collegial network.

This occurred to me over dinner with faculty friends.  Yes, it’s fun.  Yes, we take a little time between camp activities to relax, but we also talk shop and experiment together in an atmosphere that encourages creativity.

(Two of my colleagues being collegial. You can read their blogs as well: Rabbi Paul Kipnes & Dan Nichols)

Just a few examples of how this faculty networking has come home to Beth Emek… The opportunities we’ve had to bring in traveling Jewish musicians have come about in large part by casual conversations at camp.  The artists who so beautifully adorned our sanctuary are friends from years spent working together at camp.  Many contemporary melodies we enjoy in our services first appeared at camp and many of the fun, educational programs I’ve employed, I first saw in action here at camp as well.

We’ve seen the great benefits our kids receive by participating in Jewish camping, and as faculty, we take seriously our responsibility to help provide those experiences for our campers, but I definitely recognize the great benefits I gain from serving on the faculty.

Returning to Normal

As three stars appeared in the sky above the hills of Santa Rosa, we blessed the wine, we blessed the spices, the multi-wicked candle and the oseltamivir phosphate, better known as Tamiflu.

Havdallah has always been one of my favorite Jewish ceremonies.  It’s sweet and sensual, and this week was no exception.  The teens in Avodah, who have been here all week, gathered for a beautiful service.  I was standing on the periphery, and when one of the kids noticed, she made room for me in the circle.  I was touched.

I was also pleased to have the opportunity to participate not as a leader.  There were three guitarists.  They had it covered.

Elsewhere in the evening, we had a campfire.  I got to exercise my masculinity by building the fire.  Dan Nichols brought out his guitar and entertained while I watched my creation go up in flame.  The staff brought out the marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars.  A very nice evening.

At the end of one week up here at Camp Newman, we’re reaching a level of normalcy.  I’m taking the Tamiflu and using a lot of Purell, but, otherwise, camp is starting to feel much more like camp.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week to come! Shavua Tov!

Latest from Camp

First of all, I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to speak directly with all of our Beth Emek families affected by the health issues up here at camp.  I didn’t have a complete listing of those affected and it’s been a bit hectic up here.

Of course hectic for camp is not necessarily unusual.  We generally keep a busy pace up here and while we are often running from issue to issue, those issues don’t usually make the news.  Typical summer issues are quite innocuous, though those affected don’t usually feel that way… someone broke up with so and so… a cabin’s out of toilet paper… the care package someone was expecting today didn’t arrive… and so on.

And hectic this week has been about making sure we are completely prepared for an extremely unusual situation and that we are handling it in the most responsible manner possible.

Those following the news are probably aware that we have cancelled all those sessions of camp who would be here for only the first two weeks.  The rest of camp is scheduled to open on Thursday, June 25^th and continue as planned.  Of course, Laura and I continue to work with the two groups of kids who are already here as we try to maintain a level of normalcy for them.

Here are the latest updates from camp: Latest Official News from Camp

We’re doing our best to keep everyone rested, hydrated and covered with hand sanitizer.  Much of the staff was given the day off today and our CIT’s and Avodah kids got out for a while as well.  While much of the camp population was out, the faculty enjoyed a bit of down time.

Here’s Max relaxing with Laura and Dan with a little underwater meditation.

 

And I even went for a swim.  Definitely a rare moment.

 

A few of you may have seen this the last time it occurred… I once again dueled with myself on the Theme from Deliverance.

 

And here’s Max teaching Dan how to play mandolin.

 

Rabbi Paul and I will continue to try to keep you all posted with the latest going’s on up here.  (Rabbi Paul's blog)  In the meantime, I hope you’re all having a good summer and staying healthy! 

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh...

I believe that one of the reasons Camp Newman holds our usual slot for us during the first two weeks of the summer is because Laura and I, and some of our colleagues have served on faculty for many summers and are unfazed by the surprises that occur here in this magical environment.

Many of those surprises are wondrous and beautiful, others present challenges that require calm and experience to properly address.

We arrived at camp as usual, having stopped at Taylor’s Refresher on our way up.  We greeted friends we haven’t seen in a year and unloaded the van.  Then we headed off to our opening faculty meeting.  Everything seemed quite normal until shortly after completing our meeting when we were urgently gathered back together for the latest update.

A couple members of the camp staff tested positive for Influenza A, presumed to be the H1N1, swine flu virus. 

I’ve always been pleased and impressed with our camp director, Ruben Arquilevich, the U.R.J. senior staff and the teams we assemble to run our youth programs.  They are professional, more than competent and, ultimately, I trust them with the health and safety of my own children.

In consultation with our medical staff and the national leadership, our administration determined not to bring the full complement of campers in until we knew the outbreak was contained and we had properly insured our procedures moving forward would, as always, insure the utmost health and safety for our campers.

We’re still awaiting that final determination.  In the meantime, the Avodah kids and CIT’s are already in camp.  Laura is serving as faculty to the CIT’s and I’m serving the Avodah program, so we seem to be the only faculty with kids in camp.  Hopefully that will change soon.

I’ll try to keep the updates coming as I have information I’m able to share.  For now, here are a few pieces of information...

Note to the Parents on the Camp Newman website

 

News article in the Press Democrat

My good friend and colleague, Rabbi Paul Kipnes, was able to put together a more extensive description of the events on his blog: Rabbi Paul's blog

And, yes, for those who've asked... we're all healthy, Laura, the boys and myself.  The C.I.T.'s, Avodah kids and their staff are all healthy as well.

In the meantime, please think of our Camp Newman friends, and the many other camps across the nation, adjusting to this health concern as you recite Mi Shebeirach healing prayers in the coming days.

R'fuah Shleimah - wishing all those who are ill, a speedy recovery.

 

Headin' Back to Camp

When I was little my parents would pack us up each summer, pile us all in the back of our station wagon and head up to Pinecrest for a week in the woods at the Lair of the Bear, U.C.’s alumni camp.

I remember making moccasins and other assorted projects.  I remember catching rainbow trout in the little creek that they stocked making it virtually impossible not to catch a fish.  I remember foraging in the back of the station wagon for classic snacks like space food sticks, and I remember the counselor who played banjo.  (I think he’s one of the major reasons that I’m a musician today.)

Laura and I did not exactly follow in my parents’ footsteps, but we have developed a similar tradition.  We head off each summer to U.R.J. Camp Newman up in the hills between Santa Rosa and Calistoga.  It’s not quite like the beautiful, redwood setting of Pinecrest, but it does have its own beauty and beautiful traditions.  Besides, I don’t think the Lair has been quite the same since the close of the ‘70’s and the staff stopped streaking.

And our time at Camp Newman is certainly not vacation either.  We often work more hours in the day than we do back home.  Sun up to sundown, we seem to be running from activity to activity, working directly with the kids, assisting the educational staff in writing programs, tutoring B’nai Mitzvah students, consulting on camper issues, teaching staff education, leading t’filah services and songleading. (To name a few of our activities.)

I also know that going to camp encourages the youth from our community to attend.  In fact, Beth Emek commonly has the largest contingent from any small congregation in the region.

Our kids are inspired by the amazing young adults who guide them and the engaging activities that teach them that Judaism is modern and relevant.  And while I greatly appreciate the inspiration that camp provides our youth, it inspires, educates and energizes those of us serving on faculty as well.  It’s a laboratory for cutting edge Jewish education, music and style.  It’s also a great opportunity for the rabbis, cantors, educators and other faculty members to share thoughts, ideas and develop creative programming together.

It’s hard for me to describe all of the direct influences the camp experience has upon the work I do back home, but here’s one to consider… Our spectacular Aron Kodesh (the ark), the Torah covers and our new Tree of Life were all designed and created by artists I’ve gotten to know over the years at camp.  Each time we gather in worship, we’re inspired by the art inspired in the sanctuary of Jewish camp.

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Pro-Family?!

I’ve been following some of the coverage in the wake of California’s Supreme Court decision upholding Proposition 8 and the aftermath of that decision.

I’m particularly bothered by one sides’ use of the label ‘pro-family,’ because, assumably, if one side is ‘pro-family’ then the other must be ‘anti-family.’

I don’t think I’ve met anyone who’s ‘anti-family.’  I’ve certainly met people who don’t believe they are personally suited to be parents, but I wouldn’t characterize them as ‘anti-family.’

‘Pro-family.’ 

I get it.  People have a right to their opinions, and there are clearly many strong emotions involved in the opinions that define families. 

Here’s what I know.  There are many traditional families that are relatively healthy, and… there are many traditional families that are not healthy.  There are many non-traditional families that are relatively healthy and there are non-traditional families that are not healthy.

Dual-parent families, single parent families, grandparents, same-sex, heterosexual, multi-racial, I’m sure there are many configurations I’m missing, but all of them have wonderful examples of what it means to be truly ‘pro-family’… spouses, parents, kids and siblings all working hard to provide supportive family environments.

Let’s find a way to engage in this debate without mischaracterizing one side.  I don’t know if ‘traditional’ vs. ‘non-traditional’ are acceptable labels, but I do know that all those I’ve met on either side of the Prop 8 argument are ‘pro-family.’

Mitzvah Projects aren't just for 13-year-olds

It’s been quite a while since I’ve taken the time to blog.  I’m planning to get back into the habit.  So, I’ll start by letting you know one of the major ways I’ve been spending my spare time recently.

Some years ago I offered to a friend in the Livermore Police Department that if they ever needed help with chaplaincy, they should just give me a call.  Well, our friend is now the chief of police and the officer in charge of background checks for everyone including the volunteers gave me a call some months back to start the process.

I have to admit, when I offered my services, I had no idea how extensive the process is to be cleared as a volunteer chaplain for the department.  It is good to know that they take this quite seriously.

I may be new to the police side, but I do have extensive training as a chaplain serving all aspects of community.  I am now officially on the list of chaplains for the Livermore P.D.

At a time when government funds are so sparse, I’m glad to be able to offer my services back and assist those who dedicate their lives to our safety.

We require our B’nai Mitzvah students to participate in mitzvah projects, some type of social service that gives to the community.  My preference is for our kids and families to be continually engaged in doing mitzvot rather than doing a project to get it done.

This is an ongoing mitzvah project for me.  So, don’t be surprised, on my days off, if you see me riding around Livermore in a police car.  I’m learning quite a bit about the department and sides of Livermore that I hadn’t been exposed to before. 

The officers and other employees I’ve gotten to know in the Livermore Police Department are all very courteous and professional.  We are well served and I’m honored to be able to give a little bit back.

(The Livermore Police Department Chaplains:

Mike Venemen, Peter Unruh, Rick Winer & Clay Felicitas)

The Envelope Please...

It’s been a wonderful blogging journey through Passover.  Thanks to all who have joined me, left comments and voted on your choice of Tzedakah recipient for my Passover Mitzvah opportunity.

Of course, Divrei Derech will continue with explorations and ruminations on an assortment of other topics.  I welcome you to subscribe to the blog and continue checking as I share thoughts I hope to be of interest.

As to the voting for Tzedakah recipient… drumroll please…

The Tri-Valley Haven received 71% of the vote and the American Jewish World Service received 29%.

Unlike many elections, I’ve decided this one can have more than one winner.  I will be making donations to both worthwhile organizations with a larger donation going to our local recipient, the Tri-Valley Haven.  You, of course, are welcome to make your own donations to these causes.