Divrei Derech: Another Perspective on Reform Jewish Camping

Rabbi Rick's Reading List

Geraldine Brooks: People of the Book
Our last Beth Emek Book Group selection. It's a historical novel inspired by the Sarajevo Haggadah. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it highly. It's also a good book leading into the upcoming festival of Passover with it revolving around a historic Passover Haggadah. Enjoy!
John Steinbeck: East of Eden
The Reform movement's reading list has featured this epic novel by California's own John Steinbeck since the list's inception. We're now reading it for the Beth Emek Book Group.
Robert Bly: Iron John: A Book About Men
I've been rereading Iron John in preparation for the Men's Retreat I'm putting together for the beginning of December. Much time has passed since the book first appeared, but it still speaks well to today's men, many of whom are still trying to figure out what it means to be a man in today's world.
Michael Holzman: Still Small Voice: Reflections on Being a Jewish Man
I just started reading this study, but I'm already fascinated by Holzman's exploration of the role of men in Judaism and how that role has evolved in recent history.
A. J. Jacobs: The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible
Our next Book Group book. Fascinating, fun, thought-provoking. I'm really enjoying it. Reading Jacobs' adventures gives us a clear illustration of why the traditions of Rabbinic Judaism developed... living according to what the Bible actually says is not quite possible.
Lawrence A. Hoffman: Rethinking Synagogues: A New Vocabulary for Congregational Life
Rabbi Hoffman, together with Ron Wolfson, has helped examine Jewish life today and what engages us to synagogue participation. This work is a necessary read for all those dedicated to the future of Jewish life in America.
Maggie Anton: Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam
Book two in the series by Maggie Anton continues the story of the daughters of Rav Salomon ben Isaac, one of the greatest Torah scholars in history who taught his daughters Torah.
Michael Krasny: Off Mike: A Memoir of Talk Radio and Literary Life
Krasny spoke at Beth Emek this evening (11.1.07) spoke about what led to this memoir and read a couple selections. Very interesting.
Ron Wolfson: God's To-do List: 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do God's Work on Earth
I mentioned this one in my sermon about mitzvot. It's a good, practical look at how we can act positively in this world.
Michael Chabon: The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel
I'm about a third into the book. I enjoyed Kavalier and Clay, but don't remember it being quite as bizarre as this one. Perhaps it's because he's attempting to write in '40's cheap detective style (a la Mickey Spillane or Dashiell Hammett). It's mildly engaging so far, but having gone through a serious period of immersing in this genre, I don't think he quite hits the mark. The premise is fascinating nonetheless: a post-Holocaust settlement in Alaskan territory instead of a succesful settlement of Israel... interesting.

Rabbi Rick's Music List

Dan Nichols & e18teen: My Heart is in the East
I was looking for some music to get me into the proper mood for Yom Kippur. I chose this one because the song Or Zarua appears at the beginning of the Erev Yom Kippur service, and then the following song, Kehilla Kedosha quotes the Torah portion from the next morning's service. The album is soulful and ethereal and perfect for my High Holyday preparation. Thanks Dan!
Rabbi Joe Black: Aleph Bet Boogie
This is good music for kids. The kind of music that adult can enjoy listening to with their kids and not being reduced to infantile babbling.
Rabbi Joe Black: Sabbatical
Rabbi Black is a talented musician and thoughtful songwriter and we're blessed to have him come and play in our sukkah this year!
Julie Silver: It's Chanukah Time
Julie is one of my absolute favorite Jewish artists. Her voice is beautiful and sweet. She is a talented musician who writes consistently pleasant music. This album is a must in your Chanukah music collection!
Matisyahu: Youth
The latest by reggae/rap artist Matisyahu. If you're into reggae or rap you should check this out. It's certainly unique.
Mah Tovu: Only This
One of my favorite Jewish albums
The LeeVees: Hanukkah Rocks
The most fun Chanukah album I've listed to in a long time.
Matisyahu: Live at Stubb's
A combination of Reggae and Hip Hop from a practitioner of Chabad Judaism - need I say more!
Shehecheyanu
Beignet Yisrael: Four Jewish Doughnuts in New Orleans
A fun group of two cantors, a cantorial soloist and a rabbi from New Orleans. I hope there will be good reasons to sing Shehecheyanu in New Orleans soon.
When the Saints Go Marchin' In
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Best of
On the wall in Preservation Hall is a sign that gives the cost of requests: $1 for Traditional songs, $2 for others and $5 for 'Saints.' Not because it's a bad song, quite the opposite. It's the most requested, classic Dixieland piece. I hope the sign is still there right now.

I’ve written much about the value of camp for our congregation and why I spend time at a URJ camp each summer. Here’s similar thoughts from one of my colleagues and friends who we rendezvous with each summer at Camp Newman:
Rabbi Paul Kipnes' thoughts on camp

In addition to the comprehensive description he’s observed of our time at camp, Rabbi Paul Kipnes and I also compare notes on the use of these electronic media. I encourage you to explore his blog!