Posted on July 1, 2018
Well, soon I’ll be joining the faculty at Camp Newman. There will be the same ruah, spirit, to be sure but at a completely different location. As you know, Camp Newman burned down in the wildfires that ravaged Northern CA last fall. They will rebuild but in the meantime, camp is at Cal State Martime. It’s a bit north of San Francisco but south of where camp used to be.
I’m looking forward to the activities, to serving as the Rabbi for Rishonim, our high energy eighth and ninth graders, as they learn about nature and God. I’ve done this age group before and, sigh, know what I’m in for. I’ll get caffeinated. We already have Evan and Sean Greenberg, Kai & Ari Fitzer, and Shane Prunty at camp. Joining them shortly will be Elizabeth Halbreich, Jessa Kleinman, and Juneau Resnick.
At another URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) camp, is Jacob Cantus attending for the first time 6 Points Sci-Tech in Los Angeles. Report from his mother says, “He’s having the BEST time. He’s
thrilled to be there.” Also, McKenzie Pantel is at Habonim Camp Gilboa.
We are grateful for our Temple Beth David Foundation that helps support our youth in attending Jewish overnight camp. Studies have demonstrated that this is an excellent way to inculcate strong Jewish values and identity that can last a life time.
I’m proud that our synagogue supports our youth, not just in going to camp but also our youth programming through WAFTY (our high school youth group) & Jr. Wafty (6-9 th graders) The future looks bright indeed. See you when I return from camp.