I write to you this month still walking on air following the birth of our two sons, Jonah Lev and Gabriel Addison on November 2^nd.  Jennifer and I are elated by the blessing of parenthood as we welcome these two new members of our family.  We are grateful to those who brought us meals; those who attended the britot milah of our sons; and all who celebrated with us at this joyous time. 

Standing on the bimah as Gabriel and Jonah entered the covenant of the Jewish people, I began to reflect, for the first time as a parent, on what it means to raise a Jewish child.  My sons will certainly experience and learn about Judaism in our home, and in the synagogue – but being Jewish is more than that.  One of the most important lessons I hope to impart to my children is that their Jewish identities do not end when Religious School goes on vacation or when they leave the sanctuary after services.  Whether Jonah and Gabriel decide to pursue athletics, drama, music, or dance, they will always be Jewish.    

One of the best ways to teach children that Judaism exists outside the walls of our synagogues and homes is through Jewish summer camps.  Camps are magical places where students can further develop their Jewish identities and build a connection to the Jewish community while enjoying the typical summer camp activities of sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and making friends.  From personal experience, I can also add that camp is a place where one may meet not only friends, but in some instances one’s future partner.  Jennifer and I met, while on staff, at a Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) camp, Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas.    

As a member synagogue in the URJ, Temple Beth Am shares a special relationship with two camps in Western Massachusetts – URJ Eisner Camp in Great Barrington and URJ Crane Lake Camp in West Stockbridge.  While there are many Jewish camps throughout New England, Eisner and Crane Lake are the only two which are part of the Union for Reform Judaism.  As a result, these camps are able to seamlessly link the Jewish experiences of our students from their time in Religious School with their summer activities.    

In addition, Reform Rabbis, Cantors and Educators serve as faculty at Crane Lake and Eisner over the course of the summer.  For three out of the last four summers, I have spent at least two weeks at one of these two camps in this capacity – teaching courses on Jewish subjects, assisting with unit worship services and Shabbat celebrations, as well as working with b’nei mitzvah students. Those who are interested in learning more about Eisner and Crane Lake are invited to join me on December 16^th, as we welcome a representative from the camps to the home of our members, Beth and Mike Adler.

This summer I look forward to returning to camp as faculty, and to bringing Gabriel and Jonah to their first summer at camp.  While they are too young to be campers, I pray that camp will come to be a special place for them.  A place where Jonah and Gabriel will nurture their love for Judaism, and develop their connection to the Jewish people. 

L’shalom,

Rabbi Adam F. Miller