From the Rabbi - December 1999

Dear Friends,

Every few days, these past few weeks, the conference table in my study has been covered with photographs. If you have ever been in my study, you will know that the fact that my table is cluttered is not that unusual. What is unusual, however, is the content of the photos. As you may have noticed on the front cover of this bulletin, they were taken by students who went to Israel this past summer on NFTY (The North American Federation of Temple Youth) sponsored trips. Many of the pictures are similar: smiling adolescents standing in front of the Western Wall, sunrise on Masada and candid "blackmail" shots of unsuspecting friends asleep on the tour bus. Although the themes of these snapshots are familiar, I never tire of seeing them. These pictures are precious symbols of a summer experience that changed the lives of these youthful travelers forever.

During my Rosh Hashanah sermon this past year, I stated that if 12 members of the Confirmation class go to Israel, I would go with them this summer. A few weeks ago I did an informal poll of my class and asked who was thinking about going on such a trip. I'm happy to report that every member of the class raised their hand. I'm renewing my passport next week.

I cannot stress enough the import and impact that summer camping and Israel programs have for our children. There is no better way to create a sense of Jewish identity and commitment than these experiences. My own Jewish identity was forged in the two cities of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (home of UAHC camp - Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute), and Jerusalem.

This month, we will be hosting two special guests. On Wednesday, December 8th, Paul Reichenbach, the National Director of Israel Programs for NFTY will be speaking to our students and parents during regular class time from 7-8 PM. I have known and worked with Paul ever since I was a student at HUC and spent my summers in Jerusalem working for NFTY in Israel. He will be talking about Israel programs for our Youth as well as answering questions. On Friday night, December 10th, Deb Sagan _ Associate Director of Camp Newman/Swig in California, will be speaking from the pulpit at Erev Shabbat services. Deb will tell us about all of the exciting options available to our youth at our regional summer camps. I hope to see many of you at these special events.

We are about to enter into the Chanukah season. The Chanukah menorah (chanukiah) is a powerful symbol of dedication to the vibrancy of Jewish life. When we kindle our Chanukiot, we can see how the flame of our people burns brightly in our hearts and homes. Our task - as educators, parents and committed Jews, is to ensure that our youth will feel the warmth of that flame and become engrossed in its beauty. Camping and Israel programs are among the best tools that we have to keep that flame burning.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon. May your Chanukah celebration bring you joy, gladness, light and dedication to our most sacred principles.

B'Shalom,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

Previous Bulletin Page
December 1999 Bulletin Home Page
Next Bulletin Page