September-October 2024
“The Torah of Travel: Reflections from spiritual journeys by our educators and clergy”   

Part II: Chesed (Kindness) Always Wins – What I Learned This Summer in The Bubble
By Director of Congregational Learning Mindy Sherry, RJE

We live in a competitive world, and we compete for almost everything — jobs, sports, grades, getting into college. This summer, I spent some time at URJ’s Crane Lake Camp, or as we like to call it, The Bubble. Crane Lake was an independently owned sports camp until it was purchased by the UAHC (now the URJ). When Crane Lake transitioned to a URJ camp, they kept many of the traditions, including competition. To this day, campers continue to compete in tournaments with other camps. We even have the Kiddush Cup, a day-long tournament of various sports with Eisner Camp and Ramah Berkshires participating.

However, through the hard work of the camp directors, Crane Lake has maintained its traditions and culture and also worked hard to create and foster a culture of Chesed (kindness). Everything we do at camp, we do with kindness. On the first day of camp, a member of the kitchen staff dropped a large pile of plates, and you could hear the crash throughout the chadar ochel (dining room). Instead of clapping, several general counselors and campers ran over to help pick up the plates. During Mini Maccabiah (Color War), I watched older campers helping younger campers at different events and cheering for the opposite team. Crane Lake has taken the culture of Chesed to the next level. While competition is a natural part of life, Crane Lake’s emphasis on Chesed offers a powerful reminder that true success is measured not just by winning, but by the way we treat others along the way. Win or lose, the campers return from tournaments chanting “Chesed always wins,” and they know kindness should never be sacrificed. Whether it’s helping someone in need, supporting teammates, or even showing good sportsmanship to opponents, these acts of kindness create a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

As you embark on this new year, I hope you will keep in mind “Chesed ALWAYS wins” as a guiding principle. It encourages us to approach challenges with compassion and reminds us that the impact of our actions on others is just as important as the results we achieve.

Part III: Summer Travels
by Asst. Dir. of Congregational Learning Tehilah Eisenstadt

Hello East End Temple, I know we’re new to each other, so my summer learning might come as a surprise to you. My summer has been about the flip sides of the grief/joy coin. My summer began in Israel, on a fellowship for rabbinical school students. Upon my arrival at Ben Gurion airport, the scrolling signs that usually say “Feel At Home,” read “Feel Everything,” with a photograph of a bloodshot eye and a tear with the Israeli flag inside. As a former preschool director, I never expected to see tough-exterior-Israel advertising “feel all your feelings.” And who was waiting for me near those signs? Two of the most joyful elements of life, my best friend Elishe with shoko b’sakit/chocolate milk in a bag, in hand.   

I learned Ugandan Kabbalat Shabbat tunes from my rabbinical student colleague as we picked (tart!) plums together. We sang as we plucked under a scorching sun, doing our best to make up for the agriculture workers missing due to fear, kidnapping, death, reserve duty or the war leaving Palestinian workers and Israeli employers divided.  

At the Jerusalem Pride parade I met the army buddies of Sagi Golan. They shared the tragic and heroic story of Golan’s death on October 7. His death led to Golan’s fiancé securing gay partner’s rights to financial, medical and psychological support from the state. 

During Shabbat services the family of a wounded soldier were all called up to the bimah. The soldier’s father shared words that sounded like a prepared eulogy-turned-blessing at his son’s side. There was so much hugging of the boy/man/soldier/son on crutches. The rabbi in her gentle, strong voice blessed them in their tears and joy. 

There are more stories than these. When you see me feel free to ask for them. I pray that this year our learning, praying and acts of service will allow us to reap the depth of our sorrow in the heights of our dance, with tears of laughter: “Those who sow in tears, reap in joy” (Psalm 126:).

Important Upcoming Dates

Shabbat B’Yachad: Friday, September 6
5:45pm Pre-neg
6:15pm Special Welcome Back service with special guest Omri Shklar, Crane Lake Camp’s head song leader

Tot Shabbat: Fridays at 5:30pm 
September 13, 20, 27; October 18

First Days of Religious School:
Tuesday, September 10 — 6th-8th grades and Teens 
Wednesday, September 11 — 4th and 5th grades
Thursday, September 12 — Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades

High Holy Days

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Family Services for Rosh Hashanah (Thursday, October 3) and for Yom Kippur (Saturday, October 12) will be offered in person and online — pre-registration is required:
— Young Family Service (ages birth-5) at 9:00am 
For Tots and children up to age 5, join us for a lively yet intimate service conducted in a sing-along format. Children and their parents will come together to celebrate the holidays with songs, prayers, and stories. 
— Family Service (ages 6-11) at 2:00pm 
A fun and engaging service geared towards families with children ages 6-11 led by Rabbi Josh Stanton and Cantor Olivia Brodsky. The experience is much like a regular service, with many of the traditional prayers as well as readings from the Torah. An excellent opportunity to allow young children to actively participate in a real High Holy Day service that is both age appropriate and very meaningful. 
–Children’s Programing (ages 4-12) at 10:00am
Our kids’ programs will be in person only and will take place during the congregational morning services on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—snack will be provided and each child MUST have an adult who will be attending the congregational service. The children’s programs are for grades Pre-K (age 4) through 8th grade.

Sukkot 
Sukkot Family Program: Sunday, October 20 from 3:00-5:00pm
Join us for pizza in the hut and other fun fall activities!

Simchat Torah  
Friday, October 25 with Shabbat services
5:45 Pre-neg snack
6:15pm Service, unrolling the Torah, and dancing with the scrolls