“Shiru l’Adonai shir chadash; shiru l’Adonai kol ha’aretz”

Sing a new song to God; all the earth sing to God.  – Psalm 96

Dear Parents,

Goldman Union Camp Institute is defined by so many different components that go into making it such a special community, and we take pride in them all. But it is well known that our singing is what gives us the greatest sense of pride, and the most joy. GUCI has a long lineage of world-class song leaders, and a long tradition of world-class singers (our campers and staff).

There is a common understanding here in Zionsville that our music is what we use to cement the bonds of our community. I think it is always important to remind our campers, however, that the things they love most about GUCI are not found exclusively at GUCI. They might just be more obvious to them here. Music, for instance, can be found anywhere they go in the world, and can be found to be a mechanism for bringing people together.

Music accompanies us throughout our lives, at our most significant moments…from first “Happy Birthday” to final funeral dirge. It helps us rejoice during the good times, brings consolation at the difficult times, and offers strength at the challenging times. This week, music is playing all of those roles at GUCI.

This evening’s Shabbat service is a special celebration in memory of one of our former campers, Allie Rae Edelsberg, who died tragically in 2009. Allie’s family is joining us from California, and has brought in a special musical guest, Rabbi Noam Katz. In addition to his outstanding contributions to the world of modern Jewish music, Noam is also the Dean of Jewish Education at Camp George, our sister-camp in Toronto, and at The Leo Baeck Day School. It is my greatest hope that tonight’s Shabbat observance will be a celebration of a beautiful life and bring consolation where it is needed for a difficult time.

Dan Nichols is also on camp with us this week lending his beautifully musical spirit to camp as he always does. Yesterday, Dan and I took an early morning trip to Cincinnati to visit Ethan Kadish at the Children’s Hospital. Ethan’s parents have had Dan’s music playing by Ethan’s bedside continually since the day he was struck by lightning earlier this summer. They did not expect that the healing process would include a surprise in-person visit from Dan, including a bedside Mi Shebeirach and Chazak. I can’t begin to speak for Ethan’s family, but I know that for Dan and for me, it was a moment that will live forever in our memories, as the music brought strength in a challenging time.

I am very happy that after the past few emotionally-charged weeks, tomorrow night will provide us with the opportunity to use music as an instrument for rejoicing in good times. Our Shabbat observance will conclude with a special all-camp concert with Noam and Danny, followed by Havdallah. Perhaps the reason that music works so well as the cement of our community is that we use it for all of its purposes. What a unique experience this weekend is that I feel privileged to be a part of, in which we revel in music that is intended to bring consolation, strength, and a great deal of joy. I know that many of you have made our camp music part of your family life; and I pray that it brings you all of the same satisfaction it brings to us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Mark Covitz
Director
Goldman Union Camp Institute