Goldman Union Camp Institute

July 23, 2013

Cabin 14: How We Create a Jewish Community

OPENING SONG

The Barchu is an invitation to prayer. Ever since I can remember, GUCI has been the most inviting place in my life. Even the Jewish community of GUCI grows when people return, or come for the first time. One of the reasons people come to camp and stay is because of its inviting environment. – Micah K.

Barchu

This prayer is about distinguishing the parts of our life. The Jewish communities we have during our life also can help us distinguish between the parts of our life. When we are kids, some of our friends might be Jewish, and just by going to this camp, you are making a huge Jewish community. When you are older, your Jewish community may be only through your temple or possibly from work and it will be harder to make a community than here at camp. Because of this, you should make one now. – Levi D.

Ma’ariv Aravim

Communities are created all the time. Jewish communities are created at GUCI every session. They are made through Shiur, Hebrew, services like this one, and just being with your cabin and friends. Just look at your cabin as a community. Ours fights about what teenage mutant ninja turtle is the best, but we also learn together, stick together, and live together. The community of cabins forms units. Units form the miraculous community of GUCI. Though the GUCI community is strong, it is strongest with you. – Robert W.

Ahavat Olam

All of us are in a Jewish community; we are all a part of GUCI. Jewish communities are special because they aren’t just random people. We all understand each other’s belief because we are all in a Jewish community. – Max G.

Sh’ma/V’ahavta

The Mi Chamocha is about Moses leading the Jews out of slavery in Egypt. As they crossed the sea, they were creating a new community; one that had been separated for years. Though they were different in many ways, they were brought together by their Judaism. – Macey G.

Mi Chamocha

I was just a little Shoresh kid when my cabin took a bunk night creek walk. While we were walking, I passed a hollowed out tree, perfect for a small shelter. At that moment, my future flashed before my eyes. I would take a sleeping bag, a flashlight, and other necessary tools and live in the forest. I would pick mulberries and snare small animals for food. After much dreaming and planning, I proceeded to eat crumb cake with my cabin the next morning. I decided against being a hermit because of the Jewish community and what it provides. My community provides comfort, security, and opportunities to learn and grow. Community is what kept the Jewish people together through hardship. Community has strengthened my Judaism. The Hashkiveinu talks about the shelter of peace that we hope God will provide. For now, I have chosen this protection over being a hermit. I am glad I did. – Robby C.

Hashkiveinu

Prayer is essential to creating a Jewish community; a Kehillah Kedoshah. The Amidah is sometimes called t’fillah, or prayer. So, the Amidah is extremely important for building a Kehillah Kedoshah. Jewish community is very important to me, and GUCI is one of the strongest and best there are. There are many activities that bring us together, but t’fillah is the thing that really turns GUCI into an amazing Kehillah Kedoshah. The Amidah also tells us about our ancestors. If it were not for those great matriarchs and patriarchs, we might not have been together as a Jewish people. The Amidah, or t’fillah, is vital for creating a true Jewish community. – Zachary N.

Amidah

Peace and wholeness, wholeness and peace. This circle, like all others, has no beginning. Neither is present without the other. Our theme, “creating a Jewish community,” is dependent on both. To be a holy community, you need a community: Peace + wholeness = community. The Shalom Rav asks God to give peace to us. This, as a blessing from God, makes the community holy. Now, I don’t believe in God. But I do believe that a community needs peace to be holy, in any case. – Stephen S.

Shalom Rav

Silent prayer is about our individual prayers. A community is nothing without individual people with their individual thoughts. Without different people, a community would be only one mind in many bodies. – Zach L.

Silent Prayer

GUCI brings all of us together into a Jewish community. As the Aleinu says, the Jewish people were set apart from all the other people on earth, making us unique. When in GUCI, we can all become one similar group who pray together as one. Not many other places can do this. At home, I do not practice Judaism enough. With GUCI in my life, I am able to join all of you in my Jewish community. – Max S.

Aleinu

The Mourner’s Kaddish is about helping the mourning. I have personal experience. A friend of mine passed away recently. She lived a great long life, and helped many people with tough times of their lives. I only knew her when she was old, and she was really nice. My mother—a rabbi—spent time with her and talked to her. She loved ice cream, and she bought me some firework ice cream with pop rocks in it. A Jewish community helps each other in times of distress or mourning. It was a comfort to have a great congregation to help me. – Ben Field

Kaddish Yatom

Just coming to GUCI is one of the best ways to be a part of a Jewish community. Not only are we all Jewish, we are also bonded together in many different ways; friends, family, and as a community. – Dustin R.

CLOSING SONG