D’varim

By Rabbi Melinda M. Mersack

Here we are beginning the fifth and final book of the Torah, D’varim or Deuteronomy.  At this point, Moses and the Israelites are standing across the Jordan River looking towards the Land of Israel.  Moses knows that he will not be permitted to enter the Land with his people.  He will die never having set foot onto the soil of Israel.  But, he gives one final speech to this people:  reminding them about their journey together over the last 40 years as they broke free from the bonds of slavery in Egypt and travelled through the wilderness.  He tells them of their successes, their failures, and reminds them of the mitzvot and the rules with which they must govern themselves once they settle into the land, in order to establish a good and moral society as God commanded.  Above all, Moses reminds them that God will always be with them and protect them.

I imagine Moses, a parent of this people, being filled with mixed emotions:  excited about his children’s journey ahead into the promised land, yet, also, feeling somewhat anxious about the new lives they will lead without him.  What challenges will they encounter?  What troubles might they face?  Will the people get along or will they struggle and fight along the way?  Will this new land truly be flowing with milk and honey and will they live peaceful lives wanting for nothing under God’s protection?

Similarly, I imagine, this may be what many of your parents felt as they sent you here to GUCI for the first time.  Whether this is your first summer here at camp, or your 7th, think about what it was like that first day as your parents said goodbye to you and trusted that you would have the time of your life while here at GUCI.

Paralleling the language of Moses in this week’s Torah portion, a final speech from a parent to a child upon entering the Promised Land of GUCI might sound something like this:

“I cannot carry you alone, my child.  The world is full of wonderful experiences that await you.  There is so much to learn, and so many people to teach you.  Mark Covitz has prepared wise and understanding counselors to help you, teaching them, ‘Hear disputes between the campers and judge justly between them.  Make peace in the cabins and the units, and all of camp.  You shall favor no one, for everyone is family at Goldman Union Camp.’”

Your parent continued, “So much joy awaits you at GUCI.  You will make new friends, meet Danny Nichols, sing gloriously on Shabbat, and have so, so much fun.

“When you see the mountain that is the migdal you may think- ‘Because God hates us, God brought us out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us to this fate.  How shall we go up?  We are of faint heart.  The migdal is greater and taller than we; it is fortified up to heaven; and we are but grasshoppers.’

“So I say to you: ‘Do not be afraid. God goes with you.  God will protect you and the harness shall carry you as a parent carries a child.’  And you will conquer the migdal with your GUCI brothers and sisters standing beside you, cheering you on.

“And when you come by the way of the braycha you might think, ‘why must I have instructional swim?’  But it is because you are loved and we want you to be safe.  The skills you learn will serve you well during free swim and on Shabbat when the freedom is yours to conquer either pool!

“And do not forget, that out of this love, I have left with the office a stipend to sustain you during the long, hot days of this journey. Canteen shall you have to buy candy, that you may eat; and you shall also request coins so that you may drink soda, or pop, or coke as is your choosing.

“And in shiur and limud you will learn more about your heritage and customs by exploring the rituals and symbols of our people- so that you may choose Jewish life and live, and carry your knowledge with you even when you return to your home in Cleveland, or St. Louis, or Louisville, or Cincinnati, or Detroit, or Denver, or Kansas City, or the very very distant land of Des Moines.

“And there will be times, on this journey, when new and unforeseen encounters come your way.  The likes of Yom Sport and Bunk Night- joyous surprises planned by your counselors at every turn.

“And you will even pass through other lands for Shoresh Day Off, Yom Tiyul, and Kesher.  You will conquer these foreign places to possess them and wildly celebrate your liberation.

“And my child, never fear.  Through all your adventures, you will be well cared for, and I will await your return with open arms.  Know that if in a given moment you are missing family or home, or just feeling down, you have many friends here who care for you.

“For Adonai your God will bless you in all the work of your hand; God knows your walking through this great wilderness of Zionsville: these four weeks.  Adonai your God will be with you, so you lack nothing.”

And you replied, “what you have spoken will be good for me.  I will learn knew things.  Celebrate being Jewish.  Make new friends.  Gain new confidence and reach new heights.”

And the campers entered the land of GUCI and enjoyed delights and great times.  And they took of the fruit of this camp in their hands- the lifelong friendships formed, the magic of GUCI- and returned to their homes with the word, saying:  “It is a good land which Adonai our God gives us, the land of GUCI.”

GUCI Service 7/13/13 from URJ GUCI on Vimeo.