Let My People Go... TO CAMP!

Here's a repost of an article I wrote a year or two ago.  Enjoy!

Jewish Camp and the Exodus
By Rabbi Dani Locker, Director, Camp Nageela West

Many words have been used to describe the institution of Jewish camp. Inspirational, Relaxing, Fun, even Epic. But Biblical?

With the advent of Passover this year, as any, Jews ponder the relevance of the Exodus story in their own lives. After all, as the author of the Haggadah puts it, “Each person is obligated to see him or herself as if he or she has personally exited Egypt.” In Las Vegas it has a literal meaning, as we take off from MaCarran airport with the pyramid of the Luxor in the background, toward our campus in Utah, a place which , although lacking milk and honey, is called Zion by many.

Vegas aside, think about the Exodus narrative. Sure, we think of the ancient Hebrews as slaves who had to work, work, work every day and every night, which is true. The more significant problem, though was that of a spiritual holocaust.
For two hundred and ten years, the children and grandchildren of Jacob settled into Egypt as Jews have done throughout history. They prospered, they multiplied, and became thoroughly Egyptian. Many Jews adopted Egyptian idolatry. When God announced to His heavenly minions the masterplan of the exodus, the angels reacted with confusion, "we can't tell the difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians!".
Leaving the oppressive confines of Egypt, our nation was able to develop our own identity, away from the confusing influences of Egypt.

When a Jewish child lives in our confusing World, it may become difficult for that child to pinpoint exactly what being 'Jewish' means. They may unknowingly quote the angels, "I can't tell the difference between myself and my friends. Am I different?"

Leaving the city, immersed for three weeks in a proud Jewish environment... Experiencing the excitement of a Shabbat dance, the electricity of a kumzitz and the clarity of a simple, explanatory service connects him in a real way to the Jewish people.
Independence is a factor as well, and I don't mean the national sort. As slaves, there are few decisions one can make on his own. Eat this, build this, wear this. Finally as free people, our ancestors were truly able to grow as individuals.
Children are oft comparing themselves to slaves. True, their complaints and their requests for unlimited jelly beans or to eliminate bedtime may not be justified. Yet three weeks in an Environment where they develop away from their family, away from school , away from who everyone else wants them to be, gives that maturing boy or girl a very special chance to be themselves. Really themselves.

Oh, and don't forget the camping under the stars...

We can continue making comparisons, but the
Message is clear... Let my people go... To camp!