No pickles on Rosh Hashana!

No pickles on Rosh hashana

No pickles. No sour, half sour or dill, spicy garlic, polish, kosher, gherkins. No pickles.

You see, there's are lots of symbolic customs surrounding what we eat on Rosh Hashana. Apples and honey is well know as an omen for a sweet year. There are also don'ts when it comes to Rosh Hashana food.  We don't eat nuts, because of a numerological anomaly equating the Hebrew word for nut with 'sin'.
Foods containing vinegar, like pickles are also avoided on Rosh Hashana due to the symbolism of its bitterness.

How to cope?

Those who know me know that my appreciation of the pickle (and its juice) borders on an obsession.  Does it bother me that on a holiday when we eat delicious food, I must avoid one of my favorites?

Not really.

Let's backtrack a bit. You may ask, "If it's good to have apple and honey to symbolize a sweet year, why not EVERY DAY? Why limit the goodness to one or two specific meals?
A special food, incident or event is made more significant in its rarity. It's only because we DONT have honey daily that it means something on Rosh Hashana. While true that honey is sweet, there's a time and a place for everything. It's OK to have good things in our life without adopting them in permanence.

So it's ok to avoid pickles for a couple of days. I'll have 352 days of pickley bliss until the next Jewish new year.

Why this night is NO different for one California town

An article I read today detailed the judgement made against the Sriracha Hot Sauce factory.
In case you've been living in a cave... not just any cave, but a very bland cave... better yet, the gingerbread house... Sriracha is an immensely popular, and very pungent hot sauce.

The town where the plant is located (Irwindale, CA) filed a complaint (which they won) that "the strong smell of peppers being crushed at the plant was causing headaches and irritating the eyes and throats of nearby residents."

Though in reality it's more reminiscent of the 6th plague where the sky was filled with smoke and ash... it just brought up thoughts of our least favorite Passover food (no, I wasn't referring to Manischevitz).

At this evening's seder, millions of Jews will eat marror, the bitter herb symbolizing our decades of painful, demeaning oppression at the hands of the ancient Egyptians.  Some use lettuce, but many Jews use sharp, raw ground horseradish as their Marror.

If you've ever had a straight spoon of ground horseradish, you could probably lift a hot air balloon straight into orbit.  I don't mean the wimpy stuff they sell in jars (though, I'm not such a tough guy I mean buying a horseradish root and grinding it on the very same day. 
and I have trouble with that, too).

Why would I want to subject myself to that, if I can get by with romaine lettuce?

Why do you think the Torah obligated us to eat bitter herbs to begin with?  Why not just remember the bitter times?

Because it's not so easy to cry about something that happened three thousand years ago.

So this year, channel a little Irwindale. Eat your marror in a horribly bitter, painful and tear inducing freshly ground state.  Cry a bit.

It's at least as important as hot sauce...

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!

And the gloves are off

It's been a while since I've blogged, but I keep seeing trends that puzzle, concern and, I have to admit, somewhat amuse me. Now my rant.

I just read an article describing the all-out brawl that took place at a hockey game at Nassau Coliseum.
That itself is surely a common occurrence, in a sport which glorifies fighting (a topic meriting its own blog post). What was unusual about this particular brawl is that it was at a charity game between New York's greatest heroes, the police and fire department (I use the term heroes quite literally. I have massive gratitude and respect for the members of both these groups). NYPD won the game (they have more experience shooting), but not before a  fight taking several minutes took place.

Just explain something to me please.  When did it become acceptable in society for adults to fight in anger (as opposed to competitive fighting which I have no problem with).  I get it that in an intense moment during a game a temper may flare. It's unfortunate, but I can even relate to a hard check or tackle (depending on your sport) in the heat of the moment.  But please explain how, according to the article, "players from both teams grappled with each other for several minutes as the crowd roared their encouragement."

SEVERAL MINUTES?  CROWD ENCOURAGEMENT?  I'm sorry. 
Sometimes a kid wets his bed. I've never cheered for that.   Have you?  

Ok, so cops and firemen, while doing really, really valuable, important jobs are fallible. Imperfect. I can get over that. They embarrassed themselves and the city they represent. Reprehensible but not 'world ending'. How do you roar your approval for an adult having a tantrum?
Am I missing something?

And make no mistake, every child in that arena got a clear message: "if you're angry, go ahead and tantrum, go ahead and lose your self control, it's ok to quit acting civilized. We'll cheer for you.
We'll shout our encouragement.

Some Yom Kippur Words

reflection. introspection. evaluation. commitment. decision. hope. remorse. resolve. thought. clarity. sadness. elation. intensity. pain. connection. lucidity. confusion. joy. comfort. sincerity. hunger. renewal.

These words define Yom Kippur for me.  What words define yours?

Camp Update

Hi!  Now that we're two full weeks into camp, here's a little update about what's been going on.  As always, the best way to get up to the minute info is by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Last week, we celebrated July 4th in good, old fashioned US tradition, with a baseball game, fireworks and BBQ.  The baseball game ended in a walk-off grand slam, so it doesn't get much better than that!  We also had a wacky mall scavenger hunt, where, among other things, campers had to find some of our staff members who were dressed to blend in subtly (or in some cases, not so subtly) to the mall clientelle.

A large part of camp, of course is our sports league, and the teams of Fungus, Warts, Moles and Athlete's Foot (yes, I did really just say that) are competing hard every day and looking forward to playoffs beginning Thursday.

We have a new initiative in camp called "Try New Stuff" (TNS). Campers who do something for the first time get up on the wall.  Entries have included a camper saddling his own horse, using the high diving board, and even a camper learning to read Hebrew!

Last night we broke out Color War, an intense 2 day competition, and as we speak, the teams of Orange and Blue are on their way back from their aqua races, and looking forward to tonights grand plays.  

Here are a few scheduling updates:
We leave camp on our overnight roadtrip on Sunday morning, so if you need to reach our camp office or if you have mail to send, please do so by Friday.
We'll be meeting for a pick-up/ Ice- cream party at Paseo Verde Park on Monday at 11am (luggage will be across the road at Ahavas Torah Center).
Arizona campers will then continue on with van transportation to both Phoenix and Tucson.

We wish you have-a-Nageela day!

Rabbi Dani Locker

 

The best ROI

Camp rocks, we all know that.  Kids spend a few weeks in a fun, nurturing environment and they grow as people, as individuals.  All true.  But what's the true impact of Jewish camp?  The Foundation for Jewish Camp has published a comprehensive study adults who've attended camps, and aside from the astounding fact that they all seem to like s'mores, they also found some fascinating, although not altogether surprising information.  See the full study here.  Not only are adults who attended Jewish camp as children 45% more likely to attend Synagogue... 55% more likely to feel connected to Israel... They also GIVE MORE!

Adults who attended Jewish Camp as children are 30% more likely to donate to a Jewish charity!

When you give a dollar to charity, you're concerned where it goes.  How much goes into marketing, and how much to the actual purpose (non- profit Jewish camps happen to be great about putting the money where it's needed).  But what about the lonnnnnnnnnng term effects for the Jewish people?  When you give to a Jewish camp's scholarship fund, not only are you creating a powerfully positive experience for children, you're seriously investing in the Jewish future.  You're creating: a. An individual who will remain connected to Judaism as an adult, and b. A giver who will be 30% more likely to give to Jewish causes 10, 20, 50 years down the line. 

Now if donating to Jewish camp scholarships isn't a great ROI, I don't know what is!

To donate to Nageela's scholarship fund, please click here- and make sure to specify that it's for scholarship!

The original scavenger hunt?

There have been multiple movies centered around grand scavenger hunts. The DaVinci Code, National Treasure and others. Apple's App Store hosts more than 50 scavenger hunt apps.
What's the origin if the scavenger hunt? Who knows?
Many believe it has its roots in early hunting games. It's widely believed to have been popularized again in the 1930s.
In Camp Nageela West, we have the DaNiSH (Dani's Nageela Scavenger Hunt), a popular and wacky hunt.

But Jews have always done a Passover scavenger hunt... Well, 2 actually.

The Mishna, compiled nearly two thousand years ago describes the annual candle- lit search for chametz on the night preceding Passover. This year, it's tonight, and we search every spot where we might have brought leavened- grain based (non matzah) products.

Probably of more recent origin, but still fairly common is the children's hunt for the afikoman at the Seder (Monday and Tuesday nights respectively, this year). According to some, this practice may also be alluded to in the Mishna. For more on this hunt, check out this very thorough article http://www.yutorah.org/togo/5768/pesach//articles/rabbi_flug.pdf.

At any rate, we've been doing this hunting thing for ages!
Happy Passover, and Happy Hunting!

To choose or not to choose...

Some time within the past ten years, I overheard a fascinating conversation.  An immigrant couple, originally from the former Soviet Union, was discussing the future musical enrichment of their newborn child.  In her heavy accent, the young mother expressed her concern that her son might not enjoy playing piano.  Igor, her husband, impassionately assured her that there was no problem.  "We make practice every day. Then he enjoy."
"But what if he never enjoys?"
"We make practice more. Then he enjoy."

I grew up in a camp with no choices.  Period.
Well, that's not precisely true; we had the choice not to attend activities at all, and in my younger years, largely disinterested in the sports- dominated activities, I spent a great deal of time sprawled on my paper- thin camp mattress, reading and achieving ever higher scores in Tetris.  To this day, I can't get Alexey Phazitnov's Tetris theme song out of my mind.  No, really.  It's stuck.
I read so much that at the end of my summer following 5th grade my camp award featured the accolade, "Speed Reading."
Eventually I learned to appreciate the camp activities, and bonded with the same friends year after year, and the activities held greater enjoyment for me. Never during those years did I consider that choosing my activities could be a part of camp.  I did have 'Choose your own Adventure' books, but that doesn't really count.
In 2013, many camps offer elective- heavy programs, and it's not just camp.  Schools, clubs, sports leagues- for better or for worse- kids have more input into their lives. Are elective activities better for our children, or should camp activities be assigned to them? Here's a list of possible benefits on both sides of the debate:
The case for assigned activities:
1. Varied experiences:
Electives may be fun, but they pigeon- hole the campers into a limited number or style of activities.  Assigned activities assure a rich variety of activities, which (unless you attend a specialty camp) is a great thing.
2. Age appropriate:
A dozen boys sign up for a basketball elective. 3 of them are 9 years old. Another bunch are 12,and there is a 14- year- old in the group as well (kind of resembles the first round of March Madness).  In group activities campers are usually scheduled with only their own age group.
3. Staff:
Campers develop a unique rapport with their cabin staff.  It's great positive relationship building when that very same counselor is with them at the soccer game, archery range or gaga pit.
4. Safety:
You want your camp to always know precisely where your child is. When she's with her bunk or cabin, that is a given. In a hectic specialty activity where each camper chooses what she wants, it's easier for a child to slip through the cracks.
5. Lemonade:
At the risk of overdramatizing... thinking you can only be happy if you get the exact scenario of your choice will ruin your life.  You can be one of those people who enjoys life or one of the people who complains about it...  Seriously- years of camp have proven that kids can have an amazing time doing things they would never have imagined they could enjoy. Instead of getting to choose your wand, your wand will get to choose you. You'll like it.
6. The closer:
One can't quantify the benefit of the friendships and lifelong connections a child makes in camp.  Additionally, the feeling of group comeraderie, particularly among campers who return year after year, is what camp is all about.  If the choice is between a more exciting activity, or an activity that will contribute to life- changing friendship, I'll take the latter any day.
The case for electives:
1. Show me the love:
Hey, I came to camp to have fun. I like paintball. I don't like knitting. Why would you force me to do something I don't love?
2. Serious skill development:
Many elective programs are ongoing, so over the course of a week or two I can learn a skill well, like basket weaving, making hair accessories out of duct tape, shooting free throws or icing a cake.
3. Friendship variety:
Your child probably has 10-15 campers and a handful of staff in her cabin.  Attending activities with like-minded peers not necessarily in her cabin allows her to expand her friendship circle two or threefold.  It also gives her a chance to bond with more staff members.
4.Empowerment:
Children  need to feel important, like they can make meaningful choices in their lives. By simply choosing waterfront over track, your son has just asserted mastery over one small aspect of his life. One small step...
5. Bed making:
Sometimes a camper will make a poor selection, teaching the ever valuable lesson of learning to deal with the ramifications of your error. We feel for you, but it was your decision and you've got to work through it.
Suggestions:
If you've selected a quality Jewish camp, you can't go wrong.  Most camps do have a hybrid system where some activities are preselected and some are electives. All will lead to a fun and meaningful experience your child will never forget. Be educated.  Know the right questions to ask. Also, don't forget that some camps have office staff who know little about the camp's activities- speak to someone who does.
Assuming you do choose a camp with at least some element of electives, here's a word of advice for your child:
Hey kid, don't come out to camp just to do the same thing you do all year.  Really, we get that you like tennis.  Go try something new.  One of my camp mottos is TNS- Try New Stuff.  Go ahead, I dare you.

sample day's activities at camp nageela west

How important are a camp's activities to begin with? That's for another blog post...

99 reasons to go to camp

Campfires
Horses
Basketball
BFFs
Tie dyeing
Mountain scenery
Night activities
Dancing
Gaga
Trying new stuff
Fresh air
S'mores
Boating
The amazing staff
Archery
Color war!
Fishing
Tennis
The canteen
Breakout!
Soccer
Drama workshop
Cholent
The candle ceremony
Grilled cheese
Mountain Dew
Bunk day
Stump the rabbi
BBQs
Friday night oneg
Sneak outs
Fireworks
The amazing trips
Music video
Swimming
Flash mob
Football
Volleyball
Prisoner
Paint twister
Hunger games
Archery
Baseball
Smell the cake
OTB
Leagues
Giant slip n slide
Capture the flag
Getting in shape
Ultimate
Hiking
Challah making
Escape to America
Learning a new skill
Shmoooozing
Paintball
Plunger eclipse
Music
Nageela's got talent
Jet skiing
Saturday afternoon live
The peacocks
Iron man
Water fight
Arts n crafts
Pillow fights
Crazy races
Duct tape art
Shabbos is going away songs
Popcorn
The Danish
The banquet
Hockey
Machachinski
Unbirthdays
Chilling in the bunk
Multiplex madness
Dodge ball
Ices
Hot cocoa
The amazing food
Birthday cakes
Ice cream
Pancakes
Funny hats
Painting
Watching Sunrise
Wilderness training
Costume night
The grand sing
Living independently
Aishes chayil/ shabbos tweets
Walmart
Scavenger hunt
Camp tee shirts
The creek
The beach @ bear lake
Lighting shabbos candles
Making a fool of yourself and loving it

Let my people go... To camp

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!

What's the real tragedy here?

I don't normally read the Las Vegas Review Journal. Not that I have anything against the RJ, it's a fine newspaper. I just get my news from more traditional sources, like ESPN...

On a serious note, I noticed the front page yesterday while at the Coffee Bean and the headline jumped out at me.
"I-15 Crash Stalls Race Fans"
The headline shows a photo of race victor Matt Kenseth holding a child, a great, feel- good headline article. The problem is the subtitle.
"Fatality slows traffic from speedway for for several hours."

The RJ has sent it's message loud and clear. Traffic is a bigger story than a 31 year old woman losing her life.
Shame on RJ. Shame on us as a society that's more interested in 'my schedule' than another human's pain.

Too many Jews believe in Judaism :)

I recently read an extensive study regarding stats of religions in this country. A few key points jumped out at me.
At first I was shocked only 5% of Jews believe Judaism is the one true faith. I get that most people have doubts, but 5%, when the national average is 24% seemed distinctly disturbing.

 Then I took a look at the wording (see bottom of chart) and I began to wonder why that number was so high! Allow me to explain.

 In stark contrast to other notable faith systems, Judaism believes that anyone can earn 'eternal life' even if they are not Jewish.
 To put it simply, if I were asked the question, I'd answer with choice B: Many religions can lead to eternal life.  Frankly, I'm not sure who the 5% are. There shouldn't be so many...
 Now if you want to discuss what will earn the maximum ROI in terms of eternal life, different story. Then it's only our one true faith.

 Another interesting stat caught my eye. This next chart details how important religion is to people across different demographics. According to the study, approximately 70% of Jews feel that religion is at least somewhat important. What caught my attention, though was the 'unaffiliated' percentage. According to the full report,
"the majority of the unaffiliated population is made up of people who simply describe their religion as "nothing in particular." This group, in turn, is fairly evenly divided between the "secular unaffiliated," that is, those who say that religion is not important in their lives (6.3% of the adult population), and the "religious unaffiliated," that is, those who say that religion is either somewhat important or very important in their lives." 
 Wait a second... Are you trying to tell me that there's a significant group who says religion is very important in their lives, but define their religion as 'nothing in particular'?
 Which aspect of nothing, precisely, is very important in their lives?
 I could be wrong on this, but it dawned on me how differently Jews view religion. I think many of he the participants in this study think of religion as nothing more than a belief. My 'belief in something', even if that something is undefined can be very important to my life. Judaism teaches that religion isn't a platitude, or a box that you check on a survey. It's a commitment to a set of actions and values. That can only be meaningful if these values are defined, clear, relevant. Watching sports can't be an important part of your life if you don't have access to a TV (OK, or online streaming). Cooking dinner can't be an important part of my day if I haven't decided on a menu. Religion can't be an integral part of my life if I haven't defined what exactly (or at least approximately) it is I that I follow.

 "Oh, religion is part of your life... Do you go to a church or synagogue (not really).
 Do you pray? (not to anyone in particular)
 Do you follow a set of moral values set by your religion? (nope, I do what i want). "

 I hope I'm making sense. I get that I'm sort of rambling. I recall once listening to sports talk radio and hearing the hosts (I believe it was Mike & Mike) express astonishment at a caller who was married to a 'die hard' fan of the rival team. They couldn't understand how (although as they explained religious intermarriage made perfect sense to them) that marriage could work. Because to them, religion is at most an intellectual belief in something abstract, not a true set of values with any impact on life. Sports, on the other hand...
  How do YOU define religion?
 Is it more than an abstract belief? If it's not, you've got a lot to learn about it.

Cruelty to birds?

Have you ever been puzzled by the phrase, "killing two birds with one stone?" I mean, have you ever seen amyone kill bird with stones?
I suppose it makes more sense than one version I heard someone use, "killing two birds with two stones." Now that's seriously inefficient.

But times change, and we as modern human beings have to be sensitive to birds rights and feelings. Plus, we've got to tailor our old sayings to something kids can relate to. That's why I've begun to use the expression, "killing two pigs with one bird." Now that's progressive!

Chinese food

I find it ironic, that's all.

The majority of Jews, particularly in our great city of Las Vegas feel little compulsion to keep Jewish traditions. How many Jews make kiddush on Friday night, or sit in the shade of a sukkah during that great holiday? These are 'traditions' the Jewish people have kept steadily for over 3000 years.
Yet Jews become very 'religious' when it comes to the 'Jewish tradition' of eating Chinese food on Xmas.
There's even an entertaining (if not somewhat offensive) YouTube music video about it.

Not judging, just pointing out the irony.

Yup, it really works

Just in case anyone was wondering...

Yes camp is fun.  Yes it creates lifelong memories.
But people talk about camp like it's the greatest thing since sliced pickles.  People talk about it creating lasting Jewish identity and involvement (just for the record, I prefer my pickles UNsliced, thank you very much).  DOES IT REALLY WORK?

Download this PDF with a comprehensive study of these amazing results.
Also, get more information from the Foundation for Jewish camp, here.

The golden rule & Boundaries

I think I may start using this in camp orientation.

When teaching Jewish values, Hillel's golden rule invariably comes up.  It's often misquoted as "Treat others as you would want to be treated."
This misunderstanding can lead to boundary issues, where people (particularly children, but really everyone) can rationalize taking advantage of someone else's kindness/ generosity.  Sometimes to the point of 'borrowing things without permission' because, "Hey, you need to be nice to me!"

This comic gives a bit of perspective on why Hillel's statement is actually "That which is hated by you, don't do to others."  A very different concept, meant to prevent abuse and promote acceptable boundaries.  Not the need to share everything.

Let My People Go... TO CAMP!

Click here to read an article I wrote comparing Camp to the Exodus

Beverage Consumption Chart

For the first time, a comprehensive study has been conducted on my drinking habits. Nothing like drinking healthy!

Back in business?

It's been a really long time since I've used blogger. Facebook has kind of taken over. But I like the new layout options, and it's a great place to post longer articles. So are we back in business on the blog? Maybe. I'll try it out again. So here goes!

Honestly? Yom Kippur vs. Visiting Day

This appeared on nageelalv.org and facebook.com/nageelawest.

Visiting Day- the Holiest Day of the Year?

by Rabbi Dani Locker

Visiting day. Every camper, staff member and camp administrator understand both the contagious excitement and the palpable trepidation of the day. Is it a holy day? Well, in some circles, it is referred to as palm Sunday (in reference to the not- so- subtle requests for tips), but that's not quite what I had in mind.

What is Visiting Day?

To children, visiting day was simple. Mom and Dad would come to camp laden with care packages, cash (eagerly anticipated) and kisses (begrudgingly accepted). I remember vividly as a tweenage camper proudly giving my parents the grand tour of the campus. The baseball field where I scored the winning run (at least in my imagination), the dining room where I developed a stomach ache, the camp synagogue, the only air conditioned building on campus, and of course the canteen (where we needed to check my balance). The greatest source of pride, of course, came from my bunk, with the perfectly made bed, and the thinly folded tee shirts in my cubby so neatly arranged they could have been stacked indefinitely without toppling. It was this phenomenon, a camp of 350 boys, without a speck or spider on any floor, and without a wrinkle on any garment, which was to me the most amazing accomplishment.

This great feat did not come without a price. Campers stayed up late sweeping, folding and (mostly) concealing. Years later as a counselor, I recall remaining awake all night mopping, refolding, re-refolding and re- re-refolding. It was said that happy parents, upon seeing a neat cubby would be the most generous tippers.

Yet it always bothered me. Surely none of these parents (most of whom had been to camp themselves as kids) really believed that this is what camp looked like the other 54 (or so) days! And what about the Jewish trait of honesty? Were the camp administrators, normally so ethically conscious, regularly lecturing about honesty and respect... were they acting hypocritically? Perhaps we should leave a few cans of Pepsi (or better yet, Mountain Dew) strewn near the volleyball court. Maybe a few loose socks should chance to peek out of an overflowing laundry bag. Perhaps the parents would be better off running into a skunk or two as they pass the dumpsters behind the kitchen, just a tad overloaded. Why the devious trickery (as so it seemed)? Why the sleepless nights and missed precious hours of potential basketball games and BBQs?

I'm sure I'm not the first one to pose this, the ultimate philosophical proof to a bored kid that his time would be more productive at the pool than trying to match up socks. It is for this reason that our Camp Director, wishing to preempt would- be rebels like myself, would annually provide his explanation. Every parent knows that we clean up on visiting day. Therefore, upon entering the hallowed campgrounds, the impression of said parent is not to take the camp's condition at face value, but to assume that today it looks better than it normally does (an astute assessment, as we've described). Therefore (he reasoned), if we don't clean camp thoroughly, and instead leave it in it's normal state, the parents will all assume it's usually so much worse! By sprucing up the property, making all the beds (and yes, squeezing out those toothpaste tubes) and presenting camp at its best, in fact we were helping display the most honest representation of our summer home. That it is usually a bit worse (but not horribly so) than it appeared on visiting day. I believe I can add to the esteemed administrator's assertion. Not only does it convince the parents, but the campers as well. For at least a few days after visiting day, campers, amazed at their own success, have the confidence and motivation to maintain a higher level of cleanliness and order.

On Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, we sort of act like a kid (or counselor) on visiting day. We clean up our act as much as we can. For a few days beforehand, perhaps, we're extra generous, handing out charity, petitioning our acquaintances for forgiveness. On Yom Kippur itself, we show up to the synagogue early (hopefully it has air conditioning) and pray with true devotion, unencumbered by thoughts of food or drink. Dressed in white, we loudly declare Blessed is the name of the glory of His Kingdom for all eternity as the angels do. We make use of our spare time to study, and of course are conscientious not to stoop to gossip.

But is it real? Why the show? Do we really believe, or do we think G-d believes that we'll maintain this facade all year? Will we pray with such fervor come November? Will we spend spare time studying when March Madness rolls around? Who are we fooling?

But that Camp Director is right (of course now I think Camp Directors are always right). Certainly our entire year won't be as sublime an experience as Yom Kippur. We may find some malodorous skunks during the coming year, perhaps even some unwashed socks. But if we don't put in an effort on this most auspicious of days to raise the bar, then the outlook for the future is indeed bleak, for the coming year heralds mediocrity at best. However, when we exert an extraordinary effort on Yom Kippur to perform above an beyond the norm, then G-d looks upon that and says, “Hmmm, the rest of year will probably be a bit worse, but not horribly so.” Indeed, perhaps it will be a pretty good year.

Perhaps equally important, we can look, amazed at our won success. Did I really spend a few hours praying with sincere and (nearly) uninterrupted concentration? I truly forgave the relative who insulted me last year. Maybe, just maybe I can be better this year. Perhaps I can maintain, if not Yom Kippur levels of goodness, at least something beyond my past accomplishments.

Perhaps this year, I'll really score the winning run.

Dip the Apple in the Honey

Here's a little modern twist on 'dip the apple in the honey'.
Well, seriously, what comes to your mind when you think of apples?




I made this 0ne for a teen- class I gave about Rosh Hashana

Mazel Tov!

We'd like to wish a huge
Mazel Tov
To veteran NAGEELA counselor
Moshe Chait (AKA Sabsi)
Upon his engagement to
Yael Gewirtz
Sister of Avi Gewirtz and Mrs. Devorah Locker

Why all the pickles...

In a disturbing thread on woot, some truly depraved individuals want to take our pickles away from us. A wise man once said, "We want our pickles, and we want them to stay!" Well, I'm not quite saure a wise man ever said any such thing, but he probably would have had he read this discussion.

Pickles are included with everything, because in a philosophical sense, pickles are the whole of nature.

Read the pickle discussion here, and know that I'm not the only one who thinks about pickles all day.

The Flowrider

new photos

I've uploaded pictures from the first 24 hours of camp and posted them on our facebook page.
If you don't follow us yet on twitter, you should do that, too.

New Logo Time!

We have finally released our new logo for 2011!

Visit our facebook page, www.facebook.com/nageelawest
to check it out, and also to vote on your favorite all-time Nageela logo!

Baby muffin

Mazal tov to the official NAGEELA Muffin Man, Yaakov Simanowitz on the birth of a baby boy!

The rock

When I was younger, I used to do a lot of rock climbing...


But I was boulder back then...

Mitch Hedberg on whistling and more

I like Kit-Kat, unless I'm with four or more people.

I can whistle with my fingers, especially if I have a whistle.

I drank some boiling water because I wanted to whistle.

I haven't slept for ten days, because that would be too long.

I know a lot about cars, man. I can look at any car's headlights and tell you exactly which way it's coming.

Across the continent

Wow!!!

A hugeeeeeee and very, very nice Mazal tov to NAGEELA east and west all star

AZI STEINER

Upon getting engaged!

Economics

I'm not sure exactly what came over me, but it was a sudden inspiration.

Thanks God, Sincerely, Pharaoh

People often ask about the point of the ten plagues.

After all, on a scale of one to ten on how difficult it would have been for God to simply have the Jews waltz out of Egypt (or perhaps hora out would have been more appropriate), the number is probably somewhere between easy- shmeesy and no- sweat (technical terms often used by actuaries). So again, why all the drama? Okay it would have made a pretty boring movie plot otherwise, but our seder would certainly have been shorter! "We were slaves, then we weren't. Let's eat!"

Here is a list of a couple of answers (some better than others).

• God purchased His 'geting out of Egypt kit' at Costco, and didn't want to waste it.

Nah

• The Egyptians made the Jews suffer so much over the years, they deserved a little payback.

OK, but why the creative, nature altering plagues? Why not just make them eat sardines or something?

• God wanted to show his complete control over the world. Weather, livestock, health, economy, wind, wild beasts. Once He did that, nobody can question his abilities. (Ramban)

Now we're talking! Is there something more?

• God got a real laugh out of frogs and it all sort of flowed from there.

Are you feeling okay, Locker?

• It was actually being nice to the Egyptians!

Huh?

• No really. They did bad stuff. Had God just said, "Game over, exit Jews," they would not have had the chance to improve. This way, God gave them chance after chance- "Hellloooo, wake up Pharaoh. You're evil. Please change your ways or else I'll beat you up."


• It's kinda like a parent who finds out their kid did something really damaging. A lazy parent just cleans up the mess and doesn't mention it to the child. A proactive parent takes the time to explain to the child where they went wrong, and provides consequences if they refuse to improve.


• Although the Egyptians may not have realized it at the time, the plagues were (at least partially) for their benefit! Ironic. (Seforno).

Never would have thought of that

So it wasn't just, "Hey Egyptians, you just wait until my big brother finds out you've been bullying me and then you'll be sorry." It actually made a lot of sense for the evil Egyptias, who, after all their wickedness, are still children of God, too.

Galaxy of the kayak

Stepping into my parents' backyard in Lakewood, I am transported to a different galaxy.

No longer do I live in the realm of grass, trees and squirrels. I now belong to the domain of BBAMB. That's the official intergalactic code for Boats, Boats, and More Boats.

Don't be alarmed at the picture, those aren't all my father's boats...

I mean, they all are my father's boats. They just aren't all my father's boats. This picture isn't even half of my father's boats. Close, but not quite half.

Yes, the famous Captain Locker who spent years battling swans in famous ake Carasaljo has hoarded his signature watercraft at his, until now, secret lair. Behold, the boats...