Who's Going to Change the World?

The Birkat Hamazon is the longest and most frequently invoked prayer we do at camp. It is a long series of blessings over sustenance. We chant it after every meal, giving thanks for the bounty which we have just enjoyed. This means it is done a whopping six times a day: early and late meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In one of its benedictions, we chant:

"Harachaman, hu yitein ahavah bein b'nei Yitzhak, u'vein b'nei Yishmael."

Loosely translated, this means, "[Blessed be] the Compassionate One, who promotes love between the sons of Isaac and the sons of Ishmael."

This fundamental statement has been a part of our Birkat Hamazon for a very long time. This particular benediction recognizes the connection we Jews have with our Muslim brothers and sisters, encouraging those who invoke it to reach for connections and common ground.

On Monday August 8th, I had the pleasure of hearing this verse chanted by 70+ Newman campers and staff in the dining hall of the Salam Center, an Islamic cultural center and mosque in Sacramento.

Hevrah, the social justice Eidah at Newman, has spent the past three weeks learning about Muslim/Jewish relations in America. They have learned about the pillars of faith of Islam, the beliefs and practices of different sects of the religion, the intensified Islamaphobia which has increased in this country tenfold since 9/11, and the value of speaking out against injustice and prejudice. The Eidah has also devoted a portion of their summer to learning about the Arab/Israeli conflict, spending a great deal of time learning from our Mishlachat (Israeli delegation) and other guest speakers of Jewish and Islamic faiths.

The campers and counselors of this eidah have spent their summer learning and doing the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam: repairing the world. Guided by two amazing Rashim, Eliza and Amanda, and the incredible Rabbi Jim Kaufman of Temple Beth Hillel in Los Angeles, this eidah has molded and created budding social activists. It has pushed the envelope and challenged people young and old to think about their actions and choices. And it has inspired the entire camp community to be bold and determined, embracing the values and principles we as Reform Jews stand for.

On August 8, Hevrah took to the streets in their annual Project Day. Following a three-week long period of meeting in task forces (which include lobbying, publicity, education, and guerilla theater) the campers were ready and prepared to promote tolerance, acceptance, and education in California's capital city.

First stop: the Capitol Building in Sacramento, where the lobbying task force took the stage. Twelve campers sat in the Committee Room, seated in gigantic leather chairs at an elevated round table. These exceptionally eloquent young men and women lobbied for increased education in public schools on religious sensitivity and awareness. They spoke of religious tolerance and pluralism, and on the growing threat of Islamaphobia, among many subjects. These campers were poised and prepared, mature and detailed. They demonstrated a nuanced and impressive handle on the subject they had studied the past three weeks.

The campers spoke to two members of Darrell Steinberg's staff. Steinberg is the President Pro-Tem of the State Senate and a member of Congregation B'nai Israel in Sacramento. His staff members, one of whom is a Muslim American, were beyond impressed with their presentation. They stated they could not remember a more eloquent or mature group of teenagers presenting such a well-thought-out case. They assured our teens that their voices were being heard; that their words would reach Senator Steinberg and make their impact.

Next stop: Old Town Sacramento. Straight off the bus, Hevrah campers jumped headfirst into their giant flashmob, taking over a central chunk of the area to perform their choreographed dance number. The song to which they danced, "Who's Going to Change the World Tonight," matches Hevrah's theme and cheer.

Hevrah campers then petitioned around Old Town for about forty-five minutes. Each mini group was charged with educating passersby about their various topics. Some people were receptive; some were clearly not. Yet Hevrah campers were exceptionally brave. They stomped through Old Town Sacramento with determination in their eyes.

Later on in the afternoon, Hevrah continued their meetings and followed them with T'filah on the Capitol lawn. Designed completely by the campers themselves, this T'filah was a chance for each of us to collect ourselves and our thoughts; to pause and reflect and allow the meaning of the day to resonate within us.

The day concluded with a visit to the Salam Center, a complex on the outskirts of Sacramento. For many of us it was our first visit to an Islamic house of worship. While there, we took a tour, met with representatives from CAIR - the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and observed an evening prayer session. It was exceptionally touching and mesmerizing to watch.

Finally, as we visited the center during the holy month of Ramadan, our visit ended with an Iftar: a breaking of the daily fast after sundown. At this iftar, members of the community made an outstanding meal for us to enjoy: curried chicken, rice, hummus, eggplant, salad, and a delicious soup. After a day of lobbying, petitioning, and expanding their minds, the meal was a welcome celebration for our Hevrah campers.

As we headed back to Santa Rosa after our long day in Sacramento, it dawned on me just how meaningful this day was. Looking behind me on the bus at the dozens of sleepy teenagers, I saw looks of fulfillment, contentedness, and pride. To end the day knowing that they had taken what they had learned this summer to the streets of California's capital, raising their voices and making their impact, was nothing short of exceptional.

To strive for peace amongst all peoples, to live in a land where all are equal; this is the essence of repairing the world. For this education director, knowing our campers learned as they taught the masses this summer and on their Project Day, well, there is simply nothing more rewarding than that.

Creating Makom Kadosh: Sacred Space

Ozi v'zimrat yah

Vay'hi li lishua

God is my strength and my song

And will be my freedom.

This past Saturday night, these words began the most unique and meaningful ceremony I've ever had the privilege of participating in. That night I facilitated a giluach rosh, a shaving of the head, for a fifteen year old girl in her second round of chemotherapy for brain cancer.

I met Jessica on her arrival day at camp two weeks ago. I remembered her face from last summer, welcomed her back, and asked how she was doing. She told me that she was excited to be back, for she was going to shave her head at camp.

I raised an eyebrow. We usually have strict rules about such grand physical changes here at Newman.

Jessica proceeded to tell me her story. She was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly before starting her freshman year of high school. Her first round of chemotherapy was unsuccessful, but at least she got to keep her hair. She was now midway through a second round of chemo. Her once thick and luscious hair was falling out. She wanted to take control in a situation where she had very little, and decided camp was the safe space she needed to be to go through such a major transition.

I was stunned by her boldness and bravery; by her determination. I immediately asked if she wanted me to write a ceremony for the occasion. She smiled wryly and said, "sure."

So, on Saturday, my dear friend and HUC cantorial student Amanda helped me write a ceremony marking the shaving of Jessica's head. It was a carefully crafted ritual that embraced change, choices, and Jessica's strength. It focused on Jessica's tenacity, her choice to take control, and the love that exists for her here at camp. That night, we invited all the women of Jessica's eidah, plus a few female faculty members and spouses, to participate.

From the moment we started singing the words above, people began to weep. Fifteen and sixteen year old girls began crying, counselors wiped away tears, and everyone in that space found themselves sobbing openly, slowly gaining a grasp on what was happening. In that small space, normally a programs location for movies, songleading, and games, we were able to experience something sacred.

Jessica's mom, a wonderful rabbi from Bakersfield here on faculty, said a few beautiful, poignant words. She offered a touching poem. And as she spoke, more tears began to flow. Jessica began to sob as she told her story. And the girls of her eidah embraced her, welcomed her, and through their body language and embraces made it clear that they supported Jessica fully.

After a series of prayers and songs, Jessica stood up and walked to the chair where Tal, our resident hairstylist here at camp, began to shave her head. We all watched, silent, unable to look away, as this incredible young woman sat calmly, taking control of her situation. By the time Tal finished, Jessica was left with a beautiful bald head. She truly looked gorgeous, and everyone clapped.

At the conclusion, five girls from Jessica's cabin sang a medley of songs - from Adele's "Make You Feel My Love" to "Isn't She Lovely" to "Stand By You." Then the entire group offered blessings to Jessica. To stand in a room full of teenage girls extending blessings to their peer - including strength, love, continued support, confidence, and faith - was nothing short of inspiring. I stood there with my mouth agape, tears flowing from my eyes, as gems of wisdom and maturity passed through the lips of these campers.

The whole evening culminated with a celebration featuring Martinelli's sparkling cider, fresh fruit and chocolate, and songs of joy. It was done beautifully, and Jessica's incredible rashim and counselors did an amazing job making sure it was a joyous event.

This giluach rosh proved the importance of sacred rituals; of embracing change and noting the transitions that mark our daily lives. It created a space in which Jessica herself could mourn the loss of one phase of her life - one identity marker - and celebrate the beginning of another. It enabled the other women of the eidah to understand and accept that one amongst them was different and unique. And it celebrated strength, teaching girls and women alike about conviction, dignity, and perspective.

School simply cannot prepare you for this type of event. No amount of training can teach you the appropriate response to give a teenage girl with cancer seeking to totally alter her appearance. Having compassion, respect, and a deep love for the sanctity of Judaism, combined with an open mind and an eager heart, helps you along the way.

That she felt comfortable enough here at camp to do such a brave act is a testament to the significance of this place; this safe environment. That the people surrounding her openly weeped and extended her their support and love is a statement of how much this place means to people. And that she has walked around the past few days rocking the most beautiful bald head I've ever seen, receiving high fives, smiles, and pats on the back from campers and counselors young and old, exemplifies the uniqueness of this sacred place, this makom kadosh.

Below is a prayer we read at the beginning of Jessica's service. It can be a reminder to all of us of the incredible opportunities that exist within change.

For Being Open to Change, from Siddur Sha’ar Zahav

Mi Shebeirach Avoteinu v’Imoteinu. O God who blessed our ancestors Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar; who bestows miraculous things to those who are open to your blessings, send your insight and love to Jessica as life’s journey brings change.

Like Sarah, may we have the strength to continue forward even if we are not sure where our path may lead.

Like Abraham with his son Isaac, may we have the courage to turn challenges into blessings, even as we grapple with life’s unmarked paths.

Like Hagar with her son Ishmael, may we be granted a glimpse of what is Divine, so that we may turn our fear into faith.

O Source of all, who revealed the Torah to our people, let us be open to witnessing Your ways in our lives.

We bless You, O God, who guides our journeys.

And let us say, Amen.

With love,

Jaclyn