While the first official day of summer is still a few days away, I know I am already feeling the season's transition. Temperatures are higher, things are quieter in the Temple Beth-El office (besides the comforting “thump” of our A/C unit), and, at home, I am busily packing my son, Elijah, for his first summer away at Jewish overnight camp.
It is both an exciting and anxiety-producing moment. I know Elijah is looking forward to making new friends, pushing himself outside his comfort zone and all of the freedoms that come from being more independent, but it will be our first time apart. I expect to spend this next month wondering if he is eating enough, making friends, wearing clean clothes, using sunscreen or brushing his teeth. I’m sure I will be eagerly checking my mailbox and constantly hitting refresh on the camp website to check for photos of what he’s doing. But at the end of the day, I know that now more than ever, the social-emotional health of our children is at risk, and there is perhaps no better place for them to navigate the wide range of emotions than in a community of friends and peers.
The opportunity to explore your identity within the comfort and safety of your Jewish community is a blessing that more than just our young summer campers deserve. As we return to our “lives as we once knew them” following two years of COVID-required isolation and social limitations, we find ourselves in a similar place to Elijah. We, too, are looking to reconnect and make new friends, push ourselves out of our comfort zones and once again enjoy all of the freedoms that come from feeling safer and more comfortable.
Temple Beth-El strives to create an environment of belonging where we can unite and explore our Jewish identity and place within the larger community. We look forward to welcoming you back in the coming days and weeks. Keep an eye on your email for all summer social and worship opportunities, and don't be a stranger! Give us a call or stop by and visit us - I know I will be anxiously awaiting letters home from camp and could use the distraction!
Happy summer & Shabbat shalom! Joie
Services
Under the guidance of our medical advisory committee, we have moved to an optional masking policy for worship. We will continue to watch the numbers and, in accordance with the CDC, will update the policy as necessary. With unmasking, it will be even more important to monitor yourself and to stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been a close contact.to anyone with a confirmed case. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
