WORDS THAT BREATHE

URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa is now a beautiful blank slate, awaiting our creativity, imagination and love.

I was anxious about going to summer camp.

What does a rabbi pack for camp?

Why did Congregation Or Ami focus our energies on creating a mental health and wellness retreat? Because today's teens are particularly stressed out, overwhelmed by anxiety, buffetted by the emotional turmoil engendered by social media. They crave support and relief.

Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Rabbi Joshua Aaronson have engaged in a spirited rivalry over Super Bowl LII between the Patriots and the Eagles. Winning Rabbi gets bragging rights, and delicious delicacies for their synagogue's oneg, and the loser donates tzedakah to URJ Camp Newman's #NewmanStrong fund.

When sadness over the fires at Camp Newman fill you with sadness, remember that we are a resilient people.

An open letter to Camp Newman teens, staff and alumni from Rabbi Paul Kipnes about getting through after the fire. (Okay to share with adults too)

Our hearts hold both the loss of URJ Camp Newman AND care for all those facing harm and devastation.

Teen Dani, an 11th grader, shared her mental health journey (through depression) to an overflowing synagogue on Yom Kippur.

On our Shabbat hike, we experienced a different connection with God, a deeper connection that allowed us to experience God as our ancestors did. In the wilderness, without walls, without man-made things, it seemed easier to feel God's presence.

Teen Carly Feinstein speaks about how Mitzvah Corps Costa Rica's social justice work transformed her. Congregation Or Ami's young leader changed the world.