Shabbat Shalom ~ Parashat Shoftim 2026

Shalom WJC Family,

Happy Hebrew month of Elul! As I have mentioned in the past, the rabbis taught us that the letters of Elul stand for the famous verse from the Song of Songs “Ani L’Dodi v’Dodi Li, I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” This is the official start of the High Holiday season and I think it is so beautiful that the time of year when we seek to find closeness with our community, closeness with our family, and closeness with God starts with a hidden message of love!

And speaking of love, this week dozens of WJC children are returning from Jewish summer camps. I have heard wonderful reports of fun, friends, spirit, and learning. I not only associate Jewish summer camp with love because Tami and I met at camp 31 years ago, but also because camp is where I, and so many others I know, fell in love with Judaism.

There is something about being Jewish in a camp setting that is simply irreplaceable. I am not sure if it is the full submersion in a Jewish community of peers, engagement with Jewish people from all walks of life and all over the world including Israelis, exposure to Jewish practice in a judgement free environment where everyone is appreciating the journey, or just that it all happens without the stress of school or work or any of the pressures of everyday life. Whatever it is though, Jewish summer camp changes lives. It changed mine and I am so pleased that so many of our community’s children continue to call various Jewish summer camps home.

If you are a family considering Jewish summer camp but have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to talk through options and possibilities with you to help make camp a reality for your children or grandchildren.

On this first day of Elul, you’ll also be receiving our annual Elul/Kol Nidre Appeal letter. I hope you will give it a read and support this essential effort to insure the future of our spiritual home. Thank you in advance for making a meaningful donation and if you’d like to speak about anything before making a pledge, please reach out to set up a time to talk.

As we officially enter the High Holiday season may we all find the closeness with God and the people in our lives that brings peace, community, and rejuvenation.

See you in shul,

RJA