Rosanne Selfon

We’re now in Bemidbar or Numbers, the fourth book of Torah. Naso, the second portion in Bemidbar, is the longest portion in our Torah. Here are some interesting Naso facts:

1. Naso has 176 verses.
2. In the diaspora, it is always read on the first Shabbat after Shavuot.
3. It includes the dedication/consecration of the tabernacle.
4. Many of the verses are read during Chanukah, which commemorates rededication of the Temple.
5. It addresses the priestly duties.
6. It delineates how to purify the camp.
7. It includes dealing with a wife accused of unfaithfulness, the sotah.

As we all know (I hope!), our thirteen Reform camps offer the most inspiring Judaism our children can experience. More than 10,000 youngsters had a taste of a Reform Jewish summer in 2011, and this year’s registration numbers are even better. I have the pleasure of serving as the Chair of the URJ Camp Harlam Council. Harlam is our camp located in the Pocono Mountains, northeast of Philadelphia. We serve nearly 1,000 campers and 225 staff each summer. Additionally, I am honored to be a Vice-Chair of the NAC, our Reform North American camping organization that has oversight for the camps. As an engaged participant in NAC events and meetings, I appreciate the benefit of ‘seeing the big picture’. A few days ago, Director of Camps and Israel Programs Paul Reichenbach shared a  Confirmation essay with the NAC community. Its author, Maura Grindle from Temple Beth Shalom in Arnold, Maryland attended our three-year old North American sports camp called 6 Points (www.6pointsacademy.org ). Kids from around the world have come to 6 Points. Its success is unparalleled. Sports experts offer clinics and training expertise in a variety of sports. But 6 Points is far more than just a sports camp.  It teaches Jewish values and pride, albeit within the sports setting. As you read Maura’s essay, think of your own children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all the kids in your Religious Schools. Have they had this experience?  How would they relate their Jewish lives to daily experiences? Would playing Lacrosse or basketball connect them with God? When our kids play Little League at home, do they learn that compassion and humility are as important as courage and determination?

This past Wednesday JBI International (formerly the Jewish Braille Institute of America) celebrated the 80^th anniversary of its founding. I was delighted to travel to NYC and attend the event along with several other WRJ women including Executive Director Rabbi Marla Feldman, Manager of Development and Special Projects Liz Rosenblum, and former WRJ Board of Directors’ members Cecelia Hauptman, Sandy Abramson, Claire Sauerhoff, and Barbara Jayson. We all enjoyed reminiscing and talking about years spent together on the WRJ Board as well as having the opportunity to get to know Liz, our very new Development Manager. Despite time and space, when women are connected through WRJ service, the bonds transcend time. We picked up where our conversations last ended years ago whether we were talking about careers, family, or WRJ. Women do this instantly when the connection is established.