Dear Camp Newman,

As we finish our first week and a half of the year 5785, and commemorate the one year marker of 10.7 and the seven year marker of the Tubbs Fire at camp, I’m reminded yet again of the importance of our precious camp community in our lives.

The high holidays are a time of communal gathering and individual growth. We gather together to discuss the themes of the season – renewal, rejuvenation, and teshuvah (forgiveness) – yet we take time to ourselves to think through the last year. We think of our actions and accomplishments and conduct a cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of the soul. We think back to what has been and we look forward to what can be, all while hearing the call of the shofar to make this year better than the last and take action in our world.

Camp is a place where we gather together as a community to grow as individuals. We stretch, we learn, we grow. We think of the year behind us and look towards the year ahead. We renew our spirits, relax and have fun, and learn what it means to offer teshuvah (forgiveness or repentance) from our hearts and we navigate complex interpersonal relationships.

The year behind us has been a difficult one in so many ways. Our team wishes you and your family a happy and healthy year ahead. May you find moments of joy and gladness, even amongst the sadness present in our world. May you continue to learn, grow, and change into your best self. And may you be sealed in the book of life.

G’mar chatimah tovah, may you be sealed in the book of life.

Rabbi Allie and the Camp Newman Team