A few weeks ago we retreated to Simi Valley with Temple Israel of Hollywood. I was never a traditional camp person as a kid. I was either traveling playing tennis or hockey, or at some sports camp during the summer time. I missed out on Herzl Camp where my sister went, my mother before her, and my grandmother.
I have to take a step back and explain just how special a place like Temple Israel of Hollywood is though . Sylvie went to pre school there for three years. Each day, from the very beginning, there was this undeniable sense of community. Didn’t matter where you were from, what you did, what your background was, what socioeconomic class you were from, Temple Israel made you feel at home. Now that my kids only attend Hebrew School there, when we come on Sunday’s, it’s that exact same feeling of warmth and connectedness. I cry every time we sing Oseh Shalom, sitting with Amanda, Sylvie and Estella as we come together as community before the kids go off to class. High Holiday’s or Shabbat, or whenever we are at this special place, I’m proud to be there, where I can let the day or week wash away, and just be present for a few hours to feel something more.
We were excited to attend this special weekend with other TIOH families, staying in the dorms, kids in cabins, lots and lots of activities, and of course time to just be present and connect with everyone. From Shabbat to Saturday morning singing, rock climbing, arts and crafts, hiking, seeing the animals, Havdalah, and saying goodbye, it is a weekend we will cherish for a long time as we look forward to the next time.
