Holy One of Blessings,
I’m returning to my sleep away camp;
my happy place; my holy ground;
the destiny of my annual pilgrimage.
A place where I made cherished memories;
a place where I made lifetime friends;
a place where I did things I’ve never done before.
As I am about to meet my friends after a year of being apart…
let me see them with grace, kindness and compassion;
let them see me with grace, kindness and compassion;
let me see them with fresh eyes, for they have grown and so did I;
let us treat each other like pilgrims coming back to holy ground.
Let us welcome newcomers into our tent with the hospitality of Abram and Sarah.
Let us see newcomers’ beauty through any veils like Isaac saw Rebecca.
Let us inquire about the names of newcomers like the angel who wrestled Jacob.
Let us notice those who did not return this summer and pray for their health and well-being.
Let us build again a sacred Jewish community based on trust and faith.
ויהי נועם ה אלהינו עלינו
May God’s grace be upon us
ומעשה ידינו כוננה עלינו
Let our community building work succeed
ומעשה ידינו כוננו
Let our work in camp be blessed
