By Aviva Symons
During Shabbat afternoon of the Nachshon Opening Conference, I was able to take a step back to see the bigger picture of this phenomenon that is Shabbat. Learning from texts and one another, we were able to deepen our own understanding of how each of the overarching movements of Judaism practice Shabbat, and then we heard about each other's practices. I find it incredible that although each of the Nachshon fellows grew up in at least one of these movements, how we celebrate Shabbat at our specific camps is what connects us with one another, whether that be singing the same version of L'cha Dodi or all wearing white each Shabbat at camp to acknowledge the holiness of this deep breath in the week. As I think about the dozens of Shabbats that I have celebrated at URJ Camp Harlam over the past decade, I am reminded that each of the 32 other Nachshon fellows have had similar and unique experiences that we are able to share with one another throughout this semester.
I believe that one of the goals of the Nachshon Opening Conference was for each of us to open up ourselves to new ideas and experiences, and this came to life in Rabbi Josh's session. As the 33 of us sat in one large circle on that Shabbat afternoon, some were wearing jeans while others were wearing dresses, some have not checked their Facebook newsfeed in over 20 hours while others scrolled thru just before this session began. In this hour of exploration, in reading and discussing what it means to celebrate Shabbat, the words of scholars across the centuries, from Abraham Joshua Heschel to Ron Wolfson, were coming to life within our large circle: a circle that is created of individuals excited to share and grow, a circle that I feel honored to be a part of.
