– By Rabbi Michael Birnholz
I go to URJ Camp Coleman because it’s a place to connect with a community and experience Judaism in an incredibly different way than the rest of the year. For me and a lot of others it embodies the value of M’shaneh Makom, M’shaneh Mazel (change your place and you change your fortune). Being in a new place for a period of time you learn a new rhythm, experience different dynamics, and connect with a friend(s) you wouldn’t otherwise have found.
This summer, I returned to URJ Camp Coleman and was delighted to spend time in one of my favorite spots, Campscape. Each summer that I am able to be part of the faculty, I love the opportunity to sample mint and watch bees, to work with campers as they weed or pick produce, turn garden beds or water the different parts of the garden. This summer the livestock area was one of the highlights. Campers and staff enjoyed visiting and interacting with the goats, chickens and duck.
Beyond witnessing these animals and humans playing together, I also had an educational experience. One day, we heard a chicken make a distinctive call. Curious, I asked the Campscape specialist about the clucking and found out that it was a declaration of laying an egg (at least for this chicken). The next day, while visiting the barnyard with campers, we saw quite a sight. As campers fed and pet goats and cuddled with chickens, the lone duck retreated to the goat barn with clatter of quacking. One of the campers shared that the duck was protecting a chicken. Sure enough, the duck is standing in front of a corner, guarding a chicken huddled in darkness. Our period ended and we departed from the area. As we washed our hands in an adjacent area we heard the distinctive call of chicken egg laying success. In the repetition of visits and time spent in Campscape we learned something that many of us would never experience at home. In witnessing this part of animal life over the course of a few days, we saw an illustration of the way, at Camp you can return to a spot and spend quality time out of your typical everyday setting. You learn things from exposure over time, in new places, with different people that add valuable layers to your life experiences.
While I am passionate to share the power of Camp for campers and their families, staff and faculty, I also share this Jewish teachable moment for all of us. Let us all search out a spot to absorb, feel the rhythm of the world around us. Let us all take some time to open up our senses; to make the effort to appreciate creation and its mysteries; its beauties and energies. Don’t forget to say Shehecheyanu (your bracha of awe and thanksgiving) when you witness something that touches your soul. You might not get to go to Camp but I hope your heart is lifted as you think of a duck caring for a chicken alongside campers caring for animals. May you listen for a chicken trumpeting pride in laying an egg even as we appreciate the bounty and sustenance of the earth and its creatures.
