From the Rabbi's Desk

 Ninja Warriors. 

Thanks to scorching record-breaking heat in Petaluma, we changed the camp trip from outdoors to an air-conditioned haven - Rebounderz. In addition to rooms of wall to wall trampolines, and colorful play structures, there was one area that seemed to attract the kids like a magnet; the Ninja Warrior Course.

One word can accurately describe the experience: challenge. Every obstacle of the 3 progressive difficulty levels challenge even the most accomplished athletes. Hanging from floating boards, running up a 10' tall warped wall, balance, strength, and endurance are all put to the test.

Now the colorful presentation definitely helps, but the very idea of overcoming, beating and dominating the course, brings out the very best in the young ninja. In fact, it elicits such inner energy that they discover new skills and capabilities that they didn't know they had. And then, they improve on that and conquer the next level, which perhaps was truly out of reach at the beginning of their athletic journey.

The Rebbe, who's passing we commemorate this week on the 3rd of Tammuz, inspired us to think of the world as an elaborate G-d built Ninja Warrior Course. Yes, obstacles are thrown in our way. Yes, it may be easier to walk up the stairs (or take an elevator) then to scale a wall. And yes, at times we feel like we are hanging (and swinging) from a string. And the Course of Life is not always as colorful and visually appealing as it is in Rebounderz. 

Yet this, (the unwavering effort, the endurance, and the commitment) is what builds us up and turns us into champions. It allows us to accomplish ever greater feats, and climb the highest of metaphorical mountains. It motivates us to dig deep and tap into our innermost, previously dormant powers.

In addition, as we navigate the Course of Life, it often comes in shades of black and gray. But as we succeed and overcome each challenge, I imagine a Nintendo-like transformation with the obstacle exploding into a vibrant array of colors.

And as we progress through our personal and communal lives, we release the hidden capsules of positivity, light, and color, changing ourselves, our families and communities into a stunning kaleidoscope of natural beauty.

So take on that challenge, do a Mitzvah to brighten the world, unlock another level, and let your course explode in color.

~ ~ ~

Camp Aleph had an amazing first week - enjoy the photos below and get into the camp spirit! ;-)
Plus, read the Camp newsletter over here.

Summertime. What is it about the weather that seems to affect us? Our mood, productivity, and peace of mind all change even though we are the very same person as we were yesterday.

On a rainy day, one might feel like their head is in a fog and just want to stay under the blankets all day long. When you wake up with the sun shining, birds chirping, and flowers blooming you practically float out of bed ready to conquer any challenge you might encounter. 

In the episode of the spies sent to scout out the land of Israel, only two came back with a positive report. What was it that allowed Caleb and Joshua to arrive at a different conclusion even though they went on the same scouting trip?

Caleb took some time off to visit Hebron, where our ancestors are buried, to pray there. He put himself into a positive environment, which affected his headspace and ultimately his success.

The reality is that our environment does, in fact, have a profound effect on us. It's why we put so much effort into ensuring that our children are in good schools, have good friends and why we choose to live in a place as wonderful as Petaluma.

So when summer comes along, use it as a springboard to catapult you to greater heights. it's not just about that glass of lemonade and an ice cream sundae - although, if it helps, why not!?😃 The very things that we might have found difficult throughout the year, at school, at work, or at play, can now be easily achieved with newfound capabilities.

And on a gloomy day? Smile at someone and make their environment a brighter one. They might just smile back.

We're kicking off a bright summer of fun this Monday at Camp Aleph. We wish all our campers, parents, and the whole community a summer of growth, happiness, and achievement!
Stay tuned at www.CampAleph.com for updates, photos, and blog posts.

Training Wheels. I like to think of them as two little guys running alongside the bike, in a relentless effort to help a young rider stay upright. A very noble cause indeed, with the global team coming to the rescue of countless children as they make their foray into two-wheeled transportation.

Undocumented, however, are the countless hours that mom and dad put in after the training wheels finally come off. Holding, steering, supporting, as their young cyclist attempts to gain cycling stability. Hang on! Wasn’t this meant to be accomplished by Team Training Wheels? Why does graduation from this dedicated support system mean finding another crutch?

You see, what the training wheels really taught the child, is dependance. You can fall, and it will be perfectly fine. They are doing such a good job, that the young cyclist can literally sit back and enjoy the ride. In this manner, it can actually make it more challenging for the child to ride with their own two feet.

Well then, how do we teach independence?

Enter the Balance Bike. A two-wheeled pedal-less bike that naturally teaches the child to pick up their feet as they glide along. With this tool, they propel themselves forward, control their direction, speed, balance and all. The focus isn’t on allowing them to ride today but giving them the balance and skills to ride tomorrow.

In the Torah this week, we read that Aharon, the High Priest, is instructed to light the Menorah. The terminology used though is a bit strange. It translates as “when you cause the flames to riseup” instead of simply stating “when you kindle the lights”.

When lighting a candle, when sharing an inspiration, when being there for someone, it’s all about the candle. That the candle should stay lit after the match is gone, that inspiration should remain after the sun has disappeared behind a cloud.

So, whether you are helping someone out, or trying to kickstart your own flame, the goal - and in fact, the journey itself - should be, to pedal with one’s own two feet. 

Wishing you a good Shabbos and a fantastic week!
Rabbi Dovid Bush

p.s. Meet Sarah and Shira!
Next week, this dynamic duo will be arriving in Petaluma to give a fantastic group of campers the summer of a lifetime.
Registration and "Camperships" at www.CampAleph.com