It is common practice to dedicate a teaching to a loved one or a great teacher. Today, on what would have been his 72nd birthday, this Elul Reflection is dedicated to both--my father Vic Young, z"l.
The music at Jewish summer camps is a fundamental part of the camp worship experience. Young women and men lead the camp in songs and prayers that express ancient ideas in new and beautiful melodies that speak to the hearts and souls of our youth. If the melody has hand motions, or inspires the kids to get up and dance, or just sounds good to them, it becomes an instant summer hit. Much of Reform Jewish worship in the synagogue today is influenced by these special moments from camp.
At Camp Coleman this summer, I learned a phenomenal new version of Elohai Neshama, the morning prayer that thanks God for creating and forming the pure soul that exists in each one of us, and allows us to see the wonder and beauty of the world around us. This version is a “mash-up” with the song “Awake My Soul” by the British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons. The refrain of the song reminds us of an important lesson we often take for granted: “In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die, and where you invest your love, you invest your life.” As we prepare for a New Year, where will we invest our love and our lives? How will we use our souls to make that investment?
(And if you want to hear a great version of the Mumford & Sons song, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxs_p1535WE)
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