We Closed the Shul!

I've started reading another The Cat Who . . . book (by Lillian Jackson Braun) again. I gave up on reading them in order and picked up one of the latest at a bookstore shortly before I left for Teva. I'm enjoying making free time for reading it; haven't read a book in a very long time.

So, I spent most of the week in New York City. Heading out Tuesday afternoon, Dave (friend of Gabe from Adamah) drove Rachel and me south. He dropped his car at a friend's place in Larchmont and we took Metro-North, bus, and subway to Sarah Chandler's for dinner, minus Dave who was headed elsewhere at the end. Met Shoshana, Sabrina, and Linda (Adamah), and Dan (old friend of Sarah) at Sarah's and together (less Dan) went to B'nai Jeshurun (BJ) for Simchat Torah. That's the holiday when there's little focus on praying and mostly on dancing around with the Torah(s) and singing and celebrating the cycle of life.

Simchat Torah is when Jews roll the Torah back to the beginning to restart the story of our history. BJ is a famous, large congregation on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that affiliates with the Conservative Jewish movement but felt so comfortable and different for this particular holiday. The tradition is to dance around the synagogue seven times before engaging in a normal prayer service. In this case, the celebration began at 6:45 pm and ended at 10, each round lasting about half an hour with constant dancing, singing a different nigun each time, and many of us becoming exhausted by the end of the night.

After people started to leave around 11, we were left a quainter group of maybe 30 and we sang great songs and there was a drum circle and we danced some more. I was actually pretty tired; could hardly get my hands together with force enough to clap, but it was such an exhilarating and fun experience. At midnight, security walked in and said they were closing the building and we had to leave. (There's always excitement and good humor in being the last to depart and being forced out. We were having so much fun!)

Then, we walked to a dessert party at the home of a friend of Sarah and enjoyed some delicious treats (fruit included) for a couple more hours. I was conking out for a while on the couch after I'd had my fill and woke when Jonathan told me people we heading out. As it ended up, though, the Jonathans, Ariel, and Linda stayed longer and the rest of us (five) went back to Sarah's for the night. Seven altogether slept in Sarah's small apartment and somehow were all comfortable doing so. Wednesday was a slow day for me, spent at Sarah's. Others went to services and lunch and elsewhere while I hung out there and did some work and ate some and waited for their 4 o'clock return. That evening we made a most delicious pumpkin desert with minimal sugar and maximal yumminess. Late, I headed to Noam's for the night in Brooklyn (Park Slope).

Thursday, I worked from home (Noam's) for both Teva and Freedman. Most of my time I did a research project for Nili on the status of the Endangered Species Act. I learned about its recent struggles against Rep. Pombo (R-Calif.) and the opinions of liberals and conservatives in reaction to his bill, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act. He has some good points about focus on species recovery but screws up on the financial end. We're writing to the 7th graders of a particular school (students who were at Teva a couple years ago) to develop and long term connection with the school and get their help fighting for the original ESA, which Pombo is trying to dismantle.

Friday, I went into the Teva office with Noam, with stops first and at lunchtime to pick up computers that he was receiving as donations to Teva and Surprise Lake Camp. Completed Thursday's project and checked out the new old technology, besides my regular news reading and Web browsing.

Teva alumna Shirley hosted a dinner party Friday night at her Brooklyn apartment and the evening went by quickly. This morning, we went to services at large apartment where the couple was hosting a young Park Slope minyan and also offering everyone a major feast afterward. Shortly after I got back to Noam's after lunch, I started preparing to leave. This included coordinating a transportation scheme to get the Jonathans home, too, as they were staying in the City this evening for a concert. The plan became that Matt and Lisa would drive a Teva vehicle plus JD's car to the Dover Plains Metro-North stop where they would pick up Eli (who just returned from a week in France and Italy) and me, and leave the extra car for the JD and JR to pick up and drive home late tonight. (They'll be taking the last train at midnight and getting back probably around 3 am.)

Another part of my work on Thursday was scheduling tomorrow's activities. We'll be touring the Torrington Water Pollution Control Authority. (I think that's the politically correct way of saying wastewater treatment plant, which itself I thought was more politically correct than sewage treatment plant.) Apparently, this was a hit last year when Matt and Eli had a blast talking to one of the tour guides, whom we'll again see this year. Also, after lunch, Clarkson—who helps with Freedman carpentry and construction—will be leading us on a tour of the hydroelectric system that provides minimal power to the Kfar: low level lighting in the cabins and electricity to the composting toilet activator. (You may recall that we didn't have this power available two months ago because the region was still in drought, of which I'm guessing we're now officially out.)

Little more to say tonight. I made a delicious omelet when I got home a couple hours ago: three eggs with red pepper, fresh parsley, and cheddar. Still need to unpack and relax. Perhaps an episode of CSI: will entertain me, too. I'm impressed that I had the patience to say so much in this entry; I was worried that I wouldn't want to spend much time on it. I'm glad I've shared my week with you, though I'd really like to commit to shorter, more frequent entries. Among all the occasions when I stop by my computer to check headlines and read articles, I ought to be able to pull a moment here or there for a paragraph.

We have crazy week coming up with five schools on three schedules and two programs. I'll tell more tomorrow and as the week progresses. Shavua tov! A good week past and another to come. Don't forget about Daylight Savings Time ending tonight for those of you who observe it. (Read about the support in some states for moving to permanent Daylight time?)

Wow! What a Week

Gee. A whole week since I last wrote. It's been a busy and exciting one, though, to say the least. Mid last week was Yom Kippur with the first shared retreat between Isabella Freedman and Elat Chayyim, the other Jewish retreat center in this neck of the woods. It was a phenomenal beginning as the two centers begin a new partnership with much support from their respective communities. It was also my first opportunity since probably ALEPH Kallah 1999 that I've davvened a full service with Shefa Gold.

The full experience brought my spirit home and offered me a chance to relax and enjoy Yom Kippur, rather than stressing over it, as has seemed the norm before. With services led primarily by Shefa and K'vod Wieder, there was chanting and reflection, thought sharing and storytelling.

Over the weekend, we constructed a communal sukkah for Freedman and a second, smaller one, attached to Brown House, for our more private enjoyment, preparing for our week-long celebration of Sukkot, which began Monday night. The latter sukkah was the result of an amazing feat, in which the entire structure was constructed and decorated in a span of only three hours, completed just in time before sundown. I'll be sure to acquire some photos to share the process and the completed beauty.

It was otherwise a quiet weekend, the first unscheduled in many months, so a great time to relax. Only other excitement, I suppose, was when Sara and I spent Saturday night organizing the kitchen and labeling shelves and cabinets so Ron, who came in to cook our meals Sunday and Monday, could find everything. And, of course, so the rest of us can hopefully keep the place a bit more organized the next couple months.

I've been spending time with Adamah a lot lately. We all went there for Shabbat davvening and dinner Friday evening. Last night, I joined them for dinner and an evening in their sukkah which, among other cool decorations, has a revolving door! Perhaps I'll sleep there tonight, as they've got the fancy mattress action going there, which far surpass the comfort of our thin sleeping pads.

Today, I went to a private orchard, with which Freedman has a special relationship, to pick apples for Teva and Adamah to enjoy. Fresh local apples are one of the blatantly obvious missing pieces of life here. We're working on forming relationships with local orchards so we can start enjoying them more, instead of the fruit shipped from far, far away.

Also today, the first group of kids in a couple weeks arrived. From Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan, 95 4th and 5th graders have tackled our attention for a three-day program until Friday. Everyone's overjoyed to have the youngins around again. While they're enjoying night hike and camp fire tonight, though, I'll be joining Adamah to watch The Next Industrial Revolution at Adam's. I've read the books and met and heard the experts on the subject, but haven't yet seen this quintessential film.

Movie starts in about half an hour so I'm going to take some time to clean up my room a bit and maybe wash some dishes, too. We have a tremendous amount of kitchen cleanup still to do from the last few days of eating at home.

A New Director . . . naaaaahhh

To quote the Jonathans Sunday night, "You're gonna be running this place pretty soon!," in reaction to my comment about reprograming the hot tub again. Ben finds yet one more task to create change at Freedman and people are yet happier resulting.

Anyway, no, I don't see myself as a future director here, but I do wonder further where Teva and Freedman fit into my future. More ponderment for later.

Meanwhile, Casey and I were Adamaniks yesterday. While the rest of Teva was in Philly for a one day Shomrei Chayyot (guardians of animals) retreat with fourth graders, we enjoyed meals and an afternoon Botany 101 workshop lead by Ian. Thus, I ate well (as always) and remembered many aspects of plants I'd learned in grade-school that I'd quickly forgotten . . . and learned some cool, new stuff, too!

Teva staff got home late last night. Today, I've got to continue helping prep for the Yom Kippur retreat (shared between Freedman and Elat Chayyim because E.C.'s drinking water system is dead; not exactly sure what's up there), which officially begins at 3.

Lazy TV Saturday

Woke about 11 today and, breakfast in hand at first (and other foods throughout the day), I'm enjoying a lazy day of this past week's television. Watched episodes of CSI: New York, Joey, and Everwood, sometimes with Yosh in company. Matt also brought in episodes from the first season of The Muppet Show to share with us. Still got two more episodes of Joey and the first three episodes of CSI: from this new season to see.

Headed into Havdallah mode shortly, but just wanted to say hi. Perhaps Adamah will see my face later. Perhaps the hot tub, too, which Teva has enjoyed more than once today, now that I've programed it successfully.

Great Times on the Trail

Got back to Freedman yesterday afternoon after a great holiday spent on the trail and camp. We hiked Undermountain Trail and Paradise Lanes up to the Appalachian Trail Monday morning and a bit further to Sages Ravine, a favored campsite of Tevaniks past. The first group up was Noam, Eli, Eli's friend Matt, and me. Noam went off to do his own thing and I napped at the campsite while Eli and Matt eventually headed back down; Matt had to head home for work the next day and Eli had to get back to Freedman to pick up a stove, which we'd forgotten, among other necessities.

About dusk, Eli showed up again, towing Cara, Lulu, and Jason, who needed to be at Freedman to work half the day before they could join us. They ended up hiking up and down Bear Mountain on the way. In the meantime, I'd awoken to help Noam set up tents and gear, and collect water for the evening.

Noam cheffed delicious meals both Monday and Tuesday nights. There was couscous, veggies, tempe, and much more. Given the holiday, such a gourmet camping experience wasn't so inappropriate. Certainly made us happy, anyway. Tuesday, after impressing Noam with how late we slept in (I was in bed by 10 and not up until 10 the next morning), we breakfasted and headed out for a day on the trail.

Hiked up Race Mountain and ate lunch at the peak with a great view in front. Eventually, Eli, Noam, Jason, and Cara decided to continue the trail a bit while Lulu and I were ready to go back down. Besides the latter, others got split up on their way down for various reasons of intention. Noam prayed a bit, Eli enjoyed some waterfalls, etc. I wrote in the trail journal at the Massachusetts border at the bottom of the hill.

Tuesday evening, Isaac appeared, having decided to join us for the night. After dinner and digestion, Isaac fell asleep while Eli realized that to avoid a lot of weight we'd have to carry down the next day, we should take the opportunity to eat it instead. So, we had a food binge! Wednesday morning, Jason was out early, expecting Ian to pick him up to get back to Freedman to work. A few hours later, the rest of us staggered our exit. Noam was far ahead, but decided to hike Bear Mountain, so he finished last. Next left Cara and Lulu, and soon behind them, Eli, Isaac, and me.

We three had some fun conversations about school, technology, politics, and more on the way through Paradise Lanes. Then, I scooted ahead and hiked fast down Undermountain to the bottom, where I found Cara and Lulu only five minutes ahead of me and . . . Jason, what are you doing here still?! Apparently, the whiteboarded directions for Ian had been erased and his road trip search and rescue journey was futile. Anyway, a perfect way to spend the holiday, we had a fabulous time.

Yesterday, I received a new toy; a headlamp I'd ordered from REI. I realized that carrying a flashlight isn't particularly convenient, much as I generally like to have my hands free. More fun at night! Yay! This morning, I worked for Freedman for a few hours. Programed the hot tub for automated weekend running at the designated hours, among other tasks. This afternoon, we trekked to a National Audubon Society nature center and trail system in Sharon, Connecticut. Nature center wasn't much special but some of us had fun out on a trail. Isaac and I did some tree climbing and we all had some fun conversations.

Camp is pretty quiet this week and weekend without guests around again until Yom Kippur next week. I was invited to star gaze tonight (now) so I think I'll see who/what's happening out there for a bit and then perhaps return to watch CSI. Got a handful of episodes from the new season to watch.

Hiking AT for RH

Today was a somewhat fun-filled day of converting vehicles to SVO (straight vegetable oil). The fact that the technology exists and has for so long is cool; there just wasn't much for some of us to do most of the day. Eli and I headed home for lunch about 1; enjoyed more pizza bagels. I relaxed for a bit and eventually his friend, Matt, arrived. So, we headed back to the farm to check on stuff. After not so long, though, we left and went to visit the Sadeh, where we helped weed beets. Then, after a short tour of Falls Village, we headed back to Freedman for dinner.

I went out to do my Energy Man rounds, checking thermostats, lights, and windows around camp. Also did some other work for Adam, and watched this past week's episode of Alias. Finally, Eli, Matt, and I went to pick up Noam from the train station, and stopped at Adamah on the way home to chat with Cara about the hike this week.

So, yeah, tomorrow, for the first time in many years (seven, I think), I'm hiking on the Appalachian Trail. We're going to setup base camp tomorrow around lunchtime and enjoy day hikes in the afternoon and Tuesday and Wednesday. Matt will leave tomorrow evening around the same time Cara, Lulu, and Jason meet up with us for the rest of the trip.

I'll be out of electronic contact until our return Wednesday evening, though I'll probably carry my phone just in case there's a signal. Otherwise, I look forward to telling you about it when we get back. Now, time to stage and pack! Hag Sameach (Happy Holiday).

Shabbat with Adamah

So, this weekend I spent Shabbat with Adamah. I communed with folks for lunch yesterday afternoon in the Gan (garden) and by the cob oven, which was being prepared for cooking dinner. Also participated in their week closure circle, similar to Teva's Thursday afternoon check-in/communal meeting. Then, after some time home, I headed there for the evening. Fun davvening and dinner as always. I helped clean up the table and get the space ready for eating. Gabe's salad was probably the highlight of the meal: fresh spinach, acorn squash, and ___ from the Sadeh, mixed with tofu, apple, and walnuts. Yum!

Home to Brown for the night but I was back with the crew most of the day. Made conversation this morning with the goats and chickens and Adam led yoga in the yurt a while later. Then, after a shower and some delicious cheese blintzes with maple syrup, I was back to the Adamah House for lunch and the afternoon. Washed dishes from lunch, making up for my loss of opportunity last night when I was exhausted. One hour for a double sink full and only two soup pots full of water used, having first stopped home to pickup Dobie and Ecover for effective washing.

Did some reading (first time in such a long time that I sat down to read a book!) and took a short nap while others walked to the Sadeh to show guests. Eventually, we enjoyed a small seudah shleesheet (third meal) and did havdalah together. Also, Rebecca and I drove to Stop & Shop to satisfy some communal cravings for chocolate. I bought a pint each of New York Super Fudge Chuck and Chunky Monkey to share. Everyone who ate was happy. Hung out there for a while and also helped Steve transfer supplies for tomorrow's biodiesel workshop. We're converting four vehicles.

That's about it for now. Not sure yet what all I'll be doing this week. Still have to spend some time with the network, trying again to figure out how to fix the connection sharing issues. Fun times to all!