Ruben Arquilevich, executive director of URJ Camp Newman, with his new good luck charm: a hamsa from the ashes of the fire-ravaged summer camp. (Photo/Courtesy URJ Camp Newman) Opinion First Person I found my good luck charm in the ashes of Camp Newman Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By Ruben Arquilevich | March 5, 2018 Sign up for Weekday J and get the latest on what's happening in the Jewish Bay Area. I was 13 years old, standing with my arms draped around my campmates. We had just completed a two-week Jewish backpacking trip, and were doing siyum (a concluding program), when our counselor, Rick, reached down and picked up a rock. Passing it to his left, he asked whoever held it to share a reflection on our transformative weeks together. At the close of the night, Rick tossed the rock to the ground. But I picked up that rock and kept it for over 40 years, telling and retelling its story about camp’s impact. Sadly, my rock was lost in the Oct. 9 fire that damaged Camp Newman’s Santa Rosa home. Ruben Arquilevich, executive director of URJ Camp Newman, with his new good luck charm: a hamsa from the ashes of the fire-ravaged summer camp. (Photo/Courtesy URJ Camp Newman) A few weeks ago, following a rainstorm, I was walking around camp when I came upon a hamsa that had risen from the ashes. In Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths, the hamsa (a stylized emblem of a hand, often with an eye in the middle of the palm) is traditionally seen as a sign of blessings and strength, as well as a protective charm against the “evil eye” or bad things. And yet, this hamsa didn’t protect camp from the fires. While we as parents, leaders, community builders and educators strive to protect our children and our communities from bad things, we know that the inevitable, and sometimes the unimaginable, happens. So how do we provide the protection, strength and blessings symbolized by the hamsa? We do so by modeling what the global camp and faith community did after hearing of the fires — by embracing one another. Like the protective hand of the hamsa, our community gave us love, support and a shoulder to cry on. Related: ‘Miracles’ in the rubble as Newman officials visit burnt camp This is one of Judaism’s greatest gifts — to create community so others join us in our simchas and celebrations; and when our hearts are broken. Having a Jewish community means having shoulders, literal and virtual, to cry upon. It is no coincidence that the Jewish teaching of Eilu Devarim (like a top 10 list of mitzvot) is steeped in actions related to being in community with people during their greatest joys as well as their deepest sorrows. Since October, thousands worldwide have reached out to us to share their sadness, empathy and generosity. It seems that there is a universal understanding of camp’s transformative powers. It’s as if the devastation of one camp was a hurt felt across all Jewish camps and faith communities worldwide. This community, our community, has endured for generations. Like the hamsa that survived the fires, our Jewish tradition of protecting and embracing one another has also endured —just as the impact of camp endures, continuing to shape our lives and consciousness with Jewish values. Soon, thousands of children and adults across North America will receive the blessings of camp. They will sway arm-in-arm, sharing their tearful sentiments along with all the joys of Judaism with their camp friends. They will receive the gift of community and protection, not against the bad things that will happen, but to know that when they do, their camp friends will be by their side. I often say to our communities: “Look around at each other’s faces, and savor that for the rest of your life. Many of these faces will be with you for your weddings and baby namings, as well as when you sit shiva and mourn. Your camp community will be there to embrace you.” While I may have lost my cherished rock, I have found a new talisman, a symbol of survival and impact in this hamsa. I will carry it with me everywhere, sharing its story. Ruben Arquilevich Ruben Arquilevich is the executive director of URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa. Also On J. Philanthropy In ’90s, S.F. b’nai mitzvah kids began turning gift cash into grants Politics Newsom signs four state bills protecting Jewish interests Recipe Squash stuffed with spiced lentil and rice is perfect for Sukkot Education Kehillah high school drops ‘Jewish’ from name, sparking backlash Subscribe to our Newsletter I would like to receive the following newsletters: Weekday J From Our Sponsors (helps fund our journalism) Your Sunday J Holiday Bytes