[HANASHIR:14500] HN 2003

[NeilNFW <NeilNFW...>]

I'll admit it--I was skeptical.

As a HN Vatik--this being my seventh sojourn to Oconomowac, I prepared myself 
to be disappointed.  For me, personally, Hava Nashira had peaked in 2001, due 
to the both the program itself, and the attendees.  While I enjoyed HN 2002, it 
was, for me, a letdown.

So as I walked into the lodge for the reception, I was a little shoocked to see 
SO MANY new faces, and the noticeable absence of so many of my old compadres 
(Les, Flip, Eric, to name a few).

The first few days rushed by, as they always seem to do since they are so 
packed with activity.  Some of the high points for me:  A wonderful Socratic 
seminar about the new Mishkan Tefilah prayerbook, led by Dan Freelander and 
Ellen Dreskin.  A session on improving the t'filah experience from the 
songleader's point of view led by Rosalie Boxt.  A session reviving some of the 
"Moldy Oldies" from the NFTY Chordster let by Dan Nichols.

But I still had the feeling that this HN was substandard.

Until Friday...  Shabbat....

I have always loved Shabbat at Hava Nashira.  But this Friday night t'filah, 
led by Debbie and Merri, and this Saturday morning, led by Elen and Craig, 
seemed to surpass all the previous Shabbatot that I had experienced.  A 
wonderfully moving Kabbalat Shabbat, with a lushly harmonized "Tzadik Katamar" 
and concluded with Debie's new "Lift Your Hands, O Israel" was beautiful.  
Shabbat morning featured great music, peppered with learning opportunities from 
Ellen, a Torah reading by Jules Frankel and a well-read Haftarah by Ze'ev and 
Laura Harari (You son of a perverse, rebellious woman!) and a "Journey" 
segment, concepted in Craig Taubman's One Shabbat Morning service, told without 
boundaries by Janeen Kobrinsky.

All I had known about Theodor Bikel before this weekend is that he was in 
Fiddler and the Sound of Music, and (as Jerry pointed out) was Worf's father in 
Star Trek.  And yet I found myself mesmerized by nearly every word he spoke and 
every song he sang.  A fascinating person, and a real treat for all those 
present.

Saturday night's faculty "concert" was also a big high point.  From Debbie's 
frantic teaching to "Cowboy Jew from Mars" to Merri's favorite "position," it's 
a night to remember.

And I was thankful for all those who had returned from prior years' absences: 
Michael Smollen, Judy Ginsburgh, and Noam Katz, it was great to see you all 
(and more!).  And to all the new people I met and connected with, I am glad for 
the opportunity to have spent time with you.

So here I am, ashamed for my earlier predictions of doom and gloom.  I guess I 
learned my lesson!

Take care and stay in touch!

Neil Weinstein
Bellevue, WA


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