Revelation at Sinai

13 days ago I embarked on a journey to Sinai Retreats, a Jewish campsite in the Adirondack Mountains of northern NY. I left with relatively little expectation, and I figured that any time in the country and away from the chaos and madness of NYC would be very welcome. But I never could have anticipated the tremendous sense of awe and wonder that made every moment of my time in Warrensburg, NY magical.

In 1993, I had surgery for a brain tumor, and the anger I felt afterwards I directed at G-d and my parents’ religion of Judaism. However, last year (2007) I finally truly and wholly accepted my past, and with that acceptance came the ability to move on physically and spiritually. I felt that I had to fill an emptiness within me, and I sought out spirituality to help me. After searching many religions and spiritual teachings, I turned my attention to Judaism.

Amidst the majestic Adirondack peaks, surrounded by tranquil natural beauty, I dove headfirst into the vague marvels and a spectacular creativity of a religion that I never knew existed. Through expert teachings from a cadre of inspirational Rabbis, to socializing with our tutors who were kind enough to share some of their summer vacations with a bunch of baal tshuvahs, to watching the day-to-day interactions of observant Jews, gave me such a rich perspective that I now know I was lacking.

Sinai Retreats provided me with insights into the Torah, enriched my understanding of the traditions, presented me with a practical knowledge of prayer, and has compelled me to further learn and practice Judaism. Much like the biblical revelation on Sinai, Sinai Retreats bestowed upon me a breathtaking and awe-inspiring view of the meaning of existence and the miracle it is to be a Jew.