Going Ga-Ga on Shabbat…       I know a lot of Jewish people. Some call themselves Reform, some Reconstructionist, some Conservative, some Orthodox and some None of the Above. We Jewish people live in interesting times. The issues confronting our community differ markedly from the issues dealt with by our grandparents and great-grandparents.  In the Conservative movement, there is much debate occurring about the future of the entire movement, paths that should be taken and policies and philosophies that are – or are not – ripe for change. These discussions are far too numerous and complex to summarize here, though, perhaps, some of them might provide fodder for future discussion or for a lecture or discussion series at the Temple.  Suffice it to say, though, that the identity crisis of the Conservative movement seems more serious than that of the other “movements.” Perhaps this is attributable to how much more complicated it seems to have become, on certain levels, for Jewish people in the United States to live in a secular, highly assimilated world.  I have often thought that, in many ways, it would be easier to be an Orthodox Jew. For the Orthodox, there are fewer gray areas and, thus, fewer conflicts about what to eat, where to eat and what to do – or not to do – between sundown on Friday and sundown on Saturday. The Conservative movement remains a Halachik movement and, at least in theory, mandates strict observance of Shabbat, but, as a practical matter, it seems that Conservative Jews who are Shomer Shabbat are few and far between.  Every now and then, I would submit, even those of us who do not strictly observe the Sabbath might benefit from a little Shabbat-immersion. I recall that, as I child, from time to time my family would attend a Shabbaton at our shul. The Shabbaton would consist of a day-long series of activities for adults and children, and provided an opportunity to shut out the rest of the world and put aside other commitments, and to spend time with friends and family, enjoying the Day of Rest.  Truth be told, what I remember most attending Shabbatons as a child was playing a game called Ga-Ga. At least as it was explained to me, Ga-Ga is an Israeli form of dodge ball, played within an “arena” constructed of tipped over banquet tables. In Ga-Ga, the ball is swatted at opposing players, instead of thrown, and the players must try to avoid being hit with the ball – either by dodging it or by catching it. With the possible exception of a game of Ga-Ga at summer camp, I don’t recall ever seeing or hearing about Ga-Ga, other than at a Shabbaton, proving that Jewish memories sometimes are created in funny ways. I haven’t been to a Shabbaton in 25 years, but I am going to one on February 9th. Under the leadership of Evan Wyner, a small committee of Temple members has planned a Temple Beth Sholom Shabbaton. This Shabbaton is for congregants of all ages and the schedule – which I hope you have seen by now – includes a variety of spiritual and social activities, and plenty of food. Following morning Shabbat services (and programs for children), there will be opportunities to learn, chat, eat and play. There will be family-oriented activities, as well as some targeted for adults only. Kid-friendly programming and babysitting will provided, too. The day will end with a Havdalah service at 6:00. And while I commend Evan and his committee for developing a schedule that has “something for everyone,” I don’t believe Ga-Ga is on the agenda. Mostly, though, I thank those who conceived of and planned this Shabbaton. For those of us who are so easily caught up in the busy schedule of life, the challenge of setting aside a Saturday, to learn, eat and bond with friends and family, promises a great reward. I hope that this Shabbaton will be the first of many, and I hope to see you there.  Stuart