I Samuel 9:2-10:23

Hook

(Imagine the crackle of a campfire, the scent of pine needles, and the low hum of crickets. Then, a familiar melody, sung with a twinkle in the eye and a strum of an imaginary guitar.)

"Remember that song we used to belt out at canteen, all of us crammed together, sun-kissed and smelling of bug spray? The one about finding what you’re looking for, even when it’s lost? 'Oh, the donkeys, the donkeys, where did they roam? Oh, the donkeys, the donkeys, far from our home!' We’d sing it with such gusto, like the fate of the entire camp rested on finding those missing soccer balls or Mrs. Goldstein’s runaway poodle! And you know what? Sometimes, in the grand scheme of things, finding those lost things, those misplaced keys or that forgotten permission slip, felt like discovering a hidden treasure, a moment of pure relief.

Well, my dear alum, our story today starts with a very similar predicament. Not a poodle, mind you, but a whole herd of donkeys gone rogue. And the search for them leads us on an adventure that’s way bigger than any lost item at Camp Ramah. It’s a journey from the dusty paths of Benjamin to the very beginnings of Jewish leadership. It’s about finding not just lost animals, but a lost king, a lost sense of destiny, and perhaps, even a deeper understanding of ourselves. So, let’s gather ‘round this metaphorical campfire, let the stories unfold, and see what wisdom we can unearth. This isn't just ancient history; this is the echo of our own camp songs, the rhythm of our own journeys. Let's dive in!"

Context

This week’s Torah portion, I Samuel 9:2-10:23, kicks off with a rather mundane problem: lost donkeys! But this isn't just a story about a farmer’s missing livestock. It's the dramatic preamble to the selection of Israel's first king, Saul.

The Setup: From Lost to Foundational

• A Royal Lineage (and a Missing Herd): We’re introduced to Kish, a man of substance, and his son Saul. Saul is described as exceptionally handsome and tall – a real standout. But before he’s a king, he’s just a young man tasked with a common chore: finding his father’s lost donkeys. This humble beginning sets the stage for a monumental shift.
• The Wilderness of Uncertainty: The search for the donkeys takes Saul and his servant through familiar territories – the hill country of Ephraim, Shalishah, Shaalim, and the entire territory of Benjamin. It's a journey that mirrors the feeling of being lost, of searching for something that seems to have vanished without a trace. This echoes those times at camp when you’d wander off the trail, feeling a bit disoriented, unsure of where you were headed. The land itself becomes a metaphor for the state of the nation – searching, perhaps a little lost, yearning for direction.
• The Unexpected Guide: Just as they’re about to give up, the servant suggests seeking out a “seer,” a prophet, a man of God. This is our first hint that this is no ordinary lost-and-found mission. The seer, as we’ll soon discover, is Samuel, and his divine insight will be the compass that redirects Saul’s entire life, and the destiny of Israel. This is like stumbling upon the camp director when you're hopelessly lost on a hike – suddenly, the path forward becomes clear, guided by someone with a higher perspective.

Text Snapshot

"Once the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish went astray, and Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take along one of the servants and go out and look for the donkeys.' ... When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, 'Let us turn back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and begin to worry about us.' But he replied, 'There is an agent of God in that town, and the man is highly esteemed; everything that he says comes true. Let us go there; perhaps he will tell us about the errand on which we set out.' ... As soon as Samuel saw Saul, God declared to him, 'This is the man that I told you would govern My people.'"

Close Reading

This passage, my friends, is like finding a hidden grove in the middle of a familiar forest, a place where the light filters through in a new and profound way. We see Saul, a young man of great promise, on a seemingly ordinary quest, and we witness the divine hand orchestrating a destiny far beyond his wildest dreams. Let’s unpack this a bit, like we used to sort through our duffels after a week of glorious messiness.

Insight 1: The Divine Spark Within the Ordinary

(Imagine sitting around a campfire, the flames dancing, casting shadows that seem to tell stories. The air is filled with the quiet anticipation of revelation.)

"The story begins with a very relatable scenario: lost donkeys. Saul, despite his impressive stature – 'a head taller than any of the people' – is sent on a chore. This detail is crucial! It's not some grand heroic quest from the get-go. It’s a domestic, almost mundane, task. And it’s precisely in this ordinary pursuit that the extraordinary begins to unfold. Think about it like this: remember those days at camp when you were assigned a chore, maybe cleaning out the arts and crafts shed or helping with the dishes after a massive meal? It felt like just another task, something to get through. But sometimes, amidst the mundane, something remarkable would happen. Maybe you’d unearth a forgotten treasure, a piece of art you’d made years ago, or you’d have a deep conversation with a bunkmate while scrubbing pots, a conversation that would forge a lifelong friendship.

The commentators, like Malbim and Metzudat David, emphasize Saul’s inherent goodness ('a distinguished and fine person,' 'elected in his deeds'). They highlight that even as a youth, with all the natural exuberance and potential for missteps, he was 'good with God and man.' This isn't just about being physically imposing; it’s about an inner quality, a readiness. It’s like a sturdy sapling, already showing signs of strength and straightness, even before it’s planted in its permanent spot.

And this is where the magic happens! The servant, with his practical wisdom and intuition, suggests seeking out the ‘seer.’ He recognizes that sometimes, the answers to our most perplexing problems aren't found by brute force or endless searching, but by consulting someone with a higher perspective, someone connected to a deeper source. He says, 'There is an agent of God in that town, and the man is highly esteemed; everything that he says comes true.' This servant is like the wise older counselor who’s seen it all at camp, the one you go to when you’re stuck. He knows that sometimes, the solution isn’t in the next step you take, but in who you ask for guidance.

The lesson here for our homes, our families, is profound. We often get so caught up in the 'lost donkeys' of our lives – the misplaced keys, the forgotten appointment, the argument that spiraled out of control. We can get so focused on the immediate problem that we forget to look up. We forget that there's a divine spark within the ordinary, within ourselves, and within our loved ones. Saul, in his tallness and handsomeness, was already marked, but it was his willingness to engage with the unknown, to follow his servant's advice, that opened the door.

In our families, this translates to recognizing the inherent goodness and potential in each person, even when they’re just doing the everyday things. It’s about trusting that there’s a 'seer' in our midst, a source of wisdom, whether it's a parent, a grandparent, a child, or even a trusted friend. It's about being open to the unexpected guidance that comes our way, not dismissing it because it doesn't fit our immediate plan. When we approach our family life with this awareness – that the divine is woven into the fabric of our daily interactions, that our children, our partners, are not just managing tasks but are vessels of potential – we create a space for miracles to happen. It’s in the act of looking for the lost donkeys that we might just find ourselves on the path to something far greater. This teaches us that even the most seemingly insignificant moments can be infused with divine purpose if we are open to seeing it. It's about cultivating that inner 'seer' within ourselves, that intuition that points us towards a higher truth, even when we're just trying to find a lost toy."

Insight 2: Embracing the Unexpected Transformation

(Imagine the same campfire, but now the flames are a bit higher, the songs a little more energetic. There’s a sense of anticipation, of something about to change.)

"Then comes the moment of anointing. Samuel, guided by God, sees Saul and knows immediately, 'This is the man that I told you would govern My people.' But Saul, bless his humble heart, is still grappling with the lost donkeys and his own perceived insignificance. 'But I am only a Benjaminite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my clan is the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin! Why do you say such things to me?' This is such a powerful human moment, isn't it? We’ve all felt that way, haven't we? Like we’re not quite good enough, not quite ready for the big leagues. Remember those camp skits where someone would be cast as the lead, and they’d protest, 'Me? But I’m always the one who forgets my lines!'

The text then describes a transformative encounter. Samuel anoints Saul with oil, a symbolic act of setting him apart. And then, the most astonishing thing happens: 'The spirit of God will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy along with them; you will become a different person.' This isn't just a promotion; it's a metamorphosis. It's like being a camper who’s always been a bit shy, but then at the talent show, you get up and sing, and something just clicks. The stage fright melts away, and a powerful voice emerges, a voice you didn't even know you had. You become 'a different person.'

The commentators, like Alshich, talk about how Saul’s height was intended to make him 'esteemed in their eyes,' to lend him an aura of authority. But the true transformation isn't just physical; it's spiritual. The 'spirit of God' grips him, and he 'becomes a different person.' This is not about erasing who Saul was, but about unlocking his full potential, the potential that was always there, waiting to be ignited.

This speaks volumes to our homes and families. We often have preconceived notions about who our family members are, or who they can be. We might see our child as 'the quiet one' or our partner as 'the practical one.' And while these roles can be comforting, they can also limit them. This story is a powerful reminder that people are capable of incredible growth and transformation, often in ways we don't anticipate.

When Saul is anointed and the spirit grips him, he joins a band of prophets, speaking in ecstasy. This isn't something he was accustomed to. The people who knew him are astonished, saying, 'What’s happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul too among the prophets?' They're seeing a Saul they didn't recognize, a Saul infused with a new spirit.

In our families, this means creating a space for our loved ones to surprise us, to step into new roles, to discover hidden talents. It means celebrating those moments when a child who struggled with math suddenly grasps a complex concept, or when a parent who was always reserved takes on a leadership role in the community. It means being open to the idea that the 'spirit' – whether you call it inspiration, passion, or a divine calling – can transform us, making us 'different people.'

The key takeaway here is about embracing the unfolding journey. Saul’s initial mission was to find donkeys. His ultimate destiny was to lead a nation. The transition wasn’t instantaneous or without its internal doubts. But he was open. He was willing to be transformed. In our homes, let’s foster an environment where transformation is not only possible but celebrated. Let’s be the ones who recognize the potential for greatness, for a 'different person' to emerge, even when someone is still looking for lost donkeys. Let’s be the ones who don’t just see the son of Kish, but the divinely appointed leader, the one touched by a higher spirit. This is the essence of growth: embracing the unknown, allowing ourselves and our loved ones to be molded by forces beyond our immediate understanding, and emerging stronger, wiser, and more connected to our true selves and to the Divine."

Micro-Ritual

This week, we're going to focus on the concept of "a new heart" and the idea of transformation that is so central to Saul's story. We’ll adapt a bit of the Havdalah ceremony, the beautiful ritual that marks the end of Shabbat and the transition into the week.

The "New Heart" Transition Ritual

(Imagine a cozy living room, the lights are dimmed, and a sense of calm is settling in. We're not waiting for the end of Shabbat, but we can still tap into that transitional energy.)

Objective: To consciously acknowledge and embrace personal or family growth and transformation, inspired by Saul’s experience.

When to Do It: This can be done any evening, but it’s particularly powerful on a Thursday or Friday night, as it echoes the transition into Shabbat or the preparation for the week ahead.

What You'll Need:

• A small jar or container: This represents the vessel of our lives, our hearts.
• A few small stones or pebbles: Each stone represents a quality, a habit, or a challenge that we are ready to leave behind.
• A single, beautiful flower or a sprig of fresh herbs (like mint or rosemary): This represents the newness, the freshness, the "new heart" we are embracing.
• A small piece of paper and a pen (optional): For writing down the qualities to release.

The Ritual:

Option 1: The "Releasing and Receiving" Jar

1. Gather Together: Invite your family members (or do this individually if you prefer). Dim the lights to create a reflective atmosphere.
2. Acknowledge the "Old Heart":
   • Hold the jar in your hands. Say, "Just as the Torah reminds us of transitions, so too do we experience shifts in our lives. Sometimes, we carry old patterns, old ways of being, that no longer serve us."
   • Take a stone and place it in the jar. As you do, name a quality or habit you wish to release. For example: "I release my tendency to procrastinate," or "I release my impatience with myself."
   • If using the paper, you can write it down first, then place the stone in the jar.
   • Continue this for 2-3 stones, each representing something you are consciously letting go of.
3. Embrace the "New Heart":
   • Now, take the beautiful flower or herb. Hold it gently.
   • Say, "Just as God gave Saul a new heart, we open ourselves to new growth, new strength, and new perspectives. We embrace the qualities that will help us flourish."
   • Place the flower or herb in the jar alongside the stones. For example: "I embrace a heart filled with greater patience," or "I commit to a spirit of renewed enthusiasm."
   • You can also have family members share what new qualities they are embracing.
4. Blessing and Closing:
   • Hold the jar with both hands. Close your eyes and visualize the energy of release and the energy of new growth swirling within.
   • Say a simple blessing, such as: "May this jar remind us of our commitment to growth and transformation. May our hearts be open to the blessings of a new spirit, just as Saul was guided by God's hand. Amen."
   • You can leave the jar on a table as a visual reminder throughout the week.

Option 2: The "Scent of Renewal"

This is a simpler, more sensory approach.

1. Prepare: Have the flower or herb ready.
2. Inhale and Exhale the Old: Gently crush the herb or flower between your fingers, releasing its scent. Inhale deeply. As you exhale, imagine releasing any old patterns or negative feelings. Say, "Releasing what no longer serves."
3. Inhale and Exhale the New: Take another deep breath of the scent. As you inhale, imagine receiving new energy, new inspiration, a "new heart." Say, "Embracing renewal and growth."
4. A Simple Affirmation: Repeat a phrase like, "I am open to transformation," or "My heart is ready for new beginnings."

Why This Works: Connecting to the Text and Camp Spirit

• The "New Heart": The text explicitly states, "As [Saul] turned around to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart." This ritual directly engages with that powerful concept. We are actively choosing to cultivate a "new heart" for ourselves and our families.
• The "Seer" and Guidance: Just as Saul sought the seer, we are acknowledging the need for guidance, whether it's from within, from our family, or from a higher power. The act of selecting what to release and what to embrace is a form of seeking our own inner "seer."
• Transformation is a Process: The stones represent letting go, and the flower represents embracing newness. This ritual acknowledges that transformation is a process of both releasing the old and actively cultivating the new. It’s not just about what’s taken away, but what’s added.
• Camp as a Place of Transformation: Camp is often a place where we shed old skins, try new things, and discover new aspects of ourselves. This ritual brings that camp-like spirit of growth and renewal into our everyday lives. It’s about creating intentional moments of personal and familial evolution, just like finding that perfect spot for a campfire or mastering a new camp song.
• Sensory Engagement: The use of scent or tangible objects makes the abstract concept of transformation more concrete and memorable. It’s like the smell of campfire smoke or the feel of a well-worn paddle – sensory experiences that evoke powerful memories and emotions.

A Sing-able Line Suggestion:

(To the tune of "Hava Nagilah," but gentler)

"Lev chadash, lev chadash, Na'aseh na lev chadash! (A new heart, a new heart, Let us make a new heart!)"

This simple chant, sung softly, can be incorporated as you place the flower in the jar, reinforcing the idea of creating a new heart.

This ritual, my friends, is about infusing our homes with the spirit of intentional growth and the beautiful possibility of transformation. It’s a small practice that can lead to big shifts, just like a tiny spark can ignite a mighty campfire.

Chevruta Mini

Let's explore these ideas together, just like we used to huddle up in our bunks after lights out, whispering about the day's adventures and what it all meant.

Question 1: The Unlikely Leader

Saul is described as "a head taller" than everyone else, physically imposing. Yet, when he's called to be king, he's hiding among the baggage. How does this contrast between his physical presence and his initial hesitation speak to the challenges we face in embracing our own potential, especially when we feel unqualified or overlooked? Think about times at camp when someone who seemed shy or unassuming stepped up in a big way.

Question 2: The "New Heart" and Our Families

The text states that "God gave him another heart." In our families, how can we intentionally cultivate a spirit of "new hearts" for each other? What does it look like to actively nurture growth, change, and new beginnings within our homes, rather than clinging to fixed ideas about who someone "is"? Consider how you might encourage a family member to step into a new role or embrace a new passion.

Takeaway

This week’s Torah portion reminds us that greatness often begins in the most ordinary of circumstances. Saul’s journey from searching for lost donkeys to being anointed king is a powerful testament to the idea that divine purpose can be found in the unexpected, and that transformation is always possible.

The lesson for us, gathered here as camp alumni, is to carry that spirit of openness and discovery into our homes. Let’s look for the divine spark in the everyday, in the seemingly mundane tasks. Let’s be the "seers" for each other, offering guidance and recognizing the inherent potential within our families. And let's embrace the beautiful, often surprising, process of transformation, knowing that with a "new heart," we can step into roles and discover strengths we never imagined. Just like at camp, where every day held the promise of a new adventure, so too can our homes be spaces where we continuously grow, evolve, and discover the fullness of our being, guided by a spirit that is always with us."