L'Chaim!

רפאל אליעזר בן רינה רייזל

Please learn and daven for our brother Rafi Leicht, he is in an ais tzarah and need our tefillios

רפאל אליעזר בן רינה רייזל

If possible please take on at least one of the following kabbalos in Rafi's zechus.

1)Talmud Torah K'neged Kulam:

We have undertaken to learn two Halachos each day from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, with the Piskei Mishna Berurah, starting from the beginning of the sefer.

2)Va'Ani Tefillah:

Each day we have committed to add a Perek of Tehillim,"Rafi's Kapittel", Chof Beis/Psalm 22- (corresponding to his age) to our davening.

3) Machsom L'Fi:

We have committed to refrain from speaking, hearing, reading or writing Loshon Hora from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. each morning. During that time specifically, we will work toward seeing the good and strengthening our connection to Klal Yisrael.

Our group commitments begin today, and last indefinitely. We ask that those who are unable to fulfill the Kabbalos long term join us at least for the next forty days, a period of "Rachamim & Ratzon" from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur.

We hope this will help us work toward a greater and more constant awareness of Hakadosh Boruch Hu, re-center our lives around Avodas Hashem, and generate zechuyot for

Rafael Eliezer ben Rina Reizel.

Day 9 - Goodbye San Francisco..

It has come, the time we've all been fearing, Project Recharge will be coming to an end for the summer of 5769. All our bags are packed and we're ready to head back into reality. The morning started off rough as everyone was upset about leaving. We woke up at 6:45 to head back to Oakland, one last time, to daven at Beth Jacob and to say goodbye to Rabbi Rozen. After davening we headed of to the Grand Bakery to pick up some breakfast, which we followed up with our last trip to a Safeway for the year. We headed back to the hotel to eat and discuss the plans for the rest of the day. If was voted upon and decided that we would like to head back to Haight-Ashbury for the remaining time we had. As we arrived we made one last stop at 710 Ashbury St., former home of the Grateful Dead, then headed back down to Haight St. Unfortunatly at 11 AM most of the stores were still closed. Guess they don't get much business that "early" in the morning.

Anyways, the time finally came where we had to say goodbye to San Francisco, we headed to the airport in "the General," one last time. We arrived at the airport, checked in and said our last goodbyes to each other, "the General," and to one of the best trips we've ever had. A good time was had by all.

At this point the members of Project Recharge would like to thank "the Principles," Josh Silverman and Rav Dan Wirzberger for all the time and hard work they put into making this a success. We all look forward to joining them again next summer and the coming of Moshiach... b'mheira b'yameinu...

Day 8 - Goodbye Willits... Hello San Francisco/Oakland...

Day 8 has arrive, and the chevra woke up at a decent hour this morning after the late night driving last night. We unfortunately missed our appointment to tour Alcatraz, but we decided we're going to take the day easy instead. Today is the day when we packed up all our things and left Art's house, here in the middle of Willits, CA and head to San Francisco for the remainder of the trip. We said goodbye to our headquarters for the last 7 days and to our 2 dogs that we have befriended, taken one final picture outside, Kirsch did a bit of last minute fishing, and said goodbye to Mutty as he departed us.

We drove 3 hours before finally arriving in the cultured city of San Francisco, CA, meeting up with Rav Dan, Milgraum and Rafi who drove Mutty to the airport, at the Fisherman's Wharf. We explored the Wharf, watching many different street performers "strut their stuff," checking out the sea lions, while some took the opportunity to go and purchase some souvenirs. Although we missed our tour of Alcatraz we got a good view of it from the Wharf.

A unique oppritunity was placed upon Kirschner and Keith by "the Principles," to go and get as many shout-outs to Project Recharge from as many random people as they could find. Overall they were successful and the videos will be posted over the next couple of day. Once everyone felt they had gotten all that they could have from the Wharf we headed to San Francisco's famous China Town, where some more junk was purchased.

At this point the remaining chevra was starving. So we made our way to Oakland to the home of Reishit alumnus Rabbi Jason Rozen, Assistant Rabbi of Congregation Beth Jakob, a talmud muvhak of Rav Eli Marcus shli"ta. We enjoyed a packed dinner of chicken wings, hot dogs, french fries and hamburgers. We were told that there was a possible chance to do a mitzvah, to make sheva brachos for a couple that was recently given a frum wedding. When they chasan and kallah arrived we danced and sang our hearts out, and thanked them for giving us the opportunity to accomplish this great mitzvah. Over the course of our meal at the Rozen's we met with the other assistant rabbi, Rabbi Michael Davies and the rabbi, Rabbi Judah Dardik. We also said goodbye to two more of our members, Adam Friedman and Rafi Goodman, who made their way back to New York. The night was getting late and we were ready to head to our dwelling place for the final night of the trip. We made a stop in the shul to daven marriv and quickly checked out the shul. On the way back the oppritunity arose to take a trolly ride to Lombard St., "the most crooked street in the U.S." We eventually decided to head to the hotel, the Cathedral Hill Hotel, and to call it a night.

Day 7 - Row Your Boat "Merrily" Down the Stream?

The crew woke up early today, day 7, as we headed off to Eureka, CA to go rafting. We packed up all our wet gear and headed out for the tough 3 hour drive. We stopped along the way in the middle of the forrest to daven shacharis, followed by a light breakfast. Once we finally made it to Eureka we got all our gear and headed in to the water for a 6 mile rafting trip. One raft consisting of, Milgraum, Brooks, Kirschner, Kirsch, Gil and Mutty set out quickly, only to hide in a cove waiting to attack the other raft, consisting of, Buns, Rav Dan, Keith, Rafi, Schwartz, Adam. Once both boats had caught up to each other we decided to chill and play a game of Mafia. Once the game was completed Milgraum's boat decided it would be best to continue on with the trail, while Buns' boat decided it would be best to chill.

After what felt like 4 years Milgraum's boat had finally reached the end, just as it was getting dark, with Buns' boat nowhere in site. We eventually got the boat out of the water where we were greeted by a completely dry Buns without and of the other members of his boat.

Milgraum's boat was assigned to start up the BBQ, while Buns headed back to pick up the members of his raft, who decided it would be best to head back, once they realized they weren't going to make it. They had deflated their boat at the orders of their Skipper Buns and were struggling to get it out of the water. Eventually once both rafts were reunited dinner and highlights were served, while all relaxed after their physically grueling day.

While sitting and chilling out before it was time to go back to headquarters, a bunch of cops decided to show up and break up our session. We were all threatened with $250 tickets for being in a park after hours, but instead Buns got a ticket for $60 for "a parking violation." Once everything was sorted out with the authorities we figured it would be best to pack everything up and head back, stopping along the way to daven and get gas.

The drive was tough as neither Buns nor Rav Dan had slept in a while and Adam was assigned to DD Buns, but fell asleep seconds after leaving the gas station. On-top of which Buns was very tired and Rav Dan was sleeping in the back of General Shroeder. Eventually Buns and Rav Dan switched spots and Kirschner (who was occupying Buns the whole time, while Adam slept) took over DD. At around 3 AM we finally made it back to Art's house and called it a night. Cleaning up the house was postponed to tomorrow morning and our tour of Alcatraz has been cancelled due to extensive lack of sleep on everyones part.

Day 6 - Shabbos!!

Day 6, Shabbos, was rocking in Willits, CA this week. Shacharis was led by non other than Cantor Dani Kaye which was followed by laining, which was read by a compilations of people from Buns to Rav Dan even to David Knoll, who lained for the first time since his bar mitzvah. Musaf was led by Josh Kirschner which was followed by a short kiddush that led into a very filling lunch, that was filled with zemiros and divrei torah. After lunch it was decided that an intense few game of Mafia should be played, one of which one of the Mafiosos (Kirsch) decided to kill the other Mafioso (Kirschner), we're still not sure what the logic was behind that move. As it was Shabbos no picture were taken, but you'll have to take my word for it - it was amazing. After a quick rest, the chevra gathered for the afternoon prayers which led into Shalosh Seudos which went on way beyond the end of Shabbos (if it ever ends). Once it was decided that we should end Shalosh Seudos, the evening services were recited and Shabbos was led out by a beautiful Havdalah led by Rav Dan with Mutty on guitar, eventually segwaying into "I Ate A Bagel and Cheese" and a "Mazel Tov Garth" chant.

(sorry for the darkness, we were trying to conserve electricity)

It was then decided that we should watch "The Goonies" l'kavod Melaveh Malkah, cookies and chips were served. Unfortunatly we are losing two of our members who will be leaving to the east coast, we wish Dani Kaye and David Knoll, the best of luck as they head back into chutz l'aretz, their ridiculousness will be sorely missed here on Project Recharge.

Day 5 - Erev Shabbos...

The day started out late, as everyone was exhausted from the past few days. The happy minyan in honor of Rosh Chodesh was led by Adam, with a beautiful shofer blowing by Dani. After everyone had eaten breakfast and packed lunches we packed up "The General" and headed to the Anderson Microbrewery. At the microbrewery we unfortunately missed our time slot to see how beer is actually made, but we made up for it with an attempt to play frisbee golf, a game that was created there. Guys picked up souvenirs and we were off to our next stop - Clearlake.

Upon arrival at Clearlake we searched for a spot that was unoccupied in order to tovel for Shabbos and to get a quick swim in. Some guys found a tarzan swing, and a being pros since we had our own back at headquarters, decided to give it a shot. After everyone had dipped, we headed off to our annual daily activity, a trip to Safeway, to pick up some goods for Shabbos. Along the way Rav Dan somehow managed to get a speeding ticket by one of the three cops in all of northern California.

We arrived at home with all the goods, and everyone was given a job, either cleaning up the house or cooking. At the end the food came out scrumptious and the house was cleaned nicely. Kabbalos Shabbos was supposed to take place outside but due to uncertainty concerning the eiruv was brought inside after a rikud outside. The meal was filled with fun, divrei torah, and a l'cahim from Rav Judah who sent his best through Keith, and of course Milgraum passing out on the couch (as he has every other night).

Hear Ye Hear Ye....

It is official "the Van" has officially been named, as per a suggestion in the suggestion box. General Shroeder, or for short - "The General," is our means of transportation throughout our journey to spread the light here in northern California.

May he grow up to be a ben torah and a baal middos and follow in the ways of his forefathers.

Day 4 - עץ חיים היא

Day 4 started off mad early at 6 o’clock, but everyone was up and rocking to a Texeria Rosh Chodesh davening led by Garth. After davening concluded everyone sat down to a scrumptious breakfast, we’re a surprise birthday was in place for Moti – a happy birthday to him. The original plan was to go rafting today but due to the fact that everyone woke up late, we decided instead to head to Memorial Grove, to the location of the Drive Through Tree, which we never actually drove through. Along the way we decided to start our color war competition with a PS2 NBA 2K8 tournament, at the time of print both teams are tied – until tomorrow. Once we arrive at our secondary destination we chilled hard tossed around the football a bit and ate our lunches that we prepared in the house.

After which we read and discussed one of Rebbe Nachman’s famous stories – The Clever and the Simple One. Then out of nowhere it was suggested that we play Mafia, which got heated quickly, but both games ended with the Mafia being killed.

On the way back we decided, as per nightly activity, to stop at a different Safeway and pick up some more supplies for our scrumptious dinner prepared by Billy and Gordon. It was the first time we got back early enough to tape our nightly rikud, this time rocking out to Omar Rabi Akiva and Yismachu.

Dinner was later prepared by Rafi (Gordon), a scrumptious BBQ dinner. At dinner as the minhag is, highlights of the day were announced by all member of the movement and the suggestion box was read through. A chaburah was given by Knoll and the rest of the night was spent relaxing and unwinding and preparing for Shabbos!

A PR Birthday & A Guten Chodesh from PR

Although it’s his English birthday it’s still has some koach, so happy birthday to Bob (Mutty), may you be blessed to fulfill your personal mission in Olam HaZeh and merit to fabreng with Moshiach Tzidkainu in Olam HaBaah! Now!

And a Guten Chodesh! to the rest of the chevra out there and friends of Project Recharge.

Day 3 - On the Waterfront...

Day 3 started a little slower compared to the past two days, with davening led by Adam (Billy), and then a quick breakfast, where we were joined by two friendly dogs.

We had a quick morning seder afterwards, and then heard a chabura from Gil (Lenny) and a shiur from Art before making our way to the activity for the day – boating on the Clear Lake. Once arriving in the town of Lockport we made a stop to pick up our boats, tubes and skis and made our way to the water. Buns’ (Garth ) boat consisted of Kirschner (Chip), Kaye (Timmy), Knoll (Timmy Tom Jr. III), Milgraum (Dale), Brooks (Fred) and Mutty (Bob), while Dan’s (Art) boat consisted of Gil (Lenny), Schwartz (Harris), Rafi (Gordon), Keith (Trudy) and Adam (Billy). Each boat had their own stories to tell over the course of dinner at highlights ranging from anchoring the boat in the middle for no reason to Milgraum throwing everyone across the boat with the most insane turn ever to Dani bugging-out that there were sharks in the water.

After a very relaxing day on the water we decided it was time to head home, making a pit-stop ate Safeway (third Safeway we’ve been to in CA) to pick up some more food and daven Mincha. Once our arrival at our headquarters, we rocked out to with a solid rikud for a half hour, whereupon Rafi (Gordon) took the initiative and cooked us a "Texeria" BBQ dinner, somehow managing after the grill broke. At dinner all the suggestions that were placed in the suggestion box today were read, some included naming the van and changing the Art’s name to Chuck. After highlight were completed and everyone had calmed down, Knoll gave a chaburah to end the night. Kirsch whose has been renamed Richard* is expected to arrive tonight, we’re looking forward to all the ridiculousness he adds to our already ridiculous crew.

* - As per a suggestion that was passed in the suggestion box, Kirsch has officially been renamed Dick.

Official PR Name Changes

All of has received name changes and will here-on-in be used in future posts until further notice.

Adam - Billy

Brooks – Fred

Rafi – Gordon

Kirschner – Chip

Milgraum – Dale

Dan – Art*

Buns - Garth

Keith – Gertrude**

Gil – Lenny

Schwartz – Harris

Mutty – Bob

Kaye – Timmy

Knoll – Timmy Tom Jr. III

* - requested a name change, currently still in the suggestion box awaiting approval at time of print.

** - Name was eventually shortened to Trudy

Day 2 - Father in the Forrest...

Day 2 started off with a quick dip in our private pond leading into a strong davening led by Keith with a short shiur given by Schwartz. After everyone had completed eating breakfast, we boarded up “the Van” to head to our activity for the day, a hike through the Redwood Forrest. After making a quick pit-stop at the 7-to-11 (not 7-11, but it’s the closest thing we’re getting to it over her) convenience store to pick up water for the hike , we drove what seemed like an endless ride, with Milgraum dishing out the most random facts all along the way – Do you know why Chicago is called the Windy City? (Answer still disputed) - we eventually arrived at our destination. The hike started out well for everyone, with Keith scaring Rav Dan, until Dani Kaye decided to off-route it a bit, almost killing Milgraum, but it’s all good he’s got gout.

After what seemed like a 30 mile hike but was in actuality only 8 miles, we made it back to “the Van,” and davened mincha. After a short stop at Safeway to pick up some more food & supplies we headed home. Before dinner could even be prepared all the newly purchased utensils had to be toveled, that’s were the mikva on the property came into the clutch. With Keith, Kirschner and Dan in tow, Adam got down and dirty.

Once all utensils were ensured that they were fit to be used, a delicious pasta dinner was prepared by Adam. While that was being taken care of, Mutty, Milgraum and Dani wrote the official niggun of Project Recharge (name changes have been suggested, and have been place in the suggestion box), officially dubbed “I Just Ate A Bagel and Cheese”. Once everyone had sat down and eating we went around the table telling our highlights of the trip so fat, a chaburah was then given by Kirschner which was followed by Maariv to end this exciting day, 'til tomorrow....

Home Sweet Home...

This place is sweet. We pulled up late last night not knowing what to expect. The place is mad chilled out it’s a big log cabin situated on 300 acres in the middle of the forest in Willits, CA. It contains its own pond with a Tarzan swing (our mikvah) and many place just to kick back and relax. It has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a nice sized kitchen and living room. The house is stocked with many books (mainly about falcons and hobbits) and movies with a NES and Nintendo 64 game system with a variety of games. According to Milgraum there are many marijuana fields on the property, and since he's a man of the most random facts we believe him on this one.

Day 1 - Welcome to San Francisco...

Day 1 of Project Recharge began with the chevra leaving via the various flights and one by one meeting up at SFO, where we were greeted by “the Principles” (Rav Josh (Buns) & Rav Dan). Once everyone, except for Michael Kirschenbaum, was accounted for we headed to Golden Gate Park to eat lunch. Along the way Keith and Rafi decided to jump out of “the Van” in the middle of the highway and scare Reb Dan who was driving alone in the car in front of us.

When we eventually arrived at the park we found a nice place to eat lunch, Brooklyn Bagels that were from San Francisco, in the botanical gardens.

After which we headed on an expedition through the park stopping off to play a little football, with Sir Dani Kaye catching the winning touchdown.

Following this we continued our journey through the park Haight Street where we many people wanted to sell us “trees”. Our hike to Haight Street was interrupted briefly by the PopChipsmobile, upon which greeting us a woman, and in the wise words of Milgraum, “has the best job ever, driving around and giving out free food,” handed us all free samples. When we finally arrived at Haight Street, we decided it would be best if we split up. Some went to go see where the Grateful Dead had once dwelled, while some walked around taking in the culture of the area. While walking around we were greeted in hebrew on multiple occasions by a fellow brother or sister. A few guys had a very interesting encounter while talking to a brother who grew up in Eretz Yisrael, a woman, Hadasah, who at that moment happened to be kneeling and petting the man’s dog over heard us and said she was a yid too.

After spending some time in the Haight-Ashbury section of San Fransisco we headed back through the park where we encountered a fellow by the name of Richard, who claimed he was the King of England. He explained to us how to play football and even showed us a demonstration on his PSP, which he pulled out of nowhere, leaving us all to wonder where he charges it.

Once we returned to “the Van” we headed off to Oakland to attend the A’s vs. Yankees game. We tailgated and davened mincha in the parking lot and eventually made our way into the game around the 7^th inning, where we instantly became celebrities in our section with our unique chants. The chants ranges from Texeria is amazing*, Geiger, Grey shirt, That guy, Mazel Tov Buns! (while smashing our hands with our fists**) and Davis. Eventually we were kicked out of the stadium, which was our intended plan to begin with. We were cool with that and headed off to the parking lot to go and daven Mariv, where our drunk neighbors started yelling inappropriate things at each other.

Once Mariv was completed we decided to make our way over to the house, which was over 2 hours away***. Overall the day was packed with excitement, leaving us all exhausted. I’m off to sleep, till next time holy chevra...

* - From here on in “Texeria” is synonymous with “amazing“ as per Milgraum.

** - We’re are still unsure how this practice started, but all our hands are sore.

*** - A brief description of the house will be written in my next post.