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The month is August. A private field in Sullivan County. A music festival, throngs of young people camping out for the weekend, sharing their experience, combining nature with music.
No, it’s not Woodstock and it’s not 1969. Instead of The Who playing to the fans, it’s Pigeons Playing Ping Pong getting the audience tuned in. Rather than CSNY, Zusha is inspiring the campers.
The weekend of August 7-9 saw hundreds of young music enthusiasts dancing and singing to the soulful melodies of Zusha, the funk rock sound of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and a number of other bands playing an eclectic mix of both Jewish and secular music. Billed as the Jewish Woodstock, the music began on Friday afternoon, ended before Shabbat and restarted Saturday night after the conclusion of Shabbat. While there was no music scheduled during Shabbat, one highlight of the weekend was the spiritual experience of sharing Shabbat outdoors with community zmirot and davening.
“The Camping Trip started five years ago as an opportunity for my friends to gather for Shabbat and then to go to a Phish concert playing nearby,” said organizer and property owner Ian Leifer, “My family owned the land for many years and a friend suggested we camp out for the concert.” With 20 friends, he started an annual event to camp out and enjoy music together with his friends.” My father loved music and was inspired by Woodstock and the picturesque nature of upstate New York,” said Leifer. “He chose to move here and make a life for his family on this land.” Leifer dedicated The Camping Trip to both his father’s memory along with a friend, one of the original 20 who had recently died in an accident. “My goal is to perpetuate goodness in the world, to spread positivity and create a loving environment where people can remove themselves for a moment from their everyday world,” he said.
The music started on Friday afternoon and stopped as Shabbat was about to begin. As over 250 cars arrived prior to Shabbat, the hectic scene had people entering, setting up camp, listening to the music and preparing for Shabbat. Once Shabbat began, the camp became serene, the music stopped and people prepared for a spiritual Shabbat. While not all participants were observant, those wishing to observe Shabbat were accommodated and respected. Glatt kosher food was provided under rabbinical supervision for those who ordered it, an eruv was established and a Sefer Torah was provided for Shabbat davening.
“We expected up to 400 people and our unofficial count was over 600,” said Leifer. “We fed 70 people and had to turn away an additional 50-60 who asked to order food after the final cut off.” Shlomo Gaisin of Zusha led Friday night services which were something special, with over 150 people of different levels of observance dancing under the stars. “Religious and non participated as we poured out our souls onto the grass beneath our feet,” said Zach Goldschmiedt of Zusha.
“In some tents you could hear Friday night niggunim and others you could hear trance. But the two didn’t seem to mind as it was less about trying to make others like you, and more about doing what makes you happy.”
Goldschmiedt explained that he “felt proud representing Zusha at such an event—a place where people didn’t sacrifice themselves in order to impress others—they let their true colors fly, and in doing so we all walked away changed men and women.” In referencing the recent commemoration of Tisha B’Av he noted that “the last Temple was destroyed because of brotherly hatred and communication breakdown—the next Temple will be built with understanding and love. It definitely felt like a step in this direction. No, not everyone was perfect in their observance, but we were all looking out for each other.”
After Shabbat, Zusha started with a beautiful Havdalah service, followed by a set of their popular music. The bands played on the stage which was set up amphitheater style at the low point in the field, with the field gradually rising away from the stage in a semi circle. Then came Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and followed by a DJ who kept the group going until about 4 a.m. Then, at 11:30 a.m., the wake-up concert began, rousing the people as they started a new day of music.
This year was much larger than prior years and Leifer explained it required much more planning including security, medical, toilets and even a hot shower trailer for people who wanted to have some comforts. So it apparently wasn’t exactly the same as Woodstock. And the weather was amazing.
Leifer plans to continue the Camping Trip but wants to expand the event while maintaining its intimate reputation. If you would like to be on the short list for next year’s event, contact [email protected].
By JLNJ Staff
