'Summer camp for freaks'

Blogger's new Blog of Note is by the author of 'This Is Burning Man,' a book about the annual Burning Man festival which will roll round again in three days time.
According to the official website , "Burning Man is an annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance... You're not the weirdest kid in the classroom -- there's always somebody there who’s thought up something you never even considered."
Booklist describes it as: "the annual festival for aging Aquarians and seekers of all New Agey stripes that involves the erection in the Nevada desert of a giant statue alongside a temporary city of alternative lifestyle enthusiasts.... Then the giant statue gets torched, and everybody returns to presumably more humdrum everyday pursuits."
Why am I bringing this up? Because there's an annual Jewish contingent at this crazy-fest -- they call themselves, 'Congregation B'Nai Hamidbar.' Events you can participate in include:

Midnight Shamanic Journey
Join Reb Menachem for a midnight journey of meditation, music, and visionquesting. Trained in the deserts of the Southwest, trafficker with angels, Menachem will be your guide through the vaults of heaven that lie within our own consciousness. Please arrive on time so that we can create sacred space, and bring any objects (instruments, talismans, etc.) which will help you on your inner journey.
12 midnight Thursday night

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
"The way he sees, and the way she looks, it's a perfect match!" "Look, this nice transsexual boy came by the camp a little earlier, he'd be perfect for you. Now tell me, any meshugenahs in your family?" Oy, so many lonely people: come by the Black Rock JCC for your interview to find your basherte (soulmate), or at least your playasherte.
1-3pm, Weds and Thurs

Havdalah Before the Burn
Blessed is the One who creates the light of Fire! Join the Black Rock JCC near the 3:00 portopotties for Havdalah before the burn.

Oooh, Havdalah by the portopotties. Sounds wild. In any case, I heard that last year, there were naked women walking into Friday night davening. Anyone who goes this year, be sure to drop us a line...