vnr ubbjn - Camp Ramah Wisconsin

vnr ubbjn
Spring 2015
v”ga, chct
From Jacob Cytryn, Director
Since its founding nearly 70 years ago, Camp
Ramah in Wisconsin strives to be many things
to our constituents. For all of our campers and
staff, we create a magical, Jewishly-infused
bubble away from home where memories of
empowerment, great fun, and the seeds of
lifelong friendships are sown. The time-bounded
glimpse of intensive Jewish living that we
provide resonates in different ways for campers
and staff who come to us from different
communities. As we approach our 69th season
in Conover, our enrollment and employment files are filled with Jews
from large Jewish communities throughout the world. And, once
again, we have campers and staff who are coming to join us from
smaller communities, for whom their experiences at camp this
summer are experienced slightly differently.
When I attended camp for the first time in 1992, my family and I had
just moved to the relatively large Jewish metropolis of St. Louis from
the relatively smaller one of New Orleans, about one-fifth the size.
My fifth grade class of ten students at the Solomon Schechter Day
School of St. Louis would shrink to seven as we entered sixth grade;
none of us would continue in Jewish day schools for junior high or
high school. My Jewish life was, on the one hand, fundamentally
different than that of my friends from camp who grew up in the
heavily Jewish enclaves of Chicago, and yet also radically more
intense than those of other friends from Munster, IN, Flossmoor, IL
and La Crosse, WI.
Over the last 25-plus years of involvement with Ramah, I have come to
appreciate and spend more time pondering these contrasting shades
on the quilt that is our Ramahnik community. During our annual
recruitment season, one of the great treats is to re-engage with dear
friends and colleagues in Omaha. Under the leadership of Rabbi
Steven Abraham, supported by his wife, alumna Shira (Steinberg),
we will welcome nearly 20 campers this summer from Omaha,
perhaps the largest contingent ever. Among them is a secondgeneration Ramah family, the Gordmans, whose older son, Spencer,
is the eldest of the Omaha contingent at 12 years old.
I met Allison (Skid), an alumna, her husband Jay, and their sons Preston
and Spencer, on my first visit to Omaha as a Ramah professional in
2011. This past fall they hosted our annual parlor meeting, where
Jay proudly volunteered the transformative nature of his first visit to
Ramah as a father, as part of our first-ever Halutzim Visitors’ Day
this past summer. “I had heard so much about Ramah - really ever since
I started dating Allison,” Jay began, “but I really couldn’t appreciate it
until I was there. Suddenly, it all made sense.”
Allison, proud alumna and Ima (mom) who is so thrilled to be giving her
sons the gift her parents gave her, reflects on the experience for her,
“Being in a small Jewish community makes going to camp a big
deal. You get to explore the world outside the Omaha community.
Spencer goes to a school that has two Jewish kids. Ramah makes his
beliefs stronger. His closest friends are his Jewish friends. ... My boys
feel good about themselves being Jewish in a small community. I am
happy that Camp Ramah has made Spencer the strong believer that he
is. Camp Ramah is a home away from home.”
The 700-plus residents of our little summer village on the shore of Lake
Buckatabon each bring their own perspectives and narratives to camp.
One of the great engines of our camp life is the productive tension
between all that we have in common and how each one of us is unique.
The energy produced by this positive tension is one of the components
of the “magic” we unleash every summer and that helps develop the
friendships, memories, and Jewish identities of our campers and staff.
Many of us have our own stories of time we have spent in small(er)
Jewish communities - those in which we were raised or those that we
have found ourselves in as adults. If you have such a story, please
consider sharing it with me at jcytryn@ramahwisconsin.com. And as we
work on raising necessary scholarship funds to send over 500 campers
to camp this summer, please consider the impact on all of our campers,
from communities with significant resources and opportunities and
those with less.
Stay in touch with Camp Ramah via our blog and youtube channel at www.ramahwisconsin.com.
To receive our weekly e-newsletter, HaMirpeset Shelanu, send an email to arosen@ramahwisconsin.com.
page 2
So Many Ramah
In the Chicago area:
Ramah Day Camp! (see page 16 for details)
For current 2nd graders:
Ruach Ramah (July 13-16)
For current 3rd graders:
Kochavim (June 16-29) or (July 1-13)
For current 4th graders:
Garinim (June 16 – July 13)
For current 5th graders:
Halutzim (July 16 – August 10)
For current 6th-10th graders:
Full season (June 16 – August 10)
Taste of Tikvah (4 weeks), Tikvah
and Atzmayim Vocational Program
For current 11th graders:
Ramah Israel Seminar
Live Outside
the Midwest?
Programs listed on
these pages are
available to all alumni
regardless of current
residence.
For more info on any of these programs go to www.ramahwisconsin.com
or contact Robin Rubenstein, at rrubenstein@ramahwisconsin.com or at 312-265-6653.
page 3
Opportunities!
Spring and Summer Events
Planning is underway for:
• a Spring Kikar Ba’Ir event in Chicago
Family Fun Day at Ramah Day Camp
in Wheeling, Illinois
• a Pool Party in Kansas City on June 7
Sunday, July 12
• an Alumni Picnic in the Twin Cities in June
Adults, children, families – Ramahniks of all ages are welcome to
enjoy an afternoon of fun! There’ll be music, swimming, games,
sports, crafts and a great opportunity to meet up with Ramah friends
old and new.
• 13th Reunion of Nivonim 2002 on June 26-28
• 25th Reunion of Nivonim 1990 on July 31-August 2
Don’t miss out!
Go to www.ramahwisconsin.com/alumni/news-events/ for details.
Family Camp
August 12-16, 2015
This is the year to come to camp for a fabulous family vacation in
the beautiful Northwoods! Enjoy great family activities along with
programming for adults and children of various ages. Excellent
childcare is provided. Do you like kayaking and sailing? Arts and
music? Ropes course thrills and nature walks? Basketball, softball,
volleyball and tennis? Singing around the campfire? You’ll enjoy
all this and a beautiful Ramah Shabbat. Register today and bring
your friends!
Ramah Date!
We are thrilled to announce the creation of RamahDate, a new online
dating site for Jewish singles affiliated with Ramah.
Long associated with the establishment of
enduring relationships and marriages, Camp
Ramah will now partner with JDate to
offer Ramah alumni the opportunity to
meet other Ramahniks online. “At
Ramah, people find community and
develop a strong Jewish identity and a
passion for living Jewishly,” said Rabbi
Mitchell Cohen, Director of the National
Ramah Commission. “RamahDate is one
more tool that our movement can use to
support our alumni in a pathway of involvement
in Jewish life throughout all stages of their lives.” It is anticipated
that RamahDate will officially launch in May 2015.
Go to www.ramahdate.org for more information.
page 4
From Arnie Harris, President
With mixed emotions and with great hope for the future of
Ramah Wisconsin, I see that my days at the helm of camp are
winding down. As of October 1, 2015, Jonathan Sherman will
take over as president of Ramah Wisconsin. While there is still
much to accomplish in the coming months, we are now busy
preparing for the transition to Jon’s leadership. Jon is now
tasked with chairing the 2015 Strategic Plan that will guide the
future of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp.
The combined power of our Ramah community will help
carry out the recommendations of that plan, raising the
necessary funds to support our programs, maintain facilities,
and keep Ramah strong for the next decade and beyond.
I am thrilled to be working with Jon and it is clear that he will
be a great leader for our community.
Campaign, which provides much needed scholarship funds
and operational dollars (see page 5). I extend my sincere
gratitude to you, Ramah alumni and friends, who recognize
the value of the Ramah experience and support it with your
work, wealth and wisdom.
So what have I learned as president of Ramah Wisconsin?
The name for this thing our kids do over the summer
called “camp” is really a misnomer. I have learned that
“camp” is really experiential Jewish education at its
best. I have learned it is about friendships formed for life.
I have learned that while camp is just 8 weeks a year,
its impact lasts for 52 weeks a year. I have learned about
the importance of everything from Israeli dancing to
As I reflect on the last four years as president, I realize that
I have many people to thank for their constant support and
hard work. Former Ramah presidents Alan Silberman and Jeff
Kopin could not have been better role models and mentors
for me. Our CEO, Rabbi David Soloff, was and continues to be
a constant source of wisdom, a close confidant, and a great
business partner. I also wholeheartedly thank Jon Sherman,
who has embraced this new role with open arms, great
thoughtfulness and keen eyes to see the path of the future.
I’m sure I will spend the coming months sincerely thanking
many, many others.
To me, what is most important and special about Ramah
is community. We can accomplish so much more as a
community of individuals working together. The continued
success of the Koach Campaign is just one example of the
power of community. In January 2014, philanthropist
Harvey Miller challenged our community to raise $1 million,
which he would match 1:1. The goal: strengthen Ramah
by eliminating the construction mortgage at Camp Ramah
in Wisconsin and the purchase mortgage at Ramah Day
Camp. Now, just a little more than one year later, the Ramah
community has enthusiastically come together to support
this effort and the goal is in sight! Just as impressive is the
support that has continued during this period for our Annual
Yom Sport to the power of leadership, music, prayer,
baseball, relationships and community. It’s all powerful.
It’s all important. It’s all camp. And I am so privileged
to be a part of it all.
In December, 20 young alumni helped “pay it forward” by
participating in our 5th Annual Scholarship Phonathon at
Harris & Harris in Chicago. They called their peers, solicited
150 contributions and raised over $20,000 for need-based
scholarships. Kol HaKavod!
page 5
Did You Know?
$1,089
is the subsidy that
EVERY camper
receives each
summer for an
8-week session at
Camp Ramah in
Wisconsin
50%
of our campers ALSO require
need-based scholarship to make
Ramah a reality each summer
$250,000
Amount Ramah provides in
need-based scholarship annually
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE
RAMAH A REALITY FOR EVERYONE!
While a session at Ramah is a serious financial commitment, the true cost to
attend camp is actually significantly higher. Camp Ramah in Wisconsin has long
maintained a policy of providing an across the board registration subsidy to every
camper regardless of financial need, in order to ensure that a Ramah experience
is accessible to as many children as possible. It takes the generosity of our
current families, alumni families and friends in the community to help make
Ramah a reality for everyone.
Please give today using the enclosed envelope or online at
www.ramahwisconsin.com/donate
page 6
From David Soloff, CEO
Beginning in 1978, three long-range
plans and a strategic plan have
been prepared by the Camp Ramah
in Wisconsin Committee in 1978,
1989, 2000, and 2010. These
documents defined and refined
the goals, purposes, aspirations,
and challenges for Camp Ramah
in Wisconsin, and subsequently
also for Ramah Day Camp and our
alumni and community initiatives.
The process of developing each
of these plans engaged a broad
community of lay and professional
stakeholders and produced action
plans that have prioritized the work of each camp along the way.
These plans have been the blueprints for our work each year.
Here are a few recommendations from the 2010 Strategic
Plan that have been implemented since then:
1. Establishment of a 4-day Ruach Ramah session for
entering 3rd graders
2. Packaging of 2- or 4-week sessions for 4th, 5th, and 6th
graders at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin with complimentary
sessions at Ramah Day Camp
3. Enhanced marketing of both camps programs through
ambassador programs, differentiated materials and
social media.
4. Development of a three-year educational curriculum
for Tikvah, and biennial Tikvah Parent Retreats and winter
Tikvah Shabbatonim.
5. Expansion of year-round alumni activities, alumni
database enhancement, and interface with National
Ramah’s alumni initiative, Reshet Ramah.
6. Hiring a full-time Assistant Director for Camp Ramah
in Wisconsin, a seasonal Assistant Director and Site
Manager for Ramah Day Camp and adding the position
of Chief Development Officer for Ramah Wisconsin.
7. Effectively implementing debt reduction through the
Koach Campaign while successfully managing concurrent
annual scholarship campaigns.
8. Continued enhancement of programming and facility
upgrades at both Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah
Day Camp.
We are now in the midst of formulating the 2015 Strategic Plan,
chaired by Vice President Jonathan Sherman. Subcommittees
are currently meeting to discuss recreational and educational
programming, special needs, facilities, strategic initiatives,
finance, marketing, development, alumni programming and
board governance. Nearly 100 volunteers are working with our
professional team to guide Ramah to continued strength and
success in the years ahead. Thank you to our subcommittee
chairs Dan Blumenthal, Joel Brown, Michael Chartock,
Ari Derman, Karen Ebroon, David Elyashar, Scott Forester,
Jordy Kirshenbaum Samantha Kopin Silverman, David Kushnir,
Elyse Rabinowitz, Erica Schwab, Margaret Silberman,
Heidi Simons, David Smith, Michelle Steiman, Idyth Zimbler,
and to all who are volunteering their time, energy and talents
to strengthen the Ramah experience. A special note of
gratitude goes to Dr. Mitch Kupperman and JCamp180 for
mentoring support and guidance in this process.
As Lori Stark prepares for her 15th season as Ramah Day Camp
Director and Jacob Cytryn prepares for his third as Camp
Ramah in Wisconsin Director (and 17th season on staff!) all
of us in the Ramah Wisconsin family are excited to explore
the new ideas for our next stage of creative development.
These are exciting times across Ramah Wisconsin. Enrollment
at both Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp are
back to pre-recession levels, and over 100 campers will spend
part of the summer at both camps! Our August Family Camp
has grown from 10 families just a few years ago to 30 families
this year. Our Tikvah and Atzmayim programs continue to
explore new opportunities for inclusion programming. A huge
Todah Rabbah goes out to you, our community of supporters,
and to the Harvey L. Miller Foundation, as we approach the
Koach Campaign goal to retire the mortgage debt for the
construction of campus refurbishing at Camp Ramah in
Wisconsin and the purchase mortgage for the Ramah Day
Camp site. It is thanks to you that we have accomplished all
this and maintained the annual scholarship campaign.
We look forward to sharing highlights of the 2015 Strategic
Plan with you. We have always worked to preserve the core
of our mission as we have enhanced and reenergized our
programming. I have had the privilege to greet many
alumni when they return for a camp visit. They are always
impressed by the facilities, the programs and the expanded
opportunities for campers and staff. They also identify
very closely with the central Ramah experience in terms
of spirit, commitment to Israel, to Hebrew language and
to building a dynamic Jewish community. If it’s been a
while since you visited Conover, or if you’ve never been
to Ramah Day Camp, please visit this summer! I guarantee
it will be worth the trip.
page 7
Family Pays Tribute to Tikvah Program
By Lois Goldrich
Published February 13, 2015, in the New Jersey Jewish Standard
For the past five years, 20-year-old Adam Berzin of Ramsey, New Jersey,
has spent his summers at Camp Ramah Wisconsin, at the camp’s
Tikvah program. Created more than 40 years ago and offered at nine
Ramah camps in the United States and Canada, Tikvah welcomes
children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of learning,
developmental, cognitive, and social disabilities, “enhancing Jewish
identity and teaching Jewish values in a supportive, inclusive, fun
environment,” according to its website.
Parents Rita and Mitch Berzin clearly believe that the program more
than fulfills this commitment.
“We make the effort to send Adam to this program, which is so far
away, because the effects on his self-esteem, independence, and
identification with the Jewish community have been so powerful,”
Ms. Berzin said. While other Ramah camps have programs of this kind,
“what made this one unique for us was that it was more inclusive.”
Adam has high-functioning autism, she said. “He’s not so below his peers
that he needs a tremendous amount of support, but he needs more
than his typical peers and he needs to be challenged. This program
included him so he didn’t feel he was in a parallel camp,” but rather one
that fully included him, where he did not feel “separate.” The Berzins
also chose the Wisconsin camp because it offers the program to people
in Adam’s age group.
“He loves it,” she said, recalling that one year she put Adam in a camp
that was geographically closer but not as inclusive. “It didn’t group
kids according to their abilities,” she said. “It put them all together.”
After that summer, “Adam was lobbying to go back” to Ramah, despite
the fact that usually “he’s not a self-advocate. He really wanted to do it.”
Adam lives for his summers, she said, telling people that “his summer
home is at Camp Ramah Wisconsin.”
The camp “plays to the kids’ strengths. At school, he never quite felt
like he quite fit in; he was used to being told what he couldn’t do,
not what he could do” she said, noting however that Adam, who plays
saxophone, participated in the Ramsey High School marching band.
At camp, “they had him play the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before a big
baseball game. They picked out what he likes and let him excel at it.
“There are programs for children with disabilities in this area, but few
if any that include the children with their typical peers,” she continued.
“Generally they are segregated programs, but that’s not what the real
world is like. Finding inclusive experiences for children is difficult,
especially for teens and young adults who are not greatly impaired.
Inclusion is what I think Ramah Wisconsin does well. The children
are so well integrated that they really feel as if there are no differences.
And the typical peers start to see that the Tikvah campers have
strengths and good qualities.”
Adam comes home from camp with more self-esteem,” she said.
“You could just see that he was more of his own person. He didn’t seem
to need as much prompting and encouragement.”
On the Jewish front, although Adam had a bar mitzvah, “and did well,
there was not much to connect him” to the Jewish community after
that, said his mother. “At Ramah he put on tefillin and did morning
prayers. He loves Shabbat. You can see a greater sense of [Jewish]
identification.”
Read the full story online at
http://jstandard.com/content/item/family_pays_tribute_to_tikvah_program/32537
page 8
Donor Honor Roll
* represents in kind gifts
**represents donation of Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts
Chief Executive Officer's Circle
Gifts of $500,000 and above
Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation
Director's Circle
Gifts of $100,000 and above
Nina and Arnie Harris
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP*
Estate of Waldemar Lelewski, through the
Rosen Family
Zell Family Foundation
President's Circle
Gifts of $50,000 and above
Dr. Rebecca and Daniel Blumenthal
The Crown Family
David Kabiller
Beth and Dr. Jeffrey Kopin
Karen and Mitchell Kopin
Susan and Marc Sacks
Karen and Hal Sider
Dr. Michael Steuer
Rosh Aidah
Gifts of $25,000 and above
Eve and Richard Biller
Jack & Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund
Jill and Michael Rose
Dr. Margaret and Alan Silberman
Karyn and William Silverstein
Idyth and Jay Zimbler
Rosh Anaf
Gifts of $18,000 and above
Dr. Wendy and Dr. Howard Bach
Carol and Dr. Ronald Fogel
Nachshon Project
Elyse Rabinowitz and Jim Porter
Leslie and Howard Schultz
Melissa and Marc Spellman
Northwoods
Gifts of $10,000 and above
Julie Strauss and Joel Brown
Kathryn and Scott Happ
Gayle and David Harris
Neera and Michael Kaufman
Estate of Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke
W.J. Minkus Charitable Trust
Dr. Rebecca Schorsch and Dr. Scott Moses
Cyndi and Jamie Rosenthal
Amy and Mark Rotenberg
Fran and Jonathan Sherman
Emily and Rabbi David Soloff
Agam
Gifts of $5,000 and above
Mark Altschul
Rita Cortes
Deborah Shalowitz Cowans and Bruce Cowans
Dr. Nehama Dresner
Gail and Jeremy Fingerman
Beverly and Richard Fink
Dr. Leslie and Bernard Goldblatt
Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon
Suzy and Dr. David Hakimian
We gratefully acknowledge these gifts for the period
October 1, 2014 – March 30, 2015 and pledges through December 31, 2015
to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp.
It is thanks to YOU that Ramah continues to create joyful, immersive Jewish living
and opportunities for growth in vibrant communities of young people.
David Harris
Heilicher Foundation
Laurie and Andrew Hochberg
Stephanie and Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh
Ally and Jordan Kirshenbaum
Dr. Lena and David Kushnir
Sara and Joshua Leslie
Mesirow Financial
Beth and Ronn Nadis
Charlotte and Michael Newberger
Kim and Daniel Price
Lori and Dr. Richard Rabinowitz
Resnick Family Helaine and Howard Resnick
Harriet and Joey Resnick
Rachel and Ron Cooper
Mindy and Daniel Ribnick
Sarfatty Associates Ltd.*
Silverman Family Foundation
Leslie and Bryan Sloane
Michelle Wasserman and David Smith
Northern Lights
Gifts of $2,500 and above
Anonymous (1)
Angela and Larry Adler
Lisa and Micah Arbisser
Faye and Benji Bearman
David Brown
Karen and Ethan Budin
Sarah and Sam Caplan
Gabe Chasnoff/NTI Upstream*
Ellen and Yehuda Cohen
Cortes Family Foundation
Derman Family Dr. Carol and Dr. Gordon Derman
Dr. Ben Derman
Talia and Ari Derman
Yali Derman
Betsy and Scott Forester
Kim and Stuart Frankenthal
Nami and David Goldenberg
Stephanie and Mark Goldstein
Julie Hirsch and Ron Feldman
Linda and Michael Hoffenberg
Tamar Green and Ben Hofkin
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Karasov Family
Marilyn Karasov
Dr. Hanna Bloomfield and Dr. Robert Karasov
Rochelle and Dr. Steven Katz
Lake Forest Bank & Trust Co
Ron Lavin
Elyse and Dr. Ron Less
Gigi Cohen and Michael Levin
Joseph M. Levine Foundation
Dr. Arielle and Dr. Victor D. Levitan
Meredith and Benjamin Lewis
Naomi Newman and Jason Litwack
Liat and Ron Meisler
Sharon and Leon Oberlander
Jonathan Oberlander
Cindy and David Pogrund
Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz
Aviva and David Rubin
Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz
Lori Stark and Dr. David Shapiro
Sherman Family
Estelle and James Sherman
Jeffrey Sherman
Shraga Sherman
Julie and David Sherman
Rabbi Philip and Leah Sherman
Jeremy Sherman
Ian Sherman
Caleb Sherman
Rubin Singer
Emily and Adam Steinberg
Brenda and Max Wasserman
Arnee and Walter Winshall
Buckatabon
Gifts of $1,800 and above
Margaret and Lee Cohn
Barb and Andy Fishman
Barry A. Goldberg
Arica and Emmet Hirsch
Alison and Isaac Judd
Jeff Kahn
Bryna and Rabbi Vernon Kurtz
Louise and Jerry Ribnick
Randee and Robert Romanoff
Betty and Dr. Irving Rozenfeld
Karen Weiss
Kikar
Gifts of $1,000 and above
Anonymous (1)
Anne Opila and Todd Abraham
Dr. Phyllis Gorin and Rabbi Morris Allen
Lynn Barr
Sonia and Ted (z"l) Bloch
Dr. Ada Beth and Dr. Charles Cutler
Tamar and Jacob Cytryn
Meredith and Jason Dubner
Gerry Engelhart/ Porath Print Source*
Jennifer and Stewart Flink
Sheila and Larry Gerber
Sarina and Robert Gerson
Nancy and David Given
Leslie and Paul Gotlieb
Ronna Bach and Michael Greenwald
Sharon Liebhaber and Rabbi Alan Iser
Chaviva and Ralph Jacobson
Faye Kroshinsky and Bennett Kaplan
Ethan Less**
Madalyn and Robert Less
Richard Levitt
Dr. Susan Feigenbaum and Dr. Jay Pepose
Lynn and Dr. Louis Philipson
Rachel Goldberg and Bryan Quigley
Ronald Romaner and Jaynie Schultz
Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein
Louise and Steven Schoenberger
Kim and Greg Shapps
Rabbi Zachary Silver
Renee and Michael Slade
Sarah Small
Jane and Josh Sosland
Lisa and Steven Tenzer
Phyllis and Otto Waldmann
Tami and Reuben Warshawsky
Jonathan Zimbler
Jennifer and Michael Zukerman
page 9
We are grateful to nearly 50 synagogues, communal funds and Jewish federations for partnership and generous scholarship support.
View a complete list at: www.ramahwisconsin.com/about/make-a-donation/synagogue-support/
Friends
Gifts of $500 and above
Anonymous (2)
Rachel and Dr. Andrew Abeles
Esther Goldberg-Davis and Rabbi Alexander Davis
Jennifer and David Elyashar
Marilyn and Joe Ernsteen
Jessica Ettinger
Patti and Michael Frazin
Dr. Betsy Gidwitz
Ariel and Bryan Goltzman*
Jodi and Adam Gruber
Stacey Gordon and Dr. Neil Guterman
H & H Purchasing
Talia Hillman*
Lorie Chaiten and Harold Hirshman
Naomi Bank and Steven R. Hunter
Jan and Aaron Kanas
Rachel Katz
Vivian and Sheldon Kopin
Amy Elfenbaum and Scott Kramer
Edward Marks
Julie Rabinowitz and Gary Marx
Hedva and Dr. Moshe Matalon
Susan and Robert Millner
Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter
Ellen Sue and Dr. Jon Parker
Marcie and Brad Pickard
Betsey and Dale Pinkert
David Rosenberg
Adrienne and Adam Rosenthal
Kimberly and Dr. Ari Rubenfeld
Arona and George Sarfatty
Marci Dickman and Ralph Schwartz
Willard Shonfeld
Dr. Sarah and Andrew Shulkind
Elizabeth Silver-Schack and Professor Larry Silver
Mae and Mark Spitz
Michelle Steiman
Hollis and David Wein
Gail and Dr. Robert Wilensky
Robin and Dr. Clifford Wolf
Ramahnik
Gifts up to $500
Anonymous (1)
Eli Abeles
Wendy and Richard Abraham
Cantor Nancy Abramson
Rochelle Adler
Adina Aft
Julia Allal
Avi Allen
Leora Allen
Allison, Slutsky & Kennedy, P.C.
Nancy and Keith Alper
Peggy Alperin
Lynn and Alfred Altschul
Joni Appelman
Julia Applefeld
Sari Applefeld
Brandi and Dan Argentar
Jeannie Aschkenasy
Nehama Babin
Naomi Hoffman and Dr. Loren Bach
Naomi and Dr. Ronnie Ban
Abe Barash
Devorah Lissek and Dr. Joshua Barash
Kara Behr
Nancy Bellew
Rabbi Rebecca and Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon
Hilary and Michael Benjamin
Cheryl and Rabbi Kenneth Berger
Becky and Shie Berkman
Sydney Berkman
Zachary Berkman
Emilie and Scott Berman
Barbara Bernstein
Henry Bernstein
Rita and Mitchell Berzin
Jean Best
Marilyn Blonsky
Theodore S. Bloom
Eliot Blum
Randi Blume
Eleanor and Albert Boxerman
Elizabeth and Tim Boyle
Irina Bozilenko
Karen and Marshall Brill
Reena Spicehandler and Jeremy Brochin
Carrie and Adam Broms
Shira and Ross Broms
Sarah and Allan Budweg
Carol and Scott Burg
Paula and Dr. Jeffrey Cantor
Jane and Prof. Dennis Carlton
Dina and Joey Carr
Suzanne Chalom
Paula and Rabbi Marim Charry
Mirra Klausner and Todd Clauer
Rabbi Michael C. Cohen
Cari and Rabbi Mitch Cohen
Nadine Cohen
Ellen and Ira Cole
Jamie Cooper
Sheri and Neil Cooper
Sara and Steve Coven
Deena Cowans
Babette and Mark Daskin
Ben Davis
Sheila and Stewart Derechin
Abigail Drazner
Alexa Ehrlich
Myron Einisman
Ruth Eisenberg
Rebecca Barak and Yuval Eisenberg
Laura Elkayam
Deborah Swichkow and Ray Ellis
Fern and Dr. Michael Ellison
Talia Engelhart
Lisa Binowitz and Jay Englander
Rachel Engler
Marcy Horwitz and Steve Erlebacher
Harry Eskin
Sharon and Bill Feather
Barbara Fedor
Sarah and Erwin Feiertag
Judy and Steven Feinberg
Michael Feldman
Marc Fiedler
Jessie and Rabbi Jeremy Fine
Roberta Fischer
Mollie Flink
Shayna Flink
Beth and Robert Footlik
Benjy Forester
Dr. Avram Fraint
Wendy and Benjamin Frank
Laura and Rabbi Alex Freedman
Leslie and Gary Freeman
Robyn and Seth Freiden
David Gabovitch
Phyllis and Ed Gabovitch
Gail and Steve Gales
Hindy Garfinkel
Linda and Jeremy Gaynor
Liz and David Geifman
Celia and Hillel Gershenson
Marlene and Herb Gerson
Isaac Glassman
Ari Gleicher
Gabriel Gliksberg
Leora Goldblatt
Bonnie and Dr. Gary Goldish
Jaimee Goldish
Elana and Neil Goldsmith
Susan Goldsmith
Angela Goldstein
Shira Goldstein
Dr. Michael R. Goodman
Sharon and Eric Goodman
Ellen and Robert Gordman
Spencer Gordman
Great Lakes Region Organizing Committee
Elan Green
Rani Halpern and Joel Green
Shaina Hinton and Jonathan Green
Karen and Steven Grey
Evelyn Gross
Anna and Jacob Grossberg
Helene and Mark Gussin
Solomon Gutstein
Amir Halevy
Daniel Halpern
Betty and Bertram Hamilton
Deirdre Berger and Martin Harder
Ruth and Mark Harris
Shannyn Hart
Billie and Simon Hellerstein
Marcia and Paul Herman
Julie and Jonathan Hersch
Eunice and Bruce Hershman
Lauren and Noam Hoffenberg
Barbara and Dr. Robert Hoffman
Dani and Jonathan Hoffman
Melissa and Ken Hoffman
Terry and Allen Holzman
Joy and Herb Horwich
Sarit Horwitz
Risa Hurwich
Dr. Sherry Israel
Rebecca Jacobson
Shanna Jadwin
Sarah and Bob Joseph
Lois and Mark Just
Eve and Steve Kafitz
Lizzie and Micah Kafitz
Zachary Kafitz
Zachary Kagin
Rabbi Jane Kanarek
Adrienne Kaplan
Debbie Kaplan
Geraldine Kaplan
page 10
Donor Honor Roll
* represents in kind gifts
**represents donation of Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts
Gita Karasov
Sarah Leffak Kashani and Michael Kashani
Benjamin Katz
David Katz
Benji Kaufman
Michael Keller
Rachel Kesner
Janet Kessler
Carla and Tibor Klausner
Briana and Gabriel Kopin
Deborah Koster
Nancy and Philip Kotler
Sharon and Robert Krakowsky
Jenny and Andy Kravetz
Cindy Reich and Rabbi Harold Kravitz
Talia Kravitz
Yael Smiley and Gabriel Kravitz
Dr. Eliezer Krumbein
Judy and Marshall Kupchan
Sara and Richard Kushnir
Kashmir Kustanowitz
Josh Lawrence
Susan Lazar
Sally and Morton Leder
Ken Levin
Lois and Samuel Levin
Sue and Matt Levin
Ruth and Jerry Levine
Monte Levinson
Carol and Paul Levitch
Rabbi Rachel Ain and Rabbi David Levy
Gregory Linden
Jane Lippow
Jessica and Matthew Litwack
Sara Segal Loevy and Steven Loevy
Yael Malka-Loren and Daniel Loren
Arielle Kaufman and Ohad Ludomirsky
Mitchell F. Lustig
Aaron Lyss
David Macknin
Paula and Dr. Albert Madansky
Justin Main
Beate Majetschak
Fred Manaster
Manitowoc Jewish Federation
Joshua Mann
Laurie and Monte Mann
Leehe Matalon
Dr. Rachel McDowell
Gail Russell and Gerri Mead
Kelli Mehrholz
Michele and Seth Meisler
Robin and Mitchell Melamed
Shoshana and Edward Melman
Abigail Miller
Gretchen and David Miller
Jaclyn Millner
Jacob Millner
Katie Minkus
Sarah and Gabi Mitchell
Rosalyn and Steven Mokhtarian
Susan and Neil Moses-Zirkes
Diane Lowenthal and Bradley Moskowitz
Maia Mullin
Rena and Roberto Munster
Donald Nathan
Roberta and Bruce Nemer
Harriet and Jeffrey Nemetz
Etan Newman
Jonah Newman
Marissa Oberlander
Robin and Len Oremland
Dr. Sharon S. Packer
Eveline and Rabbi Herbert Panitch
Tamar Rubin and Adam Parker
Rachel Pickus
Dorothy and Norman Pink
Emily Podgursky
Hannah Berkowicz and Brian Pogrund
Marsha and Bob Polster
Joshua Pomeranz
Phyllis Projansky
Alex Prombaum
Keren and Rabbi Simcha Prombaum
Rachael Gray-Raff and Elliott Raff
Geraldine Raschke
David Raskas
Pauline and Barney Ratner
Marsha L. Raviv
Talia Ribnick
Mary and Joel Rich
Susan Rifas
Nancy and Rabbi James Rosen
Norma Rosen
Sandra and Dan Rosenbaum
Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg
Shirley Rosenberg
Dr. Elaine Hantman and Dr. Paul Rosenthal
Jane Rosenthal
Lauren Rosenthal
Jennifer Pehr and Jonathan A. Ross
Sally and Miles Ross
Matt Rotenberg
Gabe Roth
Jill Korey and Jonathan Rozenfeld
Britt and Dr. Stuart Rubenstein
Marilyn and Dr. Gary Rubin
Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff
Abigail Russo
Rebecca and Rabbi David Russo
Joshua Sacks
Safe Haven School
Dr. Geraldine Keyes and Dr. Michael Safran
Judith Levin and Gerald Salzman
Jennifer Sander
Robyn Levich and Benjamin Schein
Deborah and Randy Schepis
Dianne and Harry Schneider
Elana and Seth Schrank
Edna Levy and Jacob Schreiber
Michael Schur
Estherbeth Buchbinder and Jeffrey Schvimer
Sharon and Steve Schwartz
Shira and Jeremy Schwartz
Stanley Schwartz
Elena and Eric Scott
Margalit Segal
Renee and David Segal
Judith and Mel Selzer
Jeremy Shanas
Irene and Samuel Shanes
Tamar and Joel Shapira
Amy Reynolds and Benjamin Shapiro
Micah Shapiro
Nadav Shelef
Bonnie and Orrin Shifrin
Naomi Shisler
Ashley Silver
Samantha and Yoni Silverman
Dr. Claire Sufrin and Michael Simon
Heidi and Matthew Simons
Cheryl and Larry Sklar
Faith Roessel and Matthew D. Slater
Jeremy Slosberg
Susan Agate and Michael Slutsky
Mary and Marshall Small
Maynard Small
Sheila and Michael Small
Jill and Jeremy Smiley
Ronnie Jo Sokol
Meira Soloff
Gloria and Sanford Spitzer
Joshua Steinberg
Harvey Strauss
Shaina and Brad Sugar
Dr. Linda and Rabbi Sheldon Switkin
Elizabeth Tasch
Teamsters Local Union No. 26
Karin Klein and Joel Teibloom
Eli Temkin
Elana and Jason Tennenbaum
Rosetta and Stephen Teplitz
Matthew Tepperman
Susan and Rob Tepperman
Amy Yenkin and Robert Usdan
Ellen and Peter Van Vechten
Carol Vanaver
Lauren Vandersluis
Rebecca Vandersluis
Dr. Janna and Bryan Villano
Alicia Vinocur
Jessica Vitkus
Kayla Cohen and Steve Wagner
Glenn Warshaw
Sandy and Melvyn Wasserman
Leigh and David Waterman
Lisa and Michael Weiner
Joan and Jerome Weinstein
Aliza and Stuart Weinstock
Hazzan Roger Weisberg
Patty and Matthew Weiss
Rhoda Wertheimer
Neil Wilkof
Deborah and Adam Winick
Roberta and Rabbi Edmund Winter
Hilary Wiseman
Aaron Wolf
Maya Wolpert
Matthew Wynne
Amy and Jonathan Yaffe
Rachel and Rabbi Herbert Yoskowitz
Ina and Joe Young
Ruth and Albert Zimbler
Leanne Zimmerman
Miriam and David Ziskind
Marcia and Yitzchok Zlochower
Deborah and Moshe Zwang
Every effort has been made to include all
contributions and to verify the correct
listing of donor names. If your name has been
omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact
Linda Hoffenberg (info on page 16).
page 11
Ramah’s Commitment to Staff Training and Learning
Staff member Benjy Forester (standing, far right – pictured here with
the 2014 Tikvah staff) attended Mechon Hadar’s Winter Learning
Seminar in New York. Mechon Hadar is an educational institution that
empowers Jews to create and sustain vibrant, practicing, egalitarian
communities of Torah learning, prayer, and service. “I had a truly
incredible experience learning, praying, and learning new strategies
for making daily tefillah more meaningful,” wrote Benjy. “Hadar does
an excellent job of fostering a sincere sense of respect between
thoughtful Jews… We really do a good job of this at Ramah, and it’s
special to see this happen in different settings.”
In January, 130 young adults from all Ramah camps came together
for the annual Winter Leadership Training Conference. This year
the conference included the Bert B. Weinstein Counselor Training
Program for second and third year counselors and training for Ramah
Service Corps Fellows, senior counselors, Roshei Aidah and Tikvah
staff members. Shown here is the Ramah Wisconsin delegation with
Director Jacob Cytryn.
In February a group of enthusiastic Wisconsin Ramahniks joined songleaders from around the country in St. Louis for the Songleader Boot Camp.
The SLBC is an energizing leadership training program that helps campers and staff members develop their Jewish music skills and learn more
about creating impactful experiences through music.
In late January, the annual Ramah Israel Staff Shabbaton was held in Jerusalem. American and
Israeli staff members who spent the 2014 season at a Ramah camp came together to sing, dance,
pray and learn together. Director Jacob Cytryn is pictured with the Ramah Wisconsin delegation.
page 12
Expanding the
Ramah Birthright Adventure
by Judah Schvimer
This winter I had the privilege of going on a Taglit Israel trip, the first
all-Ramah 10-day Birthright trip offered. On the trip were 40 Ramahniks
from nearly every camp, all at different stages of their college
experiences. Before even getting through airport security, Jewish
geography began and we realized the amazing connections Ramah has
given us. This shared background helped bond our group together
instantly. We began in the North, seeing the lush green of the Golan
and celebrating the end of Chanukah at the home of one of the
Israeli soldiers that was with us on the trip. We then spent Shabbat
in Jerusalem before seeing the desert from Masada and the Dead
Sea. We finished by experiencing modern Israeli life in Tel Aviv.
For me the highlight of the trip came on Friday night. Kabbalat
Shabbat is my favorite part of the week, and davening at the Kotel
(the Western Wall) with 40 other Ramahniks who share a similar
love for Judaism was unforgettable. There was so much ruach and
we even broke out in spontaneous dancing at one point!
Before my senior year of high school I participated in Ramah Israel
Seminar, and though I was worried that this would be a repeat of
the same trip, there was no need. Everything we discussed was
done at a college level, rather than a high school one. Four and a half
years later I was much more prepared to grapple with the difficult
questions at the heart of Israeli society that were often glossed
over previously.
have never been to Israel before, came in with a common knowledge
about Israel and Judaism. This allowed for deeper conversations than
those possible on other trips. Going with Ramah also created a much
more religiously fulfilling experience: we did Shacharit on Masada,
Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel, and shared our love of Israel through
a Jewish lens. Ramah has made me the Jew I am today. Having this
intense Jewish experience would not have been the same with
anyone else.
There is a special bond between Ramahniks, and the friends I made
on this trip were what made it so special. Everyone, even those who
Judah Schvimer is a student at Brown University and will be a 2015
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin staff member.
In late December, Austin Reynolds and Ari Adler
(pictured here) represented Ramah Wisconsin’s
Atzmayim (vocational program) on a Taglit-Birthright
Israel bus for participants with special needs.
The trip was staffed by veteran Tikvah staff members
Daniel Olson, Joseph Eskin, Alex Kahn and Lora Slutsky.
Everyone had an amazing time!
In January, ten young adult Ramah leaders traveled to Santiago,
Chile, to work alongside our Masorti Olami partners at their
Ramah-style summer camps. Representing Ramah Wisconsin was
Rosh Aidah Aviva Schwartz, pictured third from right.
Shout out to Alumnus Shai Hillman who
organized a Ramah Wisconsin Alumni
Basketball Tournament in Chicago in
December! We hope the game becomes
a regular winter event.
page 13
Ramah Experience
Tikvah Shabbaton and Reunion
In January, 21 campers in the Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Tikvah
program and 12 Atzmayim vocational participants traveled to a hotel
in suburban Chicago to celebrate Shabbat together. They came
from 15 cities in the U.S. and Canada to join their counselors and
11th grade friends for a wonderful camp reunion.
“For most kids, getting together with your camp friends during
the winter is expected. But for kids in Tikvah and Atzmayim it
doesn’t happen so easily,” said Joseph Eskin, a teacher at the
Chicagoland Jewish High School and the Tikvah division head.
“A reunion like this one provides an important part of the camp
experience – reconnecting with your friends during the year.
This Shabbaton builds on the work we do at camp by normalizing
the camp experience for kids with special needs.”
Taking place over Martin Luther King Day weekend, the program
theme “Let’s Dream Again,” provided a framework to look at dreams
of liberation. Discussions connected the Torah reading from the book
of Exodus with the civil rights movement and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Campers and staff members talked about their own
personal challenges and dreams for making life more equal for
everyone. Joseph Eskin added, “Reunion participants felt comfortable
with their camp friends talking about the challenges they encounter
on a daily basis.”
The college-age counselors were energized by the reunion. “Our entire
staff was so proud to see participants take active roles in Shabbat
services. It’s an amazing sight to see teens and young adults with
a variety of social and learning issues connect to Jewish ritual in this
supportive and non-judgmental community,” said Ralph Schwartz,
director of Special Needs Programs. “At the Shabbat morning service,
a 16-year old boy who never had a Bar Mitzvah due to his own anxiety
agreed at the last minute to take an aliyah to the Torah. Upon completion
of the aliyah his self-confident smile was visible for miles and we were
all so happy for him.”
“When you see the kids talking and laughing at meals and participating
in study group discussions – as other kids do – you appreciate the
necessity and the value of our Tikvah programs,” said Dr. Margaret
Silberman, Special Needs Program Chair.
Evan, a Tikvah camper who flew in from Florida for the weekend,
was asked if he enjoyed the Shabbaton. He replied, “I feel so lucky
and happy to be here with all my friends. My favorite part of the
weekend was bowling on Saturday night. I got three strikes! I love
this camp and can’t wait to come back.”
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Assistant Director Yael Bendat-Appell
reflected on the experience, “The power of the Shabbaton was in the
high level of thoughtful, accessible programming; the commitment and
compassion of the staff members; and most importantly, the joyful
and heartwarming reunion of the participants with their cherished
friends. Creating a winter Shabbat experience for our Tikvah and
Atzmayim participants was a labor of love for those of us who helped
make it happen.”
For more information on the Tikvah camper program and
Atzmayim vocational program of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin,
visit www.ramahwisconsin.com or contact Jacob Cytryn at
jcytryn@ramahwisconsin.com or at 312.606.9316 ext. 221.
page 14
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin is the place where we met each other and
many of our closest friends. Camp is where conversations with
friends, counselors, and teachers helped us to define who we were
and who we wanted to be. Camp gave us a model for how to live a
thoughtful, joyful Jewish life. Camp Ramah provided a space for us to
grow and become who we are, while nurturing and guiding us along
our journey. We are immensely grateful for the legacy Ramah has left
in our lives.
Just as camp created space for us, we are now thinking about how
we can continue to make a space for Ramah in our own lives. Each
year, we give what we can to support a new generation of campers
and staff, and when we started thinking about providing for our own
family’s future, it felt natural to include Ramah in our estate plans.
We joined the Legacy Society because we believe in Ramah’s role in
helping shape the lives of future generations. It feels only fitting
that we make a lasting commitment to a place that has played such
a defining role for us and our family.
Tamar Rubin and Adam Parker (both Nivo 2000)
Legacy Society Members
Anonymous (6)
Betsy and Scott Forester
Elyse and Dr. Ron Less
Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein
Shira and Rabbi Steven Abraham
Kim and Alan Frankel
Madalyn and Robert Less
Susan and Marc Sacks
William Agress
Kim and Stuart Frankenthal
Renee and George (z”l) Levine
Martha and Arthur Salkin
Dr. Phyllis Gorin and Rabbi Morris Allen
Charlotte Singer Gelfand
Leslie and Michael Litwack
Louise and Steven Schoenberger
Abby and Sheldon Badzin
Marvell Ginsburg (z”l)
Aaron Magid
Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz
Faye and Benji Bearman
Leslie and Bernie Goldblatt
Arthur and Lois Marc (z”l)
Phyllis and Sidney (z”l) Shalowitz
Betty Benson(z”l)
Nami and David Goldenberg
Adam Margolis
Lori Stark and Dr. David Shapiro
Miriam and Dan Berger
Laurie and Joel Goldsmith
Edward and Roslyn (z”l) Marks
Fran and Jonathan Sherman
Robert M. Berger
Marlene and Sam Gordon
Julie Rabinowitz and Gary Marx
Karen and Hal Sider
Jean Best
Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon
Judy Teibloom Mishkin and Larry Mishkin
Dr. Margaret and Alan Silberman
Marilyn Blonsky
Rabbi Yosi Gordon
Dr. Rebecca Schorsch and Dr. Scott Moses
Sarah Small
Cookie Feldman Bloom
Harold Grinspoon
Barbara and Donald Newman
Sheila and Michael Small
Karen and Marshall Brill
Michal and Uzi HaLevy
Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter
Emily and Rabbi David Soloff
F. Bruce Cohen
Evelyn Harris (z”l)
Tamar Rubin and Adam Parker
Melissa and Marc Spellman
Roberta (z”l) and Rabbi Burton Cohen
Nina and Arnie Harris
Dana Yugend-Pepper and Larry Pepper
Adam Steinberg
Sarah Bierman and Rabbi Joshua Cohen
Ruth and Mark Harris
Benjamin Philipson
Miriam and Morton Steinberg
Ellen and Yehuda Cohen
Linda and Michael Hoffenberg
Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz
Mayer Stiebel
Margaret and Lee Cohn
Sara and Jon Hoffenberg
Lisa and Mark Ratner
Rebecca and Rabbi Loren Sykes
Debbie and Gary Cortes
Vivian and Ralph Jacobson
Harriet and Joseph Resnick
Anna Tarkoff
Rita M. Cortes
Shanna Baumgarten Jadwin
Mindy and Dan Ribnick
Lisa and Steven Tenzer
Deborah Shalowitz Cowans and
Camille and Rabbi Rob Kahn
Jaynie Schultz and Ron Romaner
Phyllis Hofman Waldmann
Orlee and Jeffrey Kahn
Ann Lesley and Scott Rosen
Joshua Warshawsky
Tamar and Jacob Cytryn
Beth and Dr. Jeff Kopin
Shari (z”l) and Dr. Herbert Rosen
Tami and Reuben Warshawsky
Evan Dreifuss
Gabriel Kopin
Jonathan Adam Ross
Richard D. Weiner
Dr. Arthur Elstein
Rabbi Myer Kripke (z”l)
Dena (z”l) and Fred Rothschild
David Wolkin
Jennifer and Stewart Flink
Dr. Lena and David Kushnir
Betty and Dr. Irving Rozenfeld
Bruce Cowans
page 15
Declaration of Intent
In the Jewish tradition of sharing our blessings, I/we take deep satisfaction in declaring my/our intent to help Camp Ramah
in Wisconsin provide for the needs of future generations of Jewish children.
I/We have made provision, or
I/We will make provision to include Camp Ramah as beneficiary in:
a bequest in my/our will
a deferred lifetime gift
through a trust fund and/or foundation
through a retirement fund
a life insurance gift
Please add my/our name(s) to the Ramah Wisconsin Legacy Society.
Print your name as you would like to be listed in the
Ramah Wisconsin Legacy Society
I/We do not want to be listed.
Name
Address
City
State
Phone
Email
Signature
Date
Zip
Please mail to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, Legacy Society, 65 E. Wacker Place # 1200, Chicago IL 60601 or email to
LHoffenberg@ramahwisconsin.com or fax to 312.606.7136.
Please consult your attorney or tax advisor for professional guidance in this area.
For additional information contact Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 312.606.9316 ext. 225 or
LHoffenberg@ramahwisconsin.com
page 16
From Lori Stark, Director
The months from one camp season to the next are a sweet balance
of wonderful memories of last summer and exciting plans for the
next. In the fall and winter I visit religious schools and day schools
where I speak with parents and students about Ramah Day Camp.
I show our recruitment video (see it online at www.ramahday.com!),
invite veteran campers to share their stories and answer questions.
New families always want to hear about our head staff, counselors
and specialists and they are always impressed to learn about the
strong staff retention from one summer to the next. I enthusiastically
share stories about our talented staff and the way they shape each
camp experience to maximize its Jewish impact.
Playing a lead role this summer is Judy Jury, back for her fourth
season and her first as Assistant Director. Judy currently serves as the
President of the Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago
and brings over 30 years experience as a Jewish educator to her work
at camp.
Another key staff member is Fran Shapiro, who returns for a second
summer as our Staff Trainer. Fran is a nationally certified school
psychologist whose significant experience working with children is
evident as she guides our staff to be the best they can be. Fran is
a proud parent of three Ramah Wisconsin alumni.
From left, Fran Shapiro, Lori Stark, Judy Jury
Every year we work with the Jewish Agency to bring a Mishlachat from
Israel to Ramah Day Camp. This summer we will welcome six Israeli
staff members, our largest group ever! We know they will infuse the
camp experience with the joy of Israeli songs, dances, culture and
good will at every possible opportunity. In recent summers I’ve seen
the role of the Israeli shlichim expand to include staff education.
As the Israeli and American university-age staff get to know each other,
the lines of communication open and friendships are made. I believe
this personal connection gives our American staff a stronger conviction
to support Israel when they return to their college campuses. Having
a strong Israeli presence will help to ensure that our campers and our
staff are well-educated, well-versed, and deeply-steeped in Ahavat
Yisrael, a Love of Israel.
In just a few weeks, Judy, Fran and I - together with our shlichim,
counselors and specialists - will welcome over 260 campers for
another summer filled with laughter, friendship and fabulous Jewish
fun. If you’re in the area, please stop by for a visit!
Ramah Day Camp is a warm and nurturing environment
where kids come to make great friends, grow socially, learn
Jewish values and most importantly - to have fun! Campers
entering kindergarten through sixth grade enjoy sports,
swimming, music, cookouts, arts & crafts and so much more!
Chicago area campers entering grades 4, 5 and 6 can experience
both Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in one
summer at special rates! Kochavim offers entering 4th graders the
opportunity to spend twelve action-packed days at Camp Ramah
in Wisconsin and the rest of the summer at Ramah Day Camp.
Two sessions are available. Garinim (for entering 5th graders) and
Halutzim (for entering 6th graders) offer four weeks at Ramah
Day Camp and four weeks at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin.
For details call (312) 606-0444 or email info@ramahday.com.
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 1200, Chicago IL 60601
Rabbi David Soloff, Chief Executive Officer
Jacob Cytryn, Director, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
Yael Bendat-Appell, Assistant Director
Lori Stark, Director, Ramah Day Camp
Benji Bearman, Chief Operating Officer
Sam Caplan, Chief Development Officer
Arnie Harris, President
For additional information contact:
Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement,
(312) 606-9316 x 225, E-mail: LHoffenberg@ramahwisconsin.com
www.ramahwisconsin.com www.ramahday.com