It is poignant to end my summer journey in Israel. I am exceptionally proud that this summer, we said YES. As soon as Israel opened its gates, so did we. In doing so, we fulfilled our mission of creating enduring connections with the land and the people.. A collective kol ha’kavod to everyone who made that happen.
Read MoreI traveled to Ramah in the Rockies and Ramah Day Camp in Nyack this past week, concluding a North American trek that has taken me to our 15 overnight and day camps. These are powerful visits and while I only have a glimpse of the magic unfolding, I am grateful for the opportunity I have at each site to form relationships, soak in joyful Judaism, and marvel at programmatic and educational innovation. There is so much to be proud of.
Read MoreAll of our camps have now reached the second half of their seasons—with it, the sweet satisfaction of all that has been accomplished and the fervent desire to take advantage of every minute of every day. I’ve visited 14 of our camps (so far) and this past week, I had the opportunity to spend time at our Philadelphia and Los Angeles day camps, Ramah Galim in Northern California and Ramah California in Ojai.
Read MoreOur visits this week have taken us to Ramah Canada, Berkshires, New England, and the Boston day camp. Shlichim and Israeli campers who arrived late are now settling in, and our camps have the mid-July feel that we joyfully anticipate each year: exuberant children (some already in need of hair cuts!), sticky humidity (when we are all in need of ice cream!), tzevet who have become masterful counselors—spirited shira, rikud, tefillot, maccabiahs and zimriyahs. As friends of Ramah, we all know firsthand the sounds of July: they are our favorite sounds.
Read MoreWe are settling in: all of our North American camps are now open, 560 shlichim have arrived, and 92 teens have begun their journey on Ramah Israel Seminar. There is a sense of optimism: the joyful Jewish energy of children, teens, and young adults is palpable. This season, we will not take any of this for granted.
Read MoreKama tov she'batem ha’bayta: Welcome home, dear shlichim. You are our heroes. You bring us yontif!
Read MoreThose who have spent any time at a Ramah camp know that Shabbat at Ramah electrifies the soul. Last weekend, Ramah Wisconsin's Shabbat delivered an especially potent spiritual charge. Early Friday night, the weather cooperated beautifully, with clear blue skies, and a calm breeze coming off the agam.
Read MoreFrom May 27-29, 19 rashei edot (division heads) from nine Ramah camps gathered at Ramah Nyack for the National Ramah Commission’s annual Louis & Shoshanah Winer Institute for Rosh Edah Training. Participants spent two and a half days learning from one another, sharing their camp’s best practices, and collaborating on ideas in preparation for their roles during kayitz 2025.
Read MoreWe are very proud to announce that the 2025 Ramah camping season has officially opened for campers.The singing, dancing, playing, praying, and learning have all begun for more than 11,000 campers and staff who will participate in a Ramah program this summer.
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