Songleader Boot Camp 2014: The Power of Music at Ramah

When I received a phone call from Ramah Darom about attending Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) three years ago, I heard the words “Jewish” and “music” and immediately agreed. Surely something that combined my two greatest passions and involved camp had to be fun, and if nothing else, would be worth missing school for. However, I didn’t know it would also be inspiring and spiritual, with a mesh of incredible individuals, each of whom played a role in creating an experience that kept me coming back the next year, and the next.

Blog/Reflections, Staff Leadership TrainingNRC WebmasterMarch 13, 2014Music, Darom

Ramah Makes History in Washington, D.C.

What happens when a group of Ramah alumni gather at the end of the day on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives? Why, they sing “Rad Hayom,” of course! (“Rad Hayom” is the Hebrew version of “Day Is Done,” also known as “Taps.”)

AlumniNRC WebmasterMarch 6, 2014Reshet Ramah

Camp Ramah Scholarships for Day School Students Now Available

A grant of $100,000 by an anonymous donor will now make it possible for students in Jewish day schools to apply for generous scholarship support for the upcoming 2014 camp season.

Ramah in the NewsNRC WebmasterMarch 3, 2014Rockies

Camp is Time Off for Technology

With cellphones, iPads and computers, children are constantly plugged in to technology. But when it comes time to attend an overnight summer camp, unplugging from technology is crucial.

Ramah in the NewsNRC WebmasterFebruary 28, 2014Canada

Five Decades of Ramah Directors Singing Himnon Ramah

This past Sunday, February 23, I attended a wonderful Ramah Poconos fundraising dinner, including a silent auction and the honoring of Geoff Menkowitz, current director of Ramah Darom and Avi Orlow of the Foundation for Jewish Camp; Dr. Mark and Ruth Joffe, Ramah Poconos lay leaders and medical director; and Rabbi Arthur “Archie” Ruberg, director of Ramah Poconos from 1976-1980. Over 300 people were in attendance. I have the honor of attending these events at all of our camps from time to time, and I am always moved by the expressions of deep commitment to Ramah and the impact of Ramah on the lives of so many people. This evening, however, was perhaps one of the most memorable, as Archie Ruberg’s speech was truly incredible.

Blog/ReflectionsNRC WebmasterFebruary 27, 2014Mitch Cohen, Poconos

Jewish Camps Welcoming More Children With Disabilities

In the late 1960s, when husband-and-wife team Barbara and Herb Greenberg first decided to create a Jewish overnight summer camp program for developmentally disabled children, it was hard to find a camp willing to host it.

Tikvah/Special Needs, Ramah in the NewsNRC WebmasterFebruary 19, 2014Tikvah

Jewish Camp Trend-spotting: 10 Ways a Summer Ritual is Changing

Nostalgia about summer traditions notwithstanding, Jewish camps have changed dramatically from a generation ago.Camp’s value for Jewish education and identity-building is now a major focus of communal attention. Major Jewish foundations, federations and organizations are investing heavily in the sector.

Ramah in the NewsNRC WebmasterFebruary 19, 2014

In Hebrew Immersion Day Camps, Summer Fun Augmented With Learning

It used to be that parents who wanted to expose their children to conversational Hebrew over the summer had to travel to Israel. Now a growing number of American Jewish day camps are offering Hebrew-immersion programs, where kids do the standard day camp activities — swimming, arts and crafts, music, zip-lining and field trips — but “hakol b’ivrit.”

Israel and Hebrew, Ramah in the NewsNRC WebmasterFebruary 19, 2014Hebrew, Nyack

Limmud NY At 10: A Moveable Feast Of Jewish Learning

ur Limmud experience began on our ride up to Stamford, Conn., where the conference took place at the Hilton. Unexpectedly, we had a very full car — we were six Jews, religious and secular, New Yorkers and Brits, a rabbi, a cantor and a musician, with three presenters, two reporters, several jokesters and lots of lively conversation, a taste of what was to come.

Ramah in the NewsNRC WebmasterFebruary 19, 2014National Ramah