Journal Cover.psd - Camp Ramah

Ramah: Onward from 60 CommitteeConference Co-ChairsMorton M. SteinbergImmediate Past President and Chairman, Board of TrusteesNational Ramah Commission, Inc.Rabbi Mitchell CohenDirector, National Ramah Commission, Inc.Amy Skopp CooperAssistant Director, National Ramah Commission, Inc.Director, Ramah Day Camp in NyackDr. Jeffrey S. KressAssistant Professor of Jewish EducationThe Jewish Theological SeminaryMany thanks toJeffrey Goodman, National Business ManagerOrlie Prince, Conference Coordinatorand Nancy Scheff, Communications Directorfor their extraordinary effortsin making this conference a successNational Ramah Commission, Inc. StaffMichael J. Edelstein, Logistics and IT AdministratorJudy Greene, Israel Programs CoordinatorShoshana Holzberg-Pill, Office ManagerEileen Kern, BookkeeperShana Zionts, Special Projects Coordinator

Ramah: Onward from 6060th Anniversary of theRamah Camping MovementSunday, October 14, 2007HEBREWThe Jewish Theological Seminary

Program1:30 - 2:00 p.m.REGISTRATIONGreene Family Entryway2:00 - 3:00 p.m.CHOICE OF CONFERENCE SESSIONS"RAMAH AT 60: IMPACT AND INNOVATION"Special Needs CampingHoward I. Blas, Director, Tikvah Program,Camp Ramah in New EnglandMargaret Danishefsky, camper parentCamp Ramah in the BerkshiresRecent Research on Ramah in the College YearsDr. Ariela Keysar, Associate Director, Institute for the Study ofSecularism in Society and Culture at Trinity CollegeDr. Jeffrey S. Kress, Assistant Professor of Jewish Education,The Jewish Theological SeminaryLeadership Development at RamahRabbi Michael Greenbaum, Ed. D., Vice Chancellor and ChiefOperating Officer, The Jewish Theological SeminaryDr. Joseph Reimer, Director, Institute for Informal Jewish Educationat Brandeis UniversityRamah: An Evolving Experiment in Jewish EducationDr. Steven Brown, Dean, William Davidson Graduate School ofJewish Education of The Jewish Theological SeminaryDr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Dean, Albert A. List College of JewishStudies of The Jewish Theological SeminaryIsrael and Ramah: A Zionist Camping MovementDr. Joe Freedman, Director, Ramah Programs in IsraelYaara Shteinhart Moghadam, doctoral candidate,William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education ofThe Jewish Theological Seminary2

Program3:15 - 4:45 p.m.MINCHAGREETINGSKEYNOTE ADDRESSARNOLD M. EISEN, JTS CHANCELLOR"The Importance of Ramah Campingto the Conservative Movement & North American Jewry"Feinberg Auditorium5:00 - 6:00 p.m.PANEL DISCUSSION“INVESTING IN RAMAH: OUR EXTRAORDINARY PASTAND DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE”Feinberg AuditoriumModerators:Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, National Ramah DirectorAmy Skopp Cooper, National Ramah Assistant DirectorPanelists:Ab Flatt, Past President, Camp Ramah in CanadaPeter Geffen, Founder & Director, Kivunim;Founder, Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York, NYHarold Grinspoon, Harold Grinspoon FoundationDr. John Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO,UJA-Federation of New YorkJerry Silverman, President, Foundation for Jewish CampingJulie Beren Platt, Board Chair, Camp Ramah in California6:00 p.m.CAMP REUNIONS AND DANCINGCourtyard and Alperin Lobby6:45 - 7:45 p.m.DINNER AND PROGRAMCafeteria, Courtyard and Alperin Lobby7:45 - 9:00 p.m.PEULAT EREVFeinberg AuditoriumShort film: “The Impact of Ramah” • Entertainment • Maariv3

National Ramah Commission, Inc.PresidentSenior Vice PresidentSecretaryVice PresidentsCharles T. Mann, M.D.Sheldon L. DisenhouseRabbi Michael B. GreenbaumDr. Saul AndronDavid A. ChaikofRobert HirschLori KirschnerWilliam LandsburgDr. Jeffrey KopinJulie Beren PlattJay ReisbaumSanford F. RemzChairman, Board of Trustees Morton M. SteinbergNational DirectorNational Assistant DirectorNational Business ManagerMembers, 2005-2007Rabbi Mitchell CohenAmy Skopp CooperJeffrey M. GoodmanMeryl BalabanHeddy BellmanDr. Steven BrownIlana DavidoffMildred GershenCantor Larry GollerRhonda Jacobs KahnDr. Jeffrey KressShelley Maidman MenkowitzLou MillerElizabeth PressmanDr. Joel RothJames SchlesingerDr. Ismar SchorschDr. Shuly Rubin SchwartzDr. Saul ShapiroRabbi Stephen H. ShulmanAlan H. SilbermanEve WassermanRabbi Neil Zuckerman4

Ramah Camps and Israel ProgramsCamp Ramah in the BerkshiresCamp Ramah in CaliforniaCamp Ramah in CanadaCamp Ramah DaromRabbi Paul Resnick, DirectorRabbi Amy Roth, Assistant DirectorRabbi Daniel Greyber, Executive DirectorZachary Lasker, Assistant DirectorMichael Wolf, DirectorMarty Zatzman, Assistant DirectorGeoff Menkowitz, DirectorCamp Ramah in New EnglandCamp Ramah in the PoconosCamp Ramah in WisconsinRabbi Ed Gelb, DirectorRabbi Ethan Linden, Assistant DirectorRabbi Todd Zeff, DirectorToby Ayash, Assistant DirectorRabbi David Soloff, DirectorRamah Day Camp in NyackRamah Day Camp (Chicago)Ramah Day Camp(Philadelphia)Amy Skopp Cooper, DirectorLori Stark, DirectorSue Ansul, DirectorRamah Programs in IsraelRamah SeminarRamah Jerusalem HighSchoolRamah Israel InstituteDr. Joe Freedman, DirectorRabbi Ed Snitkoff, DirectorDaniel Laufer, DirectorRichard Eisenberg, DirectorMasorti Sister CampsRamah-NOAM, IsraelRamah camps in ArgentinaRamah Yachad, Ukraine5

Message from the PresidentOn behalf of the officers and members of the NationalRamah Commission, I am pleased to welcome you toRamah’s sixtieth Anniversary Celebration. Over the past 60years, thousands of campers and staff have spent incrediblesummers in Camps Ramah, and have returned home withtheir Jewish lives transformed. A Ramah summer turns thedidactic into the experiential. A child who has spent asummer at Ramah goes home with a model of how to live aJewish life in a secular world, and that experience isinvaluable.I can speak from personal experience. It has been over fiftyyears since I first began my Ramah journey at Camp Ramahin Connecticut. It was Ramah that influenced how I wouldultimately elect to live my life as a Jew and the type ofJewish home I would choose to create. It was at Ramah thatI developed a love of the Hebrew language, a commitmentto Jewish observances and traditions, and a strong attachmentto the State of Israel. I am pleased that my love for Ramahhas been passed down to our four children, and that now athird generation of Ramahniks, our grandchildren, arecampers at Ramah Berkshires.There is something magical about each Ramah summer andeach of you through your support and devotion to Ramahhelps create this magic. Each Ramah summer is indeed asummer that lasts for a lifetime. I look forward to greetingeach of you. Enjoy!!Charles T. Mann, M.D.President, National Ramah Commission, Inc.6

Message from the Past PresidentWelcome and thank you for participating in the NationalRamah Commission’s celebration of 60 years of Ramahcamping.It is hard to believe that 60 years have passed since the“Ramah Experience,” originally envisioned as asummertime experiment of the then nascent LeadersTraining Fellowship program, first took shape on theshores of Lake Buckatabon in Conover, Wisconsin.Since then, Ramah has impacted the lives of so manythousands of individuals, and through them schools,synagogues, organizations and entire communities, that thecontribution of Ramah to Jewish life here and in Israel canonly be described as phenomenal.Over the past six decades, Ramah has been shaped bymany, many men and women, some of whom are with ustoday, who devoted all or part of their careers to Ramahand who shared their extraordinary talents in teaching,counseling, leading and mentoring those of us who werefortunate to have been part of this experience. To them,we express our deepest gratitude and say “todah rabah.”I trust you will enjoy today’s program and will join me inlooking forward to further growth and expansion ofRamah in the years ahead.Morton M. SteinbergImmediate Past President and Chairman, Board of TrusteesNational Ramah Commission, Inc.7

Message from the National DirectorPlanning the conference and celebration for Ramah: Onwardfrom 60 has been exhilarating. We have heard from so manyfamilies and individuals for whom Ramah has been the mostpositive and influential Jewish experience of their lives.Trying to capture these emotions in a single day ofcelebration is quite a challenge, and of course, ultimatelyimpossible. We do hope, however, that our more than 400attendees will enjoy today's discussions, music, presentations,and reunions.Looking back at 60 years of extraordinary accomplishment isonly a first step. Our hope is that through serious reflectioncomes serious resolve – to build upon our successes; tocontinuously innovate, evaluate and improve; and mostly toinclude more and more children and families in the Ramahmishpacha!Finally, Ramah, as a leader in Jewish education andinspiration, must maintain and strengthen our coreeducational values. Not all trends in camping and in oursociety are to be emulated. To remain consistently effectivein transforming lives, we must stay true to our educationalmission, even as we re-evaluate our methodologies.Many thanks to all who continue to work tirelessly to ensurethe strength of our camps and Israel programs. May we beprivileged to continue our sacred work for decades to come.Rabbi Mitchell CohenDirector, National Ramah Commission, Inc.8

Message from the ChancellorIt gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity tobestow a hearty Mazal Tov to Ramah on the occasion ofits 60 th anniversary.Over the six decades Ramah has actively and lovinglyprovided a foundation for Jewish values and experiences tothree generations of campers, in a framework of truecommunity.Being a parent of campers – one a Ramahnik - Iunderstand the important role Ramah serves in buildingdeep, positive Jewish identities. Its effect is lifelong andprofound. The friendships, partnerships, and commitmentsthat are made and nurtured become the building blocks fora creative Jewish life. The resultant impact in ourcommunity – inside and beyond the ConservativeMovement – has been incalculable.Kol ha-kavod to all who have made Ramah, and willcontinue to make Ramah, a place to be cherished in thehearts of all Jews young and old. May we go from strengthto strength.Warm regards,Arnold M. EisenChancellorThe Jewish Theological Seminary9

Ramah: Onward from 60HEBREWThis book, to be published next year, highlightsareas of Ramah’s impact and innovation.Projected Table of ContentsRamah and the Nature Experience: New DevelopmentsRabbi Seth K. AdelsonAssistant Rabbi, Temple Israel of Great NeckCamp Ramah’s Tikvah Program: Campers with DevelopmentalDisabilities in a “Typical” Summer CampHoward I. BlasDirector of the Tikvah Program, Camp Ramah in New England“I Make Jews”: The Role and Influence of Rabbi David Mogilner (z”l)on RamahDr. Steven M. BrownDean, William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Educationof The Jewish Theological SeminaryReclaiming PietyRabbi Joshua CahanBeit Midrash Director, The Jewish Theological SeminaryDirector, Northwoods Kollel and Beit Midrash at Camp Ramah in WisconsinThe Evolving Role of Hebrew Language Education at RamahRabbi Mitchell CohenDirector, National Ramah Commission, Inc.Ramah: A ParadigmRabbi Michael B. Greenbaum, Ed.D.Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating OfficerThe Jewish Theological SeminaryReflections on Eight Summer of Lishma at Ramah CaliforniaRabbi Daniel GreyberExecutive Director, Camp Ramah in CaliforniaCampus and Camp: The Behavior and Attitudes of Ramah StaffDr. Jeffrey S. KressAssistant Professor of Education, The Jewish Theological Seminary10

Ramah: Onward from 60HEBREWCamp Ramah Is for the CounselorZachary LaskerAssistant Director, Camp Ramah in CaliforniaThe Davidson School and Camp Ramah - A Powerful PartnershipCheryl MagenEducational Consultant, William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Educationof The Jewish Theological SeminaryJewish Education & Ramah: Changing Behavior in a Particular DirectionRabbi Alvin Mars, Ph. D.Director, Center for Jewish Education of the Jewish Community CentersAssociation of North AmericaThe Religious Experience of Israeli “Shlichim” at RamahYaara Shteinhart MoghadamDoctoral Candidate, William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education ofThe Jewish Theological SeminaryDr. Jeffrey S. KressAssistant Professor of Education, The Jewish Theological SeminaryLeadership at Ramah: The Changing Role of the Camp DirectorDr. Joseph ReimerDirector, Institute for Informal Jewish Education at Brandeis UniversityRomance at Ramah: Six Decades of Marriages at RamahNancy B. ScheffCommunications Director, National Ramah Commission, Inc.The Three Pillars of Ramah: Then and NowDr. Shuly Rubin SchwartzDean, Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies of The Jewish Theological SeminaryPersonal Reminiscences from Ramah AlumniEdited by Morton M. SteinbergImmediate Past President and Chairman of the Board of TrusteesNational Ramah Commission, Inc.Leadership at Ramah: Reflections of a Past National Ramah CommissionPresidentDr. Skip VichnessChair of the Board of Directors, Foundation for Jewish CampingPast President, National Ramah Commission, Inc.11

The National Ramah Commissionand the entireRamah Camping Movementwish to extend our gratitude toMIMI GERSHENand theentire Gershen familyfor their generosityin supporting the publication of anew volume of essaysRamah: Onward from 60HEBREWExpected publication date Summer 200812

The National Ramah Commissionand the entireRamah Camping Movementexpress our deepest appreciation toAB & PHYLLIS FLATTfor their ongoing generosity toCamp Ramah in Canadaand for sponsoringthe Ramah: Onward from 60Conference and Celebration13

The National Ramah Commissionwould like to thankCHARLES WANTMANof Audio Vistasand his crew:Jimmy GarlandNicole OpperEthan WantmanAudio Vistas333 West 52nd StreetNew York, NY 10019212.586.2177www.audiovistas.cominfo@audiovistas.comAudio Vistas, founded in 1977,is a video production company that specializesin working with non-profit organizations.14

The National Ramah Commissionand the entireRamah Camping Movementwish to recognizeMORTON & MIRIAMSTEINBERGfor their generosity tothe National Ramah Commissionand for their ongoing supportof Ramah’s staff training programsand our efforts to createmeaningful connections withJewish communitiesthroughout the world15

Come to Israel with RamahThe Ramah Israel Institute (RII) custom builds one- to threeweekprograms in Israel for schools, synagogues and othercommunity organizations. Each program is carefully designed to fitthe needs of the group, based on their previous background, tripgoals, knowledge of Israel and the framework with which they areaffiliated.I believe you accomplished the near impossible. You designed a two weekodyssey that met the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical needs of agroup that ranged in age from 2 to 77 years... and you did it flawlessly.Parent on an RII family trip, Spokane, WATichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY), the Ramah JerusalemHigh School at the Ramah campus in Jerusalem, is a 16-week springsemester program for 10th and 11th grade students. TRY is a fullyaccreditedacademic program, providing students with a continuationof their required courses of instruction in all subjects, as well as anoutstanding program in Israeli and Jewish history.I have learned, felt, seen, tasted so much on this trip. I have been given a chanceto individually develop and grow, while still following this structured setting. Ihave created friends and memories that are the most amazing ever!TRY participantVisit the Ramah Programs in Israel website at www.ramah.org.il16

ONWARD FROM 60We are proudto be a part of theRamah Camping Movement.Mazal Tov to us allon the occasion ofour 60th anniversary.Camp Ramah in the BerkshiresCamp Ramah in CaliforniaCamp Ramah in CanadaCamp Ramah DaromCamp Ramah in New EnglandCamp Ramah in the PoconosCamp Ramah in WisconsinRamah Day Camp in NyackRamah Day Camp (Chicago)Ramah Day Camp (Philadelphia)Ramah Programs in Israel17

Camp Ramah in the RockiesExpected to Open in 2010I am absolutely amazed by the natural splendor and beauty of thenew mountain site for Ramah in the Rockies. It will be a stunningand important addition to the Ramah Camping Movement.Horseback riding, mountaineering, and an appreciation for theecological make up and needs of the Rocky Mountains will be thiscamp’s unique contribution to Camp Ramah nationally. As soon asthis camp is built, campers will flock to the site in droves to takeadvantage of Ramah’s Conservative Jewish orientation as well as thebrand new state-of-the-art camp. I can’t wait to see it all cometogether for our kids.Rabbi Bruce DollinHebrew Educational Alliance Synagogue, Denver, CO18

Camp Ramah in the RockiesExpected to Open in 2010Nestled in the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Ramah in the Rockiesat the Flying J Ranch is a breathtaking site to behold. Ramah in theRockies is situated on 360 magnificent acres in heavenly Deckers,Colorado, surrounded by the more than 1.2 million acres of the Pikeand San Isabel National Forests. Campers will enjoy the beautifulColorado sunshine and moderate summer weather while they tastethe flavor of Jewish life and broaden their individual identities--Rockies style. This one-of-a-kind location in the Rockies exudespeace and spirituality. One can feel the holiness and serenityimmediately upon setting foot on the land. It is the perfect place forchildren to camp, laugh, and learn. The first ever camp of this kind isexpected to open in 2010.For more information about Ramah in the Rockies, or how you canget involved with the newest Ramah overnight camp, please contactMarshall Lesack, program coordinator for Ramah in the Rockies, at212-678-8881 or via email at ramahrockies@gmail.com.Visit our web site at www.ramahrockies.org.19

I am convinced that the course of my life’s work at the Universityof Judaism, the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, the American HebrewAcademy, and the Mandel Center for Jewish Education of theJCC Association of North America was shaped by my Ramahexperiences. Certainly, it was one of the key reasons that I choseto devote my life to Jewish education and accept these professionalchallenges. But, when all is said and done, I believe that my yearsas a Ramah director were among the most fulfilling andmeaningful of my educational career. For me, working with ayoungster within a Jewish educational setting that creates a totalenvironment is the most powerful work I could ever want to doas an educator. For me, Ramah has been an unbounded blessing.Rabbi Alvin MarsDirector, Center for Jewish Education of theJewish Community Centers Association of North AmericaCamp Ramah in California, circa 195522

Camp Ramah in the Poconos, circa 1960Ramah summers were critical to my growth as a Jew. Theunique experience at camp left a lasting impression. ThePoconos Mador program may have been the most pivotalsummer of my life. The intensive staff-training program,which included regular classes dealing with educationalconcepts, probably convinced me to become a Jewisheducator. Even now, forty years later, I still remember anduse many of the concepts learned that summer.Jules GutinDirector of Youth ActivitiesUnited Synagogue for Conservative Judaism23

We speak of Ramah as a transformational experience – andtransformational it has been.I had wonderful experiences at Ramah, and my wife,Margaret, did as well. But we know that our experience ofthe 1950s and early ‘60s was not the experience of ourchildren in the ‘80s or of our grandchildren today. We, andRamah, are products of Conservative Judaism; we strugglewith ideas and conflicts, we confront change, and we try tounderstand how tension can be resolved withoutundermining principles. If that struggle informs the work ofRamah over the next 60 years, we will have succeededbeyond measure.Alan H. SilbermanBoard Member and Past PresidentNational Ramah Commission, Inc.National Ramah Commission, Inc., 195925

Ramah Directorate, September 2007Nothing captures my gratitude for Ramah more than thejoy Bev and I have known watching our five children intheir own Ramah experiences. We watched them ascampers and later as staff members, build their own largenetwork of life-long Ramah friends.As Pearl Resnick Dean of The Rabbinical School of TheJewish Theological Seminary, I [took] special joy sharing inthe enthusiastic accounts of rabbinical students of theirsummers in the living laboratory of Mahaneh Ramahdeveloping personal faith and learning skills that wouldinform their rabbinates.Rabbi William LebeauChairman, Department of Professional and Pastoral SkillsThe Jewish Theological Seminary27

As a camper I enjoyed Ramah; as a staff member I loved it.The magic quality that summer has in youth never leaves, andeveryone who has gone to Ramah, lived there and learned tolove so many things, will feel the special glow of forevernessthat summer plants in our hearts.Ramah was instrumental in my Jewish education and in myrabbinic choice. At camp, I – along with so many others – firsthad the opportunity to turn from students to teachers. Thecampers looked to us as role models, and as a result, we beganto become what we were expected to be. Inside ourselves wefound the Jews we spoke about.Rabbi David WolpeSinai Temple, Los Angeles, CARamah Day Camp, Philadelphia, Summer 200628

Camp Ramah Darom, Summer 2007Ramah has made an indelible mark on my personal life.I met my husband and many of our life-long friends atRamah. We raised our children at Ramah and saw allfour become counselors and “roshes.” When we were afamily with four young children and two careers andpeople asked me “How do you manage it all?” I wouldsay, “I can administrate anything, I was a rosh edah atCamp Ramah.” We modeled our home observance onthe Jewish lives we imbibed at Ramah.Vicky Kelman29

No accounting of the creative expansion of modern AmericanJudaism can possibly miss the autobiographical commonalityof so much of our contemporary leadership whoshared often only one common training ground: CampRamah.There is no experience, educational institution, or personthat can come close to the influence that Ramah had onme. Many of my closest friends, teachers, and mentors comefrom those years as well. I would not be who I am withoutRamah and I could not possibly have accomplished my life’swork without it.Peter GeffenFounder and Director, KivunimFounder, Abraham Joshua Heschel School, New York, NYCamp Ramah in Nyack, 196131

Rabbi Chaim PotokCamp Ramah in Connecticut, circa 1960I spent my camper life in Connecticut Ramah, and when Connecticutclosed, I went on to be a bunk counselor in Palmer. Itwas this experience that would change my life, and then by extension,the life of my family. There were a handful of individualswho influenced me to follow my career choice of medicine. Itwas Ramah, however, that influenced how I would ultimatelyelect to live my life as a Jew and create a Jewish home.I hope that fifty years from now, my grandchildren will still be asenchanted by Ramah as I continue to be.Charles T. Mann, M.D.President, National Ramah Commission, Inc.32

Our kids’ best friends in life are the friends they metat Camp Ramah. Because of the influence ofRamah, our kids want us to invite more people toShabbat dinner, to engage in intellectual discussionson Jewish topics, and to sing songs and do thebenching. They now feel a duty to the communityas Jews. Also, my kids now have a very special relationshipwith Israel because of Ramah.Camp Ramah was the best thing that we have everdone for our kids – ever!Laura MillerImmediate past mayor of Dallas, TXChicago Day Camp, Summer 200633

Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, 1977[At Camp Ramah] I developed friendships with Jews the likesof whom I never knew existed before – Jews who took theirJudaism seriously, and struggled with how to integrate it intotheir lives. They weren’t scared to talk about their struggle.Some observed more, some less – but all became my friends.Because of Ramah’s powerful influence on my life, I couldn’timagine not trying to “spread the magic.” One of the piecesof my rabbinate that I’m proudest of is that new campers fromForest Hills are discovering Ramah each and every year. Andstaff members, too!How did Ramah change my life? Completely, and very muchfor the better.Rabbi Gerald SkolnickForest Hills Jewish Center, New York, NY34

The summer immediately following my bat mitzvah, I went to CampRamah. And it was then that I found that I had finally come to aplace where it felt like home, where I belonged. I no longer felt likea stranger in a strange land. I made a deep connection that has sinceguided me on my Jewish journey.Ellen Smith RatnerPresident, Temple Beth El, Springfield, MARamah was where it was demonstrated that being Jewish could infuseour entire lives; it was where speaking Hebrew became a pleasureand a way of life; it was where Israel featured prominently inmany activities; it was where being Jewish flowed from laughter totears. Moving to Israel was in many ways like extending Ramahthroughout the entire year; Israel was the Ramah sense of communitywrit larger by a factor of a million.Rabbi Shlomo and Renee TuckerJerusalem, IsraelCamp Ramah in New England, 197935

Camp Ramah in Canada, 1960The highlights of the history of Ramah and its impact give only aninkling of the impact and growth of this complex and very successfulNorth American Jewish educational enterprise . . . Notwithstandingshifts in educational emphases, and unceasing efforts to adapt to thechanging demography of North American Jews, Ramah remains anauthentic, steadfast, and inspiring institution for the spiritual andmaterial education of Conservative Jewish children.Dr. Burton CohenAssociate Professor Emeritus of Jewish Educationat The Jewish Theological SeminaryNational Ramah Director, 1975-8936

We have been privileged to spend the last 28 summers inRamah Wisconsin, and to give our children the benefit of integratingthe best of the American Jewish experience into theirlives. Israel is my home, but my early Ramah experiences clearlycontributed to my love of Israel, paving the way for it to becomemy home.Minda (Wolff) Garr[At Ramah] we were encouraged to ask questions we had neverdared to discuss publicly, and the leaders themselves raised issuesnone of us had ever thought of. This exciting intellectual fermentwas coupled with a sense of structure, of rootedness, andof purpose to life that was missing in the lives of all of my nonreligiousfriends. Consequently, when I decided to become arabbi, my chief aim was to reproduce the experiences Ramahhad given me.Rabbi Elliot DorffRector, American Jewish UniversityCamp Ramah in Wisconsin, circa 195037

Ramah Directorate, 1985As I credit the Ramah experience with the formativestages of my Jewish practice and thinking, so too must Icredit Ramah with the ideal that led me to Israel.Rabbi Benjamin J. Segal, PresidentMelitz, the Centers for Jewish Zionist EducationI began my career with Ramah when Rabbi BurtonCohen hired me to work part time in the Chicago office.I can’t imagine how I would have ever met all the wonderfulpeople I have met over these past 39 plus years hadI not worked for Ramah. For all the hard work, and attimes it was very hard, I have received so much more inreturn. I am so proud of my years with Ramah.Phyllis Hofman WaldmannFormer Business Manager, National Ramah Commission, Inc.39

Camp Ramah continues to be serious about its dedication toJewish ritual, to Jewish culture and to Jewish education. Andprecisely for this reason, we rely on Ramah to continue providingthe synagogue community, the Jewish federations, anda host of other American Jewish organizations with its futureleaders and activists. Forever a place of happy childhood andadolescent memories, Camp Ramah at 60 remains one of thesingle most impressive examples of the successful transmissionof Jewish values and a commitment to Jewish tradition.Dr. Robert WexlerPresident, American Jewish UniversityCamp Ramah in Nyack, Summer 200740

Ramah Israel Seminar, Summer 2007As I assume the leadership of The Jewish Theological Seminary, Iam excited about working with all the Ramah camps, which havecontributed so significantly to the leadership of our movement.Our Ramah camps are shining examples of inspiring ConservativeJewish communities which continue to motivate thousands ofyoung people each summer. Camp Ramah is among the bestexperiences available to our young people and I look forward tohelping our camping system grow and thrive in the coming decades.Arnold M. EisenChancellor, The Jewish Theological Seminary41

CONGRATULATIONS TOCAMP RAMAHON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY!WE LOOK FORWARD TOCELEBRATING MANY MOREHAPPY MILESTONES WITHTHE RAMAH COMMUNITY.THE PODAIRSVIVIAN, LEE, DANIEL,NAOMI (FUTURE DIRECTOR OFCAMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES),AND GABE (FUTURE ROSH SPORT OFCAMP RAMAH IN THE BERKSHIRES)42

As athree-generationRamah family,we are proud to jointhe communityin celebrating the60th anniversaryof theRamah CampingMovementAmy and Rob FeilbogenNoah, Talia, Leah & Ezra43

Solomon SchechterDay Schoolof Essex and UnionAs we begin our 43 rd year, we are proud ofthe partnership we have with Camp Ramahin creating the future leadership of theConservative Movement.With tremendous pride, our school has been thesource of hundreds of campers, staff, active alumniand lay leaders since our inception. on 60 extraordinary years!Joyce Raynor, Ph.D.Head of SchoolMark LedermanPresident, Board of TrusteesCamp Ramah 1964-1973Admissions Office:1418 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, New Jersey 07052 • (973) 602-3600www.ssdsofessexandunion.orgOne Great School. Three Great Campuses.44

And Jacob said when he saw them: “This is a Divine Camp. . . .”—Genesis 32:3Solomon Schechter School of Westchesteris proud to wishthe Ramah Camping Movementour partners in Jewish educationMazal Tovon 60 yearsof extraordinary achievementM. Mac Schwebel Michael Leffell Dr. Elliot SpiegelChairman, Board of Trustees President, Board of Trustees Headmaster45

“THETENTOFTHEUPRIGHTWILLFLOURISH”PROVERBS14:11THEBOARDOFDIRECTORSANDSTAFFOFTHEFOUNDATIONFORJEWISHCAMPINGAPPLAUDSRAMAHFORSIXTYYEARSOFSERVICETOTHEJEWISHCOMMUNITYANDLEADERSHIPINTHEFIELDOFJEWISHCAMP.YASHERKOACHONREACHINGTHISTREMENDOUSMILESTONE.WELOOKFORWARDTOCONTINUINGOURCLOSEPARTNERSHIPFORYEARSTOCOME.RobertBildnerandElisaSpungenBildnerCoFounders&CoChairsoftheBoardofTrusteesSkipVichnessChairoftheBoardofDirectorsJerrySilvermanPresident BoardofDirectors ReubenBarYadin AllenMalmed JodiJ.SchwartzJasonChudnofsky DougMankoff HenrySkierJulesEisen LisaMessinger DavidSolomonAbFlatt KaylaNiles PeterJ.WeidhornArnieHarris JillMyersRaizin ArneeWinshallNeilKuttner DanaSchlessinger 46

The Ostroff Groupis proud to join in salutingCamp Ramahand recognizing thecore value of continuityby educating ournext generation ofJewish leaders2901 CLINT MOORE ROAD, SUITE 421, BOCA RATON, FL 33496OFFICE: 561.392.6799 FAX: 561.392.6798WWW.THEOSTROFFGROUP.COM47

MAZAL TOV & TODAHFROM THE EXTENDED ROHN FAMILYAt Ramah 1954-2007 and onwardAryeh … RachelRohnAbraham … ShoshanaRosenblattPaul … Ruthie … Ted Reuven … Judy Howard … SarahPascal Minden Semel AlpertYoni-Shalom Alisa Karen …………………. AviAvital Riana (12/1/2006)(future 4 th generation)LOOKING FORWARDTO THE NEXT60 YEARS.DAVID, PEARL, ARIEL,MAX AND AKIVAGOLDSTEINCAMP RAMAH IN THE POCONOSCAMP RAMAH DAY CAMP48

Ab and Phyllis FlattMazal Tov on your50th wedding anniversarywith love from your fansat Camp Ramah in CanadaOur lives have been forever enrichedby the blessings of Camp Ramah.Thank you to everyone whohas made those blessings possible,particularly the volunteers and staff ofCamp Ramah in California.Julie Beren Platt (Ramah Parent and Alumna)and Marc Platt (Ramah Parent)Samantha, Jonah, Hannah,Benjamin and Henry (Ramahniks)49

We thankCamp Ramahfor changingour lives.Lisa and JimSchlesingerYAMA COLLECTIONHigh-End Modern Jewish FashionEnjoy YAMA's new and unique collectionof the Perfect SetHand-made silk yarmulke with matching silk tiewww.yamacollection.com1-800-708-YAMAOmer and Itai GamlieliCamp Ramah in Canada alumni50

The Jewish Educators Assemblysalutes Ramah on its 60 th anniversary.So many of our educators, as well as our students, havebeen influenced by a magical summer at Ramah.We value our partnership with Ramahin the sacred work of Jewish education.May you continue to goLonna PickerPresidentEdward EdelsteinExecutive DirectorOUR FAMILY SALUTESCAMP RAMAH AT 60!CECIL MAIDMAN z’lConnecticutSHELLEY MAIDMAN MENKOWITZNyack, Berkshires, PoconosJEREMY MENKOWITZPoconosHILLARY MENKOWITZPoconosGEOFFREY MENKOWITZPoconos, DaromELANA GENUT MENKOWITZPoconos, Darom51

The Solomon Schechter Day Schoolof Bergen Countysalutes and commendsour partners in Conservative Jewish educationCamp RamahTodah Rabbah for sixty years of providingan exemplary summer experiencefor our Schechter studentsMazal Tov Ve’Yasher Kochechem • Hazak Hazak VeNithazekRabbi Stuart SaposhHead of SchoolElissa MaierPresident, Board of Trustees52

53Camp RamahFor instilling the love of Judaism in our children and for‘summers that last a lifetime.’ The lives we live today havebeen forever shaped by the summers spent at Camp Ramah.May the of the Ramah camping experiencefill the air for generations to come.Ronni & Mark LedermanHillary, Jodi & Eric!!120 Mazal Tov to the Ramah Familyon Our 60th AnniversaryDavid and Ellen ChaikofMichael, Richie and NoahToronto, Canada

HUNTINGTON MEDICAL GROUP, P.C. (631) 425-2160DIPLOMATE AMERICAN BOARD OF GASTROENTEROLOGYDIPLOMATE AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINEJAY STEINBERG, M.D., FACGGASTROENTEROLOGY, HEPATOLOGY& THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY180 EAST PULASKI ROAD HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746Three Generations of Bromberg RamahniksJoin in Celebrating Camp Ramah’s 60 th AnniversaryMarian (60-61 CT, 82–89 NY) & Efrem (56-62 CT) Bromberg *Sharon Bromberg (82 NY, 83-88 MA, 98, 01, 03-07 PA) (88 MA, 05 PA)& Rabbi Aaron GaberBenjamin (98, 01-07 PA) , Yonah (98, 01, 03-07 PA) ,Aliza (01, 03-07 PA) and Reena (03-07 PA) Bromberg GaberDeborah (82 NY, 83-92, 94-97, 99, 02, 04-07 MA) & Rabbi Bruce (92, 94-97 , 99 MA) Bromberg Seltzer *Zev (99, 02, 04-07 MA) , Hadas (02, 04-07 MA) , Adeena (04-07 MA) (07 MA)and MaayanRachel (81-85 NY, 86-98 MA) & Larry Leibowitz*Ramah coupleThank you, Camp Ramah in the Berkshires,for 10 amazing summers.My friends from campare my best friends in the world.Lester RosenbergRamah Berkshires camper and staff, 1967-7654

With gratitude to Camp Ramah -molding Jewish leadershipfor the past 60 yearsand for the next 60 years.Yashar Koach,Tara, Jay, Max, Ari & Dani ReisbaumCongregation Agudath Israel of West EssexCelebrates 60 Years of Ramah ExcellenceWith Love and Gratitude,Rabbi Alan SilversteinRamah BerkshiresCantor Joel CaplanRamah Wisconsin, Poconos, Berkshires & NyackSusan Werk, Educational DirectorRamah Berkshiresand our many past, present and future campersFrom one generation to the next,as our family continuesto cherish our Ramah experiences,we applaud its founders, past and present leaders,and love our friends and all of our time there.Horn/Weisfuse FamilyEvy Horn, Berkshires, Seminar & staff '68-'72Isaac Weisfuse, Palmer, '65-'71Ari Weisfuse, Berkshires '03-presentLois Weisfuse, Berkshires '03-present55

Mazel Tov, Camp Ramah!96 summers since 1969for our family and still going!Cheryl and Barry MagenJonathan and AriIn loving memory of our dear motherRose Lerner EinsiedlerMay her memory be for a blessing.A great supporter of Jewish learning,Camp Ramah, and youth travel to IsraelAdele Einsiedler Natter, Washington, DCJoey Einsiedler Ben-David, New York, NYPaul Einsiedler, West Hills, CAIn tribute to my co-creators of The Ramah ShironDr. Marsha Bryan EdelmanCantor David TilmanCantor Lorna Wallachand in admiration ofRabbi David Soloff and Amy Skopp Coopermentors and friendsCantor Riki J. Lippitz56

Rhonda Jacobs Kahn and Richard KahnZachary, Rebecca and Ilanaare grateful for the wonderful memories and lifelong friendshipsfrom over 30 years of combined Ramah experiencesat Nyack, Berkshires, Seminar, and on staff!Mazel Tov on a wonderful 60 years. Thank you forcontributing to so many special memories for so many.Fondly,Nathan (1976-1981) and Elaine DisenhouseTara and BobbyThank you to all of the rabbis, Jewish professional workers,lay leaders and camp personnel, who have madethe first sixty years of Ramah such a success.You have influenced our lives beyondwhat you could ever have dreamed or imagined!Harriet and Harold SpevackCONGRATULATIONS FROMTHE HAMMERMAN FAMILYSharon Freiberg Hammerman, Nyack, Berkshires, Glen Spey (staff)Rabbi Richard Hammerman, Berkshires and Glen Spey (staff)Eytan Hammerman, Berkshires, camper and staffLeah Hammerman, Berkshires, camper and teaching staffYael Hammerman, Berkshires, camper and staffTodah Rabbah Ve’Mazal Tov to Camp Ramahfor 60 years of bringing Judaism alivefor our children and our Movement’s children.Your impact has been profound and deeply appreciated.Linda Holof–Saposh and Stuart Saposh and Family(Ramah Berkshires ’76-’95) (Ramah Berkshires ’65-’90)57

Rabbi Vernon KurtzNorth Suburban Synagogue Beth ElHighland Park, IllinoisRamah Wisconsin in the ‘50s was my home-away-from-home.Thank you for the environment that enriched so many of us.Wishing Ramah many more years in fulfilling its meaningful mission.Leah Broyde Abrahams, daughter of Raya (z”l)Mixed Media Memoirs LLCmixedmediamemoirs@new.rr.com“Preserve the past and the present for the future…”RAMAH...Where weplay, dance, inspire, sweat, learn,inspire, sing, daven, inspire, swim,laugh, inspire, discover, teach, inspire,dream, eat, inspire, cry, grow, inspire,study, meet, inspire, love...For all Ramah has done for our family and so much more. B'ahava,Mindy, Myron, PJ & Jeremy EdelmanRamah NyackThanks for 22 wonderful summers.Terry Mostowitz-RothWe love Ramah!!!Eric Segal and Karen Legman SegalShira Lee, Adi, Hillel and Orli58

Thank you, Ramah, for addingto our lives Torah, ruach andfriends who have become family!Marni, Gary, Ethan, Molly & Leo HellerMAZAL TOV,RAMAH!Emily, Dav and Jeremy CamrasThank youto Camp Ramah in the Poconosand the Ramah Day Camp.You mean the world to us.Debbie Albert and Glen FeinbergDavid and NoahRabbi Aubrey Glazer, Ph. D.Mazel Tov!Thank you for your gifts to usand to our family.Saul P. Wachs and Diane R. Cover59

GreetingsThank you, Camp Ramah, from all of our family.- Sharon, Dan, Rafi, Bonnie, Josh, and Matt ProberRabbi Paul Resnick, Rabbi Amy Roth and BerkshiresHanhallah 2007: Yishar Kochachem on another amazingsummer!- Sara StaveCarol & Chuck Abrams, Caryn Aviv & Sasha Drinkwater,and Amy Abrams & Ronen & Ruby GlimerMazal Tov on reaching 60!- Joe (Wisconsin ’54-’61) and Ina YoungMazal Tov to Camp Ramah upon reaching your 60thanniversary!- All your supporters at Marathon J.C.C., and RabbiGary and Judy GreeneTo my best friend Orlie, for everything you haveaccomplished and all that you aspire to achieve.Always & Forever, RobinFor all past, present and future Ramahniks- Meryl Sussman and Bruce LiptonRamah, may the next 60 be as wonderful as the last 60…- Jane, Neil, Sam and Matthew Kuttner60

GreetingsI feel so honoured to be a part of the Ramah community,a phenom 14 year relationship, still going strong. Justchamazing.- Kayla GarawayIn memory of David Taubenfeld.Mazal Tov to Camp Ramah for providing 60 years ofextraordinary Jewish living and learning for tomorrow'sleaders.- Shulamith & Gerry ErenbergMazel Tov, Ramah!- Rabbi Jay & Leslie Kornsgold, Noam, Yona & YaffaMazal Tov and at least another 60, to those who camebefore and to those who will come after.- Rabbi David B. Saltzman (Staff Poconos ‘58-‘61;Canada ‘62-‘63, NY ‘65; NE; Nyack; Wisconsin)Here's to the next 60 years!- Judy Yudof, Honorary International President,The United Synagogue of Conservative JudaismMazal Tov! Thank you for the wonderful Jewish summerexperience and the ability to pass it on to my children.L'dor V'dor.- Hester JoelsonMazel Tov on 60 years of exceptional camping.- Margaret, Fred, Kevin & Deena Danishefsky61

GreetingsKol HaKavod on this special occasion! Here's to the next 60years of unforgettable Ramah experiences and friendships!- Hilary Spain ReillyWe are proud to be included on the Ramah Marriages Listand even prouder that our children (now grown) aresecond-generation Ramahniks. Let the magic continue!- Anna and Eddie EdelsteinWishing Camp Ramah another great 60 years "ad me'ahv'esrim."- Michelle, Fred, and Kayla EliasMazal Tov on 60 wonderful years of Ramah which havetouched countless lives. Here's to many many more.- Eytan KenterThanks for the memories, and may Ramah continue to gofrom strength to strength. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek!- Sharon, Brian and Josh RappaportCamp Ramah changed my life for the better. Mazal Tovand Happy 60th Birthday to "both" of us!!!- Cheryl Sporn Gross, Connecticut '63, NyackSeminar '64 & '65, Ojai '66, Poconos '72Ramah Chai!Best wishes, Rena (Joffe) & Rich Panush;Ellen (Panush) & Julian Zelenko, Raanana, Israel;Judge Shira (Joffe) Scheindlin & Dr. Stanley FriedmanMazel Tov, Ramah!- Leah Steuer62

GreetingsRamah, you have made a difference!- Abe & Shulamit Gittelson, Ora and children andMoshe & Reva; Canada, Poconos, Palmer, Ojai,Darom and IsraelWhatever contributions I have made to Jewish life over thepast 40+ years have their origin in my childhood inRamah. Thank you to Camps Ramah in Connecticut,Poconos, Canada, Glen Spey, and Israel for more than Ican express!- Peter Geffen (and from Susie Kessler, Jonah, Danieland Nessa Geffen too!)We're happy to be part of Ramah history.- Rabbi Sam & Malka Kieffer, Aryeh & Arielle,Aviva & Seth, Elana (CRNE, Berkshires, Darom)Continued success in touching the lives of our youngpeople. HEBREW - Miriam Kraemer GrayIn honor of my mentor and colleague, Rabbi MitchCohen, and the wonderful contributions that Ramah hasmade to our children's lives.- Jill Schehr and Jeffrey SacksThank you, Ramah, for being our extended family everysummer since 1964!- Rabbi Paul and Gerri Kurland and FamilyWe Love Ramah!- Michelle Gavens (New England, Berkshires &Nyack), Brian Margolis, Jacob (Berkshires & Nyack),Samuel (Berkshires & Nyack), & Deborah (Nyack)63

We congratulate Camp Ramahfor 60 years of excellencein informal educationWe salute Camp Ramah in Wisconsinfor the personal impactit has had on our livesWe honorMORT STEINBERGfor his invaluable leadership anddedication to the mission ofCamp RamahWith all our love,Miriam, Adam, Shira and Steven

National Ramah Commission, Inc.3080 Broadway • New York, NY 10027Tel: 212.678.8881 • Fax: 212.749.8251ramah@jtsa.edu • www.campramah.org