Annual Tzedakah Report - Camp Ramah

Annual Tzedakah Report
Camp Ramah in California
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Camp Ramah in California
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Julie Platt
Board Chair
Dr. Matt Albert
Dr. Robert H. Barnhard
Dr. Leon Biederman
Suzy Jones Bookbinder
Ellen Brown
Judy Citron
Rochelle Cohen
Sherri Cunningham
Cheryl Davidson
Mark Deutsch
Patti Felker
Linda Fife
Beth Astor Freeman
Eddie Friedman
Bill Goodglick
Barry Horwitz
Leon Janks
Debra Kasirer
Deborah Kattler Kupetz
Sheila Leibovic
Ilana Meskin
Ron Nessim
Jay Reisbaum
Fredi Rembaum
Peter Reynolds
Dr. Elaine Rosen
Allan Rosenthal
Avi Schlesinger
Dana Schlessinger
Alan Schneider
Marvin Selter
Thom Smotrich
Dr. Andrew Spitzer
Sheila Baran Spiwak
Arnold Stengel
Joel Stern
Elana Storch
Michael Waterman
Shari Weiner
Bruce Whizin
Orna Wolens
Lesley Wolman
Howard Zack
Honorary Life Members
Murray Cohen
Jake Farber
Dr. Norman Jacoby
Mannon Kaplan
Howard Levine
Lou Miller
Seymour Neuman
Dr. Paul Schultz
Ex-officio
Dr. Robert Wexler

OUR MISSION
Camp Ramah in California creates religious educating
communities in which campers and staff have fun learning
skills for a life committed to the ideals of the Conservative
movement — God, Torah, the Jewish people and tikkun olam.
Such communities support and strengthen Jewish identity and
experiences fostered in the home, synagogue and school.
Affiliated with the National Ramah Commission and under
the educational auspices of the University of Judaism, Camp
Ramah in California works in partnership with institutions of
the Conservative movement in the Western United States.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the Board Chair..............................................................2
Letter from the Executive Director..................................................3
December, 2005 Dinner....................................................................5
Salkin Family Tree House................................................................6
Dedicated Facilities at Camp Ramah................................................7
Endowment Funds............................................................................8
Dr. David Braun’s Solar Energy Gift ................................................9
Donors............................................................................................................10
Enhancing the Journey: The Next 50 Years ..................................14

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LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Dear Friends of Camp Ramah in California,
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write to you as Chair of the Board of Directors of Camp
Ramah in California. What a privilege it is for me to be able to give back to an institution that has
transformed my life, my children’s lives, as well as the lives of so many others over the past 50 years.
I want to first take this opportunity to thank Jay Reisbaum for his inspiring leadership of this camp
over the past three years. Jay has led us as Board Chair to embrace our camp’s strengths, examine
areas for improvement, and plan comprehensively for Camp Ramah’s next half-century. Jay will
continue to play an extremely dynamic role in our activities as a member of the Executive Committee.
We have an incredibly exciting year ahead as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. So many people are
hard at work identifying alumni, organizing Ramah Shabbat experiences all over the country, and
devoting great energy and enthusiasm to our 50th Anniversary Celebration at Camp Ramah on
December 3rd—you won’t want to miss it.
Thanks to each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication to Camp Ramah in
California—for devoting your resources to a Jewish experience that will ensure the future of Conservative
Judaism for decades to come.
With great appreciation,
Julie Platt
2005 Revenue
2005 Philanthropic
Contributions

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Chaverim,
The Talmud teaches, “Tzedakah equals all the other mitzvot” (Baba Batra9a). How can this be?
Because through tzedakah, the other mitzvot become possible. In 2005, so many mitzvot became
possible through your generosity. The whole of this first annual Camp Ramah in California Tzedakah
Report is intended to express a Kol HaKavod to each and every one of you. Here are just a few
examples of the mitzvot your tzedakah helped make possible:
In 2005, Camp Ramah in California received a gift from Dr. David Braun in memory of his dear wife,
Sherri (z”l), to build a half-million dollar solar installation. The Torah tells us “God took Adam and
placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and guard it.” Through David Braun’s gift, generations of
Ramah’niks will learn to fulfill that vision by making our camp the first major summer camp and, to
my knowledge, the first major Jewish institution to invest in a green energy source for a better world.
The Salkin family helped us to build a Gesher tree house and trail where kids will fall in love with
nature and learn to sing, “!v-h lagn uksd vn. How great are your works God!” as the Psalmist did.
The Deutch, Kurland and Weiner families helped us build a Friendship Circle in the girls’ tent area
where campers will learn “to love your neighbor as yourself.”
Dr. Herman Kaye made a gift in memory of his beloved wife, Dolores (z”l), to create plans for adding
a second story for adult housing to the Dr. Herman H. Kaye Infirmary.
Leadership gifts of generous annual operating support of camp through the Annual Giving
Campaign were made by David Braun, the Schneider Family and Marilyn Ziering, augmenting the
gifts made by so many others.
The Farber, Goodglick, Levine, and Meskin families, along with the LA Jewish Federation, brought
children from the Baltic States and the former Soviet Union to Ramah so those campers could return
to their home countries with a love of the Jewish people and a deepened understanding of Torah and
Conservative Judaism.
Rabbi Elliot and Marlynn Dorff and the Wolens families from Los Angeles, Dallas and London
sponsored students from the University of Judaism to come to camp to teach Torah and to learn how
to bring the magic of Ramah back into synagogues and schools around the country.
Continued on next page
2005 Expenses
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Continued from page 3
The Miller family name went up on our second
Gazebo where children learn to dance and
sing the songs of our people.
Bruce Whizin helped us complete the front
entrance to our camp with a beautiful rose
garden and grass for children to play — Rebbe Nachman taught that
every blade of grass sings the song of God.
The Farber family helped us renovate our baseball field where kids
HAVE FUN and learn kavod through good sportsmanship.
The Familian-Smalley family helped us complete a renovation of our
pool (including new bathrooms) so kids can fulfill the Talmudic
requirement to learn to swim (if you don’t believe me, look in
Kiddushin 29a).
To help the neediest among us come to camp, scholarship funds were
greatly enhanced through significant gifts by and in honor of Shari and
Michael Weiner; by the Kaplan family’s very generous addition to
increase the Sybil and Mannon Kaplan Scholarship Endowment Fund;
by the Goodglick family’s generous additions to the Grandparents3
Scholarship Endowment Fund; and by Fred Siegel’s generous additions
to the Lana Berke Silverman Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Manny Kaplan’s tzedakah in 2005 also made it possible to invite Natan
Sharansky as the scholar-in-residence for the January, 2006 Ramah
Learning Weekend.
Ruth Ziegler and the Barnhard, Beren, Jacoby, Matoff and Platt families
continued their very generous support of the Tikvah Program by
adding to the endowment. Karen Gamoran enabled young adults with
special needs to participate in the Ezra vocational program, inspiring
all of us to see God’s image in everyone. A grant from the Jewish
Community Foundation of Los Angeles made possible a spiritual
retreat weekend at camp for families with children who have special
needs. And Murray and Mildred Cohen continued their marvelous
tradition of setting an example for and encouraging others to give
generously and frequently to the Tikvah Program. Continuing disbursements
from the estate of Martin F. Witkin through his charitable trust
permit the camp to fund facility and program enhancements—
tzedakah that endures.
The Spitzer family sponsored Ikar
grants, inspiring staff to take their
programming to the next creative
level, including projects such as the
Ezra store, and a mural created by the
Machon edot from sessions 1 and 2.
Leon Janks and his Israel Committee
raised thousands of dollars so that a
record number of kids (71!) from our
camp could go on Ramah Israel Seminar, fulfilling the mitzvah to
visit and support Israel, with nobody left behind for financial reasons.
Again—these are really just a few of the mitzvot made possible by the
generosity of these families and so many, many more—including your
family. We are truly blessed—all the very generous gifts we received are
simply too numerous to list in this letter, but are included in the
donors listings beginning on Page 10. Please forgive us for and alert
us of any omissions.
Your support of Camp Ramah in 2005 is truly appreciated, and I hope
that together we will continue to make mitzvot possible in 2006 and
beyond, to benefit our campers for the next 50 years.
B’virkat Shalom,
Rabbi Daniel Greyber
Irene Levine, Natan Sharansky, Howard Levine

HONORING SHARI AND MICHAEL WEINER
It was our great pleasure and privilege to honor Shari and Michael Weiner on
December 1 st for their outstanding leadership, accomplishments and contributions to
the community. The generous support of the Weiners, their family and friends contributed
to a most successful evening, raising over $500,000 to benefit the Ramah Scholarship
Endowment Fund.
Reflections from Weiner Family Members:
“Camp gave me the tools to be the Jewish person I am today, from learning how to
lay tefillin and lead services, to the value of community and life-long friendships.”
“This is what is so special about Camp Ramah – it allows us to have already unique
experiences while integrating Judaism and Israel within each event.”
“…My journey at Ramah has motivated me to continue with Jewish activities
throughout the year. My love for Israel has grown since my first year at camp…”
“My experience has shaped me as a person and has instilled in me my love for
Judaism, Israel, and the importance of family and friends.”
“As result of this evening…the rest of the Camp Ramah story is yet to be told –
there are children who don’t even know it yet, there are parents who will be
able to send their children to camp for this life altering experience.”
“Ramah is a wonderful place, a place that creates a family
within the Jewish community and friends for a lifetime.”
Photos (©Henry Gold, Encino, CA), clockwise from upper right: 1) Alana, Michael,
Shari and Samantha Weiner; 2) Judy Finkelstein-Taff, Avi Taff, Alana Weiner,
Samantha Weiner, Josh Taff; 3) Shari Weiner, Carly Ackerman; 4) Rabbi Daniel
Greyber, Shari and Michael Weiner, Jay Reisbaum; 5) Dinner co-chairs Cheri Warner,
Sheila Leibovic, Sylvie Deutsch; 6) Sinai Temple; 7) Michael and Shari Weiner
Letters from Ramah PAGE
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TREE OF LIFE IS SALKIN FAMILY
GIFT OF CHOICE
The Salkin family knew
that the tree house would
provide the youngest
Ramah campers a special
out-of-doors place to
experience Jewish camping
to the fullest.
Tree House Trivia
Use: Gesher sleep-away
Sleeps: 2 bunks or 48
Height: 12 ft.
View: priceless
Memories: forever
For Dorothy and Avram Salkin, the core of
life boils down to family and Judaism. That’s why,
when given the opportunity to participate in a
special Camp Ramah in California project, Dorothy
recalls, “Avram’s eyes sparkled, and our children
Valerie and Ken, both campers in the mid 1970s,
and daughter-in-law Michal, jumped on board” to
create the Salkin Family Tree House and Trail.
As Camp Ramah in California alumni, parents,
and founding Regents of the Ramah Academy,
Dorothy and Avram are keenly aware of the profound
effect Ramah has had on Jewish life. “We
all have busy lives,” says Dorothy, marveling that
“in just an hour’s drive outside of Los Angeles,
you can truly be living a Jewish experience.”
“What we love about the Ramah
Academy weekends is the ruach, closeness,
ambience, interaction and intimate
dialogue—the environment to listen and
learn,” Dorothy remarks. The Salkin family
knew that the tree house would provide the
youngest Ramah campers a special out-ofdoors
place to experience Jewish camping
to the fullest. The tree house, the Salkins
thought, would enable these campers that
same bonding experience and connection to
Michal, Ken, Dorothy, Valerie and Avram Salkin
the Jewish tradition that they themselves had
come to cherish over the years.
The Salkin family thought funding the tree house
was a “really unusual and different” opportunity,
and they are thrilled to know that the Gesher
campers are enjoying it. Word has it that even the
older campers are finding their way to the Salkin
Family Tree House. A beautiful mezuzah, made
by Ramah campers, has been affixed and dedicated
at its entrance.
Clearly, Dorothy and Avram Salkin’s philanthropic
passion is focused in a way that will ensure Jewish
continuity, and will encourage future generations
to connect with Judaism in a very personal and
tangible way—they believe Camp Ramah in
California creates a powerful environment supporting
that very goal. “If we are ever blessed with
grandchildren,” says Dorothy, “we hope they will
enjoy being in the tree house at Camp Ramah,
and that they will feel proud and happy to know
that their grandparents made it possible for
them, their friends and other children.”

DEDICATED FACILITIES AT CAMP RAMAH IN CALIFORNIA
Albert Observatory in memory of David Albert
Jeff Astor Foundation Volleyball Court
in memory of Jeff Astor
Ballonoff Aron Hakodesh in memory of
Rabbi Martin A. Ballonoff
Bassan Heiser Lodge
Belzer Bunk Renovations
Berg Commons in honor of Al & Bess Berg
Beren Athletic Facility
Robert M. Beren Tennis Center in honor of his
children & grandchildren & his sister, Lela,
Beren Jacoby & her children & grandchildren
Ma’agal Ilan
in memory of Ilan Gabriel Biederman
Braun Solar Facilities
Bressman Family Benches
Cole Family Outdoor Sanctuary
Deutsch-Kurland-Weiner Friendship Circle
Deutsch Family Boys’ Showers
Rehov Deutsch
Dorff-Nelson Kikar Tzion Outdoor Sanctuary
in memory of Edith Judith Nelson
Sidney Eichenbaum Soccer Field
Familian-Smalley Swimming Pool Facility
in memory of Isadore Familian
Janet & Jake Farber Ramah Camp Grounds
Farber Baseball Field
Feinstein Plaza
Federman Hersh
Administration Building
Fingerhut Chapel
Flax Art Center
Friedland Lodge
Friedman Library
in memory of Jack Lubeck
Friday Night Group Bench
Gindi Chadar Ochel
Gonda Family Foundation Director’s Office
Hyman Kikar Lil
Jacoby Family Amphitheatre
Jefferson Health Center Ward in honor of
Irene. Elizabeth & Alexander Jefferson
Kitah Table in memory of Dolores D. Kaye
Herman H. Kaye Medical Center
Labowe Bunks
Alon Binyamin in memory of Ben J. Lax
Marp Suite in memory of the parents of
Allan & Mary Lazaroff
Lazaroff Camper Residence
Aaron & Sheila Leibovic Family Water Slide
Leibovic Family Kitah Table in honor of Tova,
Talia & Tori Leibovic
Shirley & Ted Levine Basketball Court
in memory of Ted Levine
Levine Family Retreat Center
Levine Garden Patio
in memory of Phillip M.& Beatrice Levine
Levine Canteen
David & Esther Lieber Dining Hall
Lincoff Nurse’s Office
Rehov Lincoff
Meskin Family Kitah Table
Miller Bunks in honor of the grandchildren
of Judith & Louis G. Miller
Miller Bunks in memory of Sally & Meyer Miller
Judith & Louis Miller Gazebo
Mount Sinai Memorial Park Reading Room
Jack and Bel Ostrow Executive Dining Room
Platt Family Dance Patio in honor of Samantha,
Jonah, Hannah, Benjamin & Henry Platt
Robin Camper Residence
Rochlin Camper Residence
Camp Facility
in memory of Michael Lawrence Roston-Mikey
Salkin Family Tree House
Dana and Evan Schlessinger Gaga Court
Dana and Evan Schlessinger Kitah Table
Schneider Family Gan in honor of
Cheyenne, Evan & Ivy Schneider
Rehov Schneider
Rehov Selter
Rehov Shalom
Silverman Doctor’s Suite
Spitzer Heder Bishul
Spiwak-Baran Staff Lounge
Giborei Yisrael Beit Knesset
in memory of Jacob Hillel Stern
Play Area in memory of Scott Noah Stone
Amitzim Beit Knesset
in memory of Amy Rachelle Vernon
Flag Circle in memory of Jerry L. Weber
Weiner Family Beit Yaacov in memory of
Jack A. Finkelstein and in honor of Kitty
Finkelstein and Irving & Lillian Weiner
Whizin Building
Whizin Rose Garden and Entry
Ruth & Allen Ziegler Bakery
Ziegler Camper Residence
Ziegler Hall
Max & Pauline Zimmer Conference Center
With this list, we endeavor to build a permanent record of the many camp facilities made possible through the generosity of committed donors. Recognizing that Camp Ramah
in California has moved from its original site and that the use of various camp facilities has changed over time, we realize there may be some errors or omissions. We hope that
you will help in our efforts by notifying us of additions, corrections or changes that should be made to the permanent record.
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CAMP RAMAH IN CALIFORNIA
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Endowments have been established to provide support for scholarships and for the development of new programs without the
necessity of increasing camp fees. Camp Ramah in California would like to thank all who have donated to the Ramah Scholarship
Endowment Fund and to our Program Endowments, and those families who have established the following endowments. The
current minimum gift to establish an endowment fund is $30,000. A Scholarship Endowment established at this level will fund
1
⁄2 of a session for a camper who might otherwise not be able to enjoy the magic of a Camp Ramah summer. To establish a new
endowment fund, or to increase your existing one, please contact Carol Abrams at (310) 440-1276.
SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS
Anonymous Scholarship Endowment Fund
Appel Scholarship Endowment Fund
Sam & Rosalie Barnett Scholarship Fund
The Rhoda & Bob Barnhard, Betty & Sheldon Feinberg
Endowment in memory of Harry Barnhard
Becker Scholarship Endowment Fund
Robert M. Beren Scholarship Fund
Bockman Scholarship Endowment Fund
Deutsch Family Scholarship Endowment
Freda & William Fingerhut Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Abner & Roz Goldstine Scholarship Fund
Goodglick Family Scholarship Endowment Fund
Grandparents3 Scholarship Endowment Fund
Dr. Norman & Lela Jacoby Scholarship Endowment
Ralph & Taren Jacoby Metson, Joel & Susan Jacoby Stern,
Jonathan & Judy Jacoby Chiel Scholarship Endowment Fund
in honor of our parents Dr. Norman & Lela Jacoby
Sybil & Mannon Kaplan Scholarship Fund
Debra & Robert Kasirer Scholarship Fund
Bessie Krevitz Scholarship Endowment Fund
Irene & Howard Levine Scholarship Fund
Philip M. & Beatrice Levine Scholarship Fund
Dr. David Leiber Scholarship Endowment Fund
Lowy Scholarship Endowment Fund
Petty & Bates Metson Scholarship Endowment Fund
Julie & Marc Platt, Ellen & Adam E. Beren,
Nancy T. Beren & Dr. Larry Jefferson,
Amy & Robert Bressman Scholarship Endowment
Lana Berke Silverman Tikvah Scholarship Fund
The Smotrich Family Scholarship Fund
Reuben Tucker Scholarship Endowment Fund
Shari & Michael Weiner Scholarship
Endowment
Whizin Scholarship Fund
Zimmer Scholarship Fund
PROGRAM ENDOWMENTS
The Barnhard Mador Young
Leadership Endowment
Tikvah Program Endowment
The Ziegler Tikvah Counselors
Endowment
Daniel Storch, Bruce Whizin
Leon and Sharon Janks, Jay Reisbaum,
Janet and Jake Farber

DR. DAVID BRAUN’S GIFT ENSURES
A GREENER FUTURE FOR CAMP RAMAH
Jewish tradition teaches us to respect nature
and the environment. Indeed, the basics of environmentalism
are found in Torah law — “To God
belongs the earth and all it contains.”(Psalms 24:1)
Throughout its 50-year history, Camp Ramah in
California has inspired campers to take responsibility
for the stewardship of God’s earth based on
principles of biblical and rabbinic law. Now the camp
is making new strides in fulfilling its mission of tikkun
olam, thanks to a generous gift by Dr. David Braun.
Dr. Braun’s interest in the environment and Jewish
youth programs has led him to spearhead an
unprecedented solar energy project at Camp Ramah
in California. “As a child, I attended weekend sessions
at Camp Ramah, and my son attended camp during
the summer. I have always been proud about
how Ramah programs are unusually successful in
exciting the new generations about Jewish life and
how much Jewish culture has to offer the world.”
Thanks to Dr. Braun’s gift, Camp Ramah will now
be able to fully impart the lesson of environmental
consciousness to generations of Jewish youth.
Dr. Braun sees his donation to fund the first of
three phases of Camp Ramah’s solar energy project
as a gift that keeps on giving. “It is great to see
Camp Ramah as an early adopter of going solar
because this project will decrease the operating
costs of the camp, and that in turn will free up
money that can go towards the kids,” he says. In
fact, once the 3-phase project is complete, the
camp’s energy costs will be decreased by $75,000
every year. Reliance on solar power will keep the
Camp Ramah experience affordable to more
families by insulating camp against future energy
cost increases.
By using solar energy, Camp Ramah in California will
reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by fifteen million
pounds, nitrous oxide by thirty-eight thousand
pounds, and sulfur dioxide by one hundred and
twenty-one thousand pounds. Just imagine the
profound discussions our campers and staff will
have about Judaism, our earth, and those interesting
solar panels on top of the chadar ochel.
Because of Dr. Braun’s generous gift, Camp Ramah
in California is taking a leadership role among Jewish
institutions by “going green.” “It is important to
think globally and act globally, and to look at overarching
issues,” states Dr. Braun, “but what are we
doing back home to help?” The solar energy project
is particularly meaningful for Dr. Braun because it
addresses his objective to support long term
issues and projects. “I hope my gift to Camp Ramah
in California will inspire others to give, and will
provide a spark for people to see how their gift can
be leveraged to help on so many different levels.”
If you are interested in helping to fund phases 2 and
3, please call Carol Abrams at (310) 440-1276.
By using solar energy,
Camp Ramah in California
will reduce emissions
of carbon dioxide by
15 million pounds, nitrous
oxide by 38,000 pounds,
and sulfur dioxide by
121,000 pounds.
Camp Ramah
Energy costs –$75,000
annually
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CAMP RAMAH IN CALIFORNIA DONORS
Anyone who performs tzedakah…is regarded as though he filled
the whole world in its entirety with love. —Sukkah 49b
VISIONARIES ohzuj
$500,000 and up
Dr. David Braun
CORNERSTONES ,ubhp
$100,000 – $499,999
Joan Beren
Mannon Kaplan
Dorothy and Avram Salkin
Sandy and Marvin Smalley
Shari and Michael Weiner
Bruce Whizin
Ruth Ziegler
BUILDERS ohbuc
$50,000 – $99,999
Janet and Jake Farber
Sheila and Stan Kurland
TRAILBLAZERS ohkkux
$25,000 – $49,999
Sylvie and Mark Deutsch
Lela and Dr. Norman Jacoby
Judith and Louis Miller
Julie and Marc Platt
Fred Siegel
Marilyn Ziering
THE RIGHTEOUS ohshxj
$10,000 – $24,999
Susan and Carl Albert
Apollo Management
Apollo Real Estate
& Sunset Millennium
Rhoda and Dr. Robert Barnhard
Karen Gamoran
Sandy and Bill Goodglick
Jewish Community Foundation
of Los Angeles
Jewish Federation Council of Los Angeles
Deborah Kattler Kupetz and
David Kupetz
Irene and Howard Levine
Betty Matoff *
Carole and Sid Meltzner
Ilana and Mark Meskin
Morgan, Lewis, Bockius LLP
Jack Nomberg
O’Melveny & Myers
Dana Goodman Schlessinger and Evan
Schlessinger
Angel and Alan Schneider
Dr. Lillian Paula Seitsive Trust
The Copses Family Foundation
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Zimmer Family Foundation
THE JUST ohehsm
$5,000 – $9,999
The Robert M. Beren Foundation, Inc.
Drs. Aviva and Leon Biederman
Dahlia and Art Bilger
Debra and Leon Black
Rachel Boim
Amy and Robert Bressman
Mildred and Murray Cohen
Marlynn and Rabbi Elliot Dorff
Betty Feinberg
Linda and Lorin Fife
Beth and Rodney Freeman
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert
Foundation
Rachel and Jack Gindi
Frances and Milton Goodman
Sheila and Milton Hyman
Patti and Michael Jacobs
Nancy and Larry Jefferson
Roneet and Ken Kahan
Meredith and David Kaplan
Latham & Watkins LLP
Sheila and Aaron Leibovic
*Donors who have made provisions for gifts to Camp Ramah in perpetuity through their estate plans
Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP
Paulette and Ron Nessim
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Tara and Jay Reisbaum
Jami and Tony Ressler
Sheri and Paul Robbins
Monica and Philip Rosenthal
Mehry and Dr. Marvin Smotrich
Iris and Thom Smotrich
Marci and Dr. Andrew Spitzer
Susan and Joel Stern
Winthrop Financial Associates
GUARDIANS ohrnua
$2,500 – $4,999
Sisterhood of Adat Ariel
Gloria Baran
Ellen and Adam Beren
Chicago Title
Rochelle and Freddy Cohen
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary
Patti and Peter Felker
Irwin Field
Foundation for Jewish Camping, Inc.
Donna Gilbert
Roz and Abner Goldstine
Charlotte and Dr. Edward Kamenir
Debra and Robert Kasirer
Dr. Lynne Diamond and Gary Kates
Kathy and John Kissick
Shirley Levine
Miriam Lincoff
Morgan Stanley
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks
& Mortuaries
National Ramah Commission
Nichols & Meeks Pircher
Alison and Richard Ressler
Michal and Ken Salkin
Valerie Salkin
Dr. Claudia Wallock and
Sandor Samuels
Annette and Danny Shapiro
Sherman & Sterling LLP
Southwestern Bag Company
Sheila and Dr. Alan Spiwak
Treister & Glatt Stutman
David Whizin
Brad Whizin
Gary Wolens
Orna and Keenan Wolens
Laura and Steven Wolens
Robert Zarnegin
COMPANIONS ohshsh
$1,000 – $2,499
Adele and Trevor Abramson
Adat Ari El
Andrew Africk
Shula and Shraga Agam
Rabbi Leslie Alexander and
Dr. Kenneth Aitchison
Akin Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP
Greta and Dr. Matt Albert
Alan and Sophie Alpert
Jean and Steven Anreder
Lise and Dr. Robert Applebaum
Carol and Rand April
Myra and Hillel Avers
Edith and Abe Ballonoff Family
Foundation
Margo Barber
Caryn and Marc Becker
Sanford & Phyllis Beim Family
Foundation

Debi and Elie Benaron
Brenda and Jeffrey Benjamin
Allison and Larry Berg
Deena and Dr. Michael Blum
Melissa and Michael Bordy
Frances Brody
Ellen and Jeff Brown
Judy Citron
Phyllis and Milton Cole
Gabrielle and Dr. Malcolm Cosgrove
Sherri and Paul Cunningham
Cheryl and Bill Davidson
Noelle and Jeffrey Donfeld
Elaine and Leo Dozoretz
Bonnie and Allan Duboff
Rebekah and Howard Farber
Rabbi Nina Bieber and
Rabbi Edward Feinstein
Judith Finkelstein-Taff
Susan and Dr. George Fischmann
Frankel, Lodgen, Lacher, Golditch,Sardi
& Howard Certified Public Accountants
Marilyn and Al Golden
Diane and David Gould
Vicki and Michael Gross
Jeanne and David Herman
ITU Ventures
Sharon and Leon Janks
Wendy and Richard Kellner
Joyce and Rabbi Sheldon Kirsch
Monica and Jeff Klausner
Robert Laemmle
Nadine and Steven Lavender
Gail and Paul Lawler
Julie and David Levine
Tovah Feldshuh and Andrew Levy
Susan Lopez
Janine and Peter Lowy
Lilly and Luis Macias
Bruce Mellon
Milken Community High School
Milken Family Foundation
Dr. William Miller
Larry Parker
Perfection Cabinets
Esther and David Renzer
Kathy and Peter Reynolds
Janice and Benjamin Reznik
Adele and Herb Reznikoff
Peggy and Ed Robin
Drs. Elaine and Lee Rosen
Cynthia and Bernard Rosenson
Wendy and Allan Rosenthal
Carolyn and Marc Rowan
Janet and Maxwell Salter
Sandi and Avi Schlesinger
Deborah and Mark Seller-Blaszkiewicz
Nikki and Sam Shocket
Sinai Temple Sisterhood
Linda and Alan Sklar
Debra and Bruce Spector
Fran and Arnie Stengel
Elana and Dr. Daniel Storch
Anna and Bill Tenenblatt
Linda and Richard Tuch
Kaye Tucker
Walter Properties
Cheri and Fred Warner
Shelley and Michael Warsavsky
Jackie and Michael Waterman
Rita and Jeff Weiss
Terry and David Wohlberg
Lesley and Jeffrey Wolman
Eliana and David Wolpe
Brenda and Doug Workman
Diane and Howard Zack
Elana and Scott Zimmerman
CHAMPIONS ohpukt
$500 – $999
Sara and David Aftergood
Aon Financial
Sharon and Michael Bacharach
Howard Bear
Alyse and Stuart Berkley
Ilene and Dennis Berman
Suzy and Stephen Bookbinder
Selina and Dr. Brian Boxer-Wachler
Laurie and Andrew Brock
Marcia and Richard Bronson
Tamar and Seth Brufsky
Andrea and Barry Cayton
Rudy and Smador Cohen
Farideh and Bijan Dardashti
Stella and Michael Dubey
Pattie and Richard Earlix
Kevin Frankel
Liat and Mark Funk
Judith Katzburg and Dr. Stuart Gabriel
Barbara and Dr. Daniel Galaif
Linda and Steve Geringer
Karen and Mark Getelman
Patti and Marshall Goldberg
Sally and Paul Golub
Doris and Ernest Goodman
Iris and George Goodman
Shawn Goodman
Jennifer and Rabbi Daniel Greyber
Linda and Larry Gross
Sorriya and Moosa Hanasab
Merritt Hooper
Laurie and Bruce Horn
Marlene and Barry Horwitz
Jewish Federation – Valley Alliance
Sandy and Michael Katz
Debra and Yair Katzir
Marjorie and Steven Kellner
Karen and Richard Kissen
Kosher Provision, Inc.
Shirley Kotler
Joann and Ronald Kramar
Trana and Ronald Labowe
Alyse Laemmle
Ellie and Mark Lainer
Jill and Marty Lasker
Miriam and Dr. Julius Lesner
Lori and Harold Levine
Christine and Richard Mack
T.R. Mahboubi-Fardi
Eve and Dr. Harold Marcus
Joni and Jeffrey Marine
Dr. Laurie Levenson and Doug Mirell
Shari and Dr. Jerry Mitchell
Karmi and Harold Monsher
David Myers
Jill and Steven Namm
Eric Pakravan
Howard Pilch
Sheryl and Kenneth Pressberg
Proskauer Rose LLP
RBS Greenwich Capital
Noelle and David Rips
Janet and Robert Rosenblum
Carol and Carl Samrock
Joan and Dr. Paul Schultz
Susan and David Serber
Lynne and Eric Siegel Siegel
Ellen and Gary Silverman
Sinai Temple Men’s Club
Arleen and Christopher Sorkin
Norma Stein
Tracey and Todd Strauss
Stella and Les Stricke
Louise and Craig Taubman
Betty Brasky and Stuart Tochner
Sima and Dr. Albert Toubia
Sylvia and Burton Tregub
Nora and Dr. Daniel Vinograd
Susie Stengel and Steve Wallock
Harriet and Harold Waterman
Manya and Dr. Robert Weber
Lillian and Irving Weiner
Deborah and Joel Weinstein
Lisa and Eric Wilen
Andrea and Alan Wishnow
Drs. Judy and Alan Zweig
SUPPORTERS ohfnu,
$250 – $499
Cindy and Herzel Aboody
Jay Abouaf
Debra and Paul Abrams
Laurie Ackerman
Merrill and Greg Alpert
Barbara and Raymond Alpert
Jack Barron
Jaynee and Eric Beckman
Sharon and Daniel Ben-Mayer
Elaine Berke
Robin and Steve Berlin
Sergio Bicas
Nancy and Alan Brodovsky
Emily and Dav Camras
Linda and Michael Camras
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12
Aviva Carmy
Dina Chernick
Carol and Dr. Ralph Clayman
Debra and Albert Cohen
Ivan Cohen
Gail and Hal Dash
Audrey and David Diamond
Diane and John Eckstein
Edith and Joshua Ellenhorn
Beth and Andrew Elster
Marsha and Gordon Epstein
Elaine and Dr. Edward Epstein
Muriel and Victor Erlich
Janet and Avi Fattal
Elissa and Dr. Bruce Fishman
Helyn and Robert Friedman
Dafna Gilboa
Sharon and Herb Glaser
Dora and Jack Glaser
Henry Gold
Bonnie and Gary Goldberg
Drs. Mona and Jay Goldman
Rheba Goldman
Selma Goldstein
Lynn Gordon
Karen and Jeffrey Goss
Aracelia and Matthew Haligman
Hey Kookla
Bernard Horowitz
Joan Isaacs
Brenda and Lou Jacobs
Karen and Jay Kasner
Frances Katz
Sheri and Joel Katz
Matthew Klein
Linda and Abe Knobel
Lisa and Victor Kohn
Siobhan and Dr. Joshua Korman
Lee Kort
Hannah and Marshall Kramer
Beulah Kravitz
Linda and Dr. Harvey Kulber
Gail Labovitz
Lisa and Gary Lainer
Lee and Luis Lainer
Jodi Lasker
Zach Lasker
Judy and Nathan Laufer
Allyn and Jeffrey Levine
Joyce and Rabbi Ron Levine
Drs. Esther and David Lieber
Mary Beth and Richard Lieberman
Irene and Gerald Lieberman
Marcie Lipsett
Celia Littenberg
Evan Mayse
Michelle and Jerry Mendelsohn
Ellen and Gary Michel
Heidi Monkarsh
Miriam and Daniel Moskowitz
Nicole and Allan Mutchnik
Safi and Rabbi Perry Netter
Esther Netter
Sylvia and Ezra Novak
Batya and David Ordin
Wanda and Avi Peretz
Ruth and Sidney Pilot
Marjorie and Rabbi Jacob Pressman
Anne Rainer
Mimi Reisbaum
Bea Reynolds
Jan and Jerry Rogoway
Gita and Sam Rosenwald
Lois and Rabbi Moshe Rothblum
Leah and Isaak Rubin
Jodi and Larry Schapiro
Tracy and Dale Schatz
Marci and Michael Schoenbach
Rabbi Harold Schulweis
Suzanne and Stuart Schweitzer
Tobie and Larry Schwimmer
Jan Shulman
Robin and Rabbi Ronald Shulman
Cindy and Michael Simonson
Ronna and Ron Spiegel
Dorothy Spitz
Louise Spitzer
Cindy and Steven Steinschriber
Temple Aliyah Sisterhood
Ada and Daniel Thompson
Muriel and Dr. Jeffrey Waterman
Amy Weiner
Robin Weiner
Eleanor and Bernard Weintraub
Jennifer Weiss
Shelly and Rick Wynne
Elana and Bruce Zisser
FRIENDS ohrcj
$118 – $249
Sara and Jean Jacques Abitbol
Carol and Chuck Abrams
Yossi Afriat
Talia Alberts
Allstate Lending Group
Yael Aranoff
Heidi and Noam Arzt
Rhonda Averbach
Caroline and David Azouz
Joel Baker
Florence and Dan Barber
Nancy and Scott Beiser
Shifra and Peter Bemis
Donna and Ron Bender
Rita and Dr. Irvin Benowitz
Anita and Steven Berl
Howard Brandes
Barbara and Dr. Marc Bresler
Gaby and Barry Brock
Helene and Robert Brown
Matthew Cahill
Candle light and…
Jeri and Ira Cohen
Jacob Cohen
Judy and Dr. Daniel Cole
Lisa and Craig Cooper
Molly Dehrey
Pearl and Harold Denner
Glennie and Michael Dinin
Shahnaz and Ram Director
Bridgette Duggan
Judith and Dr. Leslie Eber
Rachel and Dr. Marc Ehrich
Betty and Martin Ellyn
Marian and Robert Ettl
Margaret and Paul Feder
Ziva and David Fishman
Sharon and Joseph Freed
Genevieve and Peter Freeman
Judith Gardenswartz
Jordan Gerson
Susan and Rami Gilboa
Marcy and Jeff Gillman
Sharon and David Gitman
Jenny and Lionel Glancy
Marilyn and Lawrence Gochberg
Jory Goldman
Dr. Marian Rosenthal and
Dr. Charles Goldsmith
Dr. Irene Goodman
Gail and Kenneth Goodman
Linda and Jeff Goodrich
Meryl and Kenneth Grant
Josh Greenberg
Carrie and Stuart Greenberg
Elana and Ari Greenfield
Adam Greenwald
Vicki Greiff
Andrea and Dr. Howard Greyber
Hilda and Jordan Grinker
Rachel and Paul Guth
Nanette and Donald Hauser
Nicole and Ronny Hay
Colette and Dr. Harvey Herman
Jennifer and Gerald Hirsch

Nora and Michael Infante
Jay Jackson
Yaffa and Morad Javedanfar
Karen and Roberto Jinich
Roxanne and Brian Kabateck
Brigitte and Dr. David Kalmanson
Yoni Kassar
Matthew Kaufman
Lisa and Bill Kelly
Gayle and Thomas Kirschbaum
Annette and Dr. Charles Kleeman
Marcee and Dr. Kenneth Kleinman
Gail and Ben Zion Kogen
Debbie and Larry Kotz
Michele and Dr. Norman Lavin
Jill and Gary Linder
Michael Lips
Mindie and Samuel Lowenthal
Risa and Dr. Bruce Mallin
Laura and Chuck Mandel
Rita March
Herbert Marcus
Dawn and Sandy Margolin
Amy and Harold Masor
Stacey and Bruce Mendleson
Marian and Jon Merrit
Caitlin Meskin
Myra Meskin
Esther and Carlos Michan
Joey Miller
Janet Mintz
Julie and Eli Mizrahi
Wendy and Scott Newberger
Myra and Bruce Newman
Marcia and David Nimmer
Edith and Stephen Nitzberg
Gail and Dr. Ken Nussen
Pamela and Jerry Offsay
Kathy and Jay Ottenstein
Tiky and Robin Paley
Beverley and Martin Pamensky
Leslie and Jeremy Pearl
Maurice Pechman
Susan and Roy Peires
Jing and Joel Piser
Lisa and Steven Pompan
Barbara and Steven Pretsfelder
Susan and Charles Pridonoff
Ellen and Edward Rabin
Lisa and Dr. David Raphael
Ashley Reich
Sara and Joseph Reisman
Fredi and Rabbi Joel Rembaum
Felice Resnick
Suzanne Reznikoff
Orli and Zack Rinat
Kathryn and William Rogers
Dr. Karen Saywitz and
Dr. Richard Romanoff
Soraya Ross
Ana and Abraham Rothman
Julie and David Rudnick
Sunny and Larry Russ
Nina Sabban
Diana and Edward Sabin
Roen and Don Salem
Faith and Dr. Mayer Schames
Rebecca Schatz
Drs. Jody and Mark Schlesinger
Lisa Schlesinger
Susan and Dr. Isaac Schmidt
Sherri and Robert Schreiber
Alda and Melvin Schuldenfrei
Michelle and Maurice Schweitzer
Scott’s Regal Cleaners, Inc.
Ellen Serbin
Julie and Dr. Warren Shapiro
Bonnie and Dr. Joshua Sharfman
Beth and Neil Shernoff
Nora and Abraham Shofet
Felicia Shulman
Allen Silberman
Heather and Neison Silver
Florine and Dr. Bernard Silverman
Selma and Phillip Silverman
Sharon Silverstein
Sinai Temple Board
Sinai Temple Family Minyan
Nora and Behrouz Soroudi
Erin Spiegel
Julie and Rabbi David Stein
Kerri and Howard Steinberg
Miriam and Morton Steinberg
Anne and David Steirman
Nancy and David Stern
Ethan Stern
Drs. Lina and Mordo Suchov
Brenda and Dale Surowitz
Debbie and Eric Swanson
Daphne and David Sydney
Herlinda Tan
Adam Teitelbaum
Laurie and Doron Tisser
Sol Tuch
Janet and Harold Urman
Sara Vogler
Bonnie and David Vorspan
Shari Weise
Janice and Michael Weitz
Drs. Hana and Robert Wexler
Frances and Morton White
Steven Wilen
Yael and Steven Wininger
Jan and Dr. Phillip Zakowski
Beth Jo Zeitzer
Katharine and Martin Zurla
Inkind Donors
Carol and Chuck Abrams
Emily and Dav Camras
Janet and Jake Farber
Barbara Hallett Greene Interiors
Jill and Marty Lasker
Nadine and Steven Lavender
Dana Goodman Schlessinger
and Evan Schlessinger
Ellen and Harvey Silverberg
University of Judaism
Bruce Whizin
Synagogue and
Organization Partners
Adat Ari El
Board of Jewish Education—East Bay
Board of Jewish Education
of Greater Phoenix
Board of Jewish Education—West Bay
Congregation Anshei Israel—Tucson
Congregation Beth Am—Los Altos Hills
Congregation Beth El—La Jolla
Congregation Beth Israel—San Diego
Congregation Beth Jacob—Galveston
Congregation Beth Shalom—Seattle
Congregation Beth Yeshurun—Houston
Congregation Kol Emeth—Palo Alto
Congregation Kol Shofar—Tiburon
Congregation Ner Tamid Sisterhood
Congregation Netivot Shalom
Har Zion Congregation
Herzl Ner Tamid
Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona
Mosaic Law Congregation
Park Synagogue—Cleveland, Heights
Santa Barbara Jewish Community
Foundation
Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel
Shomrei Torah Synagogue
Sinai Temple Sisterhood
Stephen S. Wise Temple
Temple Ahavat Shalom
Temple Aliyah
Temple Beth Am—Los Angeles
Temple Beth Sholom—Las Vegas
Tifereth Israel—San Diego
Union for Reform Judaism
United Jewish Federation
of San Diego County
United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism
Valley Beth Shalom
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Enhancing the Journey
The drawings on these pages are the result of a master planning process that
Camp Ramah in California embarked upon two years ago to best combine and utilize
the Max and Pauline Zimmer Conference Center grounds and the Janet and Jake Farber
Camp Grounds purchased in 1999. Completed with the
help of schmidtcopelandparkerstevens, a Cleveland-based
architectural firm that has created master plans for over
300 camps across the United States, the master plan
represents our hopes for Camp Ramah in California’s
future for the next 50 years and beyond. Completion of
these exciting projects will be staged over the next 10 years and will enable Camp
Ramah in California’s facilities, and, most importantly, its programming, to remain on
the cutting edge of the Jewish camping world. Your support and vision will help us provide
lasting friendships and the adventure of a lifetime, all while fostering a love of Torah,
chesed and the greater Jewish community. We believe that Camp Ramah in California
is one of the most significant Jewish education institutions in the world, impacting
thousands of Jewish children and their families each summer and throughout the
year, and creating the next generation of passionate, educated and committed
leadership of the Conservative movement and the Jewish people.
Multi-Purpose Building
The new Multi-Purpose Building promises to be
the focal point of our campgrounds, the first
thing all guests see when they arrive at camp. It
will greatly enhance Ramah’s programming
potential and is envisioned to include three main
elements. A 400-seat chapel located on the upper
level will provide a beautiful year-round space for
religious services and ceremonies. A series of
activity rooms on the lower level will house the
Media Arts Program and will be available for use
by groups renting camp. A high school-size gym
will open out to the orange grove, and will accommodate
basketball, volleyball, roller hockey and
other such games. When not in use, the gym may
be rented out for weddings, b’nai mitzvot, banquets
and other celebrations.

Reservoir
Development of the only body of water on our
property will expand Camp Ramah’s capacity for
water activities. Ramah campers might develop
leadership skills through a water challenge course
utilizing kayaks, canoes and other water equipment.
Green trees and shrubs for screen and shade will
surround the Reservoir, with decks and benches
positioned to take advantage of the Ojai Valley’s
spectacular views. Utilization of the Reservoir will
change the face of Camp Ramah, offering countless
activities to develop body, mind and spirit.
Scott Stone Activity Field
The Field will become a flexible sports destination
for campers of all ages and interests with the
addition of climbing boulders and other equipment
along the field’s edges. Campers can take advantage
of this space to play and enjoy each others’
company.
Israel Activity Area
The new, expanded Israel Activity Area, using a
portion of the orange grove, will bring the Jewish
Homeland to life for Ramah campers.
Dining Hall Pavillion
The Gindi Dining Hall is surrounded by three
patios. The Dining Hall Pavillion project will provide
a spot for campers to congregate and escape the
hot Ojai sun. Sun shades and trees are
planned to help campers beat the
heat while continuing to provide
inviting space for Israeli dancing,
gathering before meals, other
program activities and just ‘hanging
out’, as well as helping to
reduce energy costs during the
summer months.
The Dining Hall Pavillion
project will provide a spot for
campers to congregate and
escape the hot Ojai sun.
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Brand New Equestrian Center
Horseback riding will allow Ramah campers to
discover nature and the world around them from
a new perspective. To facilitate the horseback riding
experience and the opportunities for chesed and
teamwork it provides, the master plan includes
an equestrian center, with stables, corrals and
pastures.
Levine Retreat Center
Ramah’s existing retreat center will be remodeled
to house more guests with the addition of more
bedrooms and bathrooms. The seven bedroom
house will accommodate groups of up to 20 people,
and will be used by the Ezra program during the
summer. Sun shades will adorn the porch to
provide a welcoming gathering space, and the
newly landscaped garden will be in view.
Trail System
The six-mile trail system envisioned to loop
around Ramah’s acreage will provide ample
opportunities for campers to explore a wide range
of natural habitats, including live oak forests,
native grasslands, and oak and sycamore groves
without ever having to leave camp property. They
will be able to pick a ripe orange right off the tree,
and climb up challenging mountainsides to be
rewarded with beautiful views of the mountains
to the north and the Ojai Valley to the west.
These exciting developments will only become a reality through the vision and generosity of
members of the Ramah family. Gifts to the capital campaign, “Enhancing the Journey,” are already
being sought. For more information, contact Ramah’s development director, Carol Abrams, at
(310)440-1276 or carol@ramah.org

Camp Ramah in California
YEAR-ROUND STAFF
Rabbi Daniel Greyber
Executive Director
Zachary Lasker
Assistant Director
Carol Abrams
Director of Development
Dav Camras
Business Director
Elie Mechaly
Operations Director
Julie Levine
Assistant Business Director
Elana Naftalin-Kelman
Tikvah Director
Shira Karni
Administrative Assistant
Annual Tzedakah Report Contributors
Carol Abrams
Editor
Ellen Brown, Niva Taylor
Contributing Writers
Emily Rich Design
Graphic Design
Charles Abrams, Eddie Friedman, Henry Gold
Photography
Lettera Graphics & Printing
Printing
Rachel Lancaster
Administrative Assistant
Wendy Morris
Administrative Assistant
Molly Hefetz
Administrative Assistant
Eva Selski
Infirmary Coordinator

15600 Mulholland Drive
Los Angeles, California 90077
Camp Ramah in California
A Journey for a Lifetime
Sunday, December 3rd Sunday, December 3 2006
at Camp Ramah in Ojai
rd 2006
at Camp Ramah in Ojai
www.ramah.org/alumni