Report to the Community | 2008 – 2011 - Camp Ramah

IN CALIFORNIA
Report IN to the CALIFORNIA
Community | 2008 – 2011

“ I am incredibly jealous
that my kids get to begin
their Ramah journey.
Are you sure you don’t want
an orthodontist on staff during
the summer?”
Michael Feinberg, Phoenix, AZ

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the Camp Ramah in California Report to the
Community: 2008–2011, detailing our growth, activities, and experiences over the last three years. We are
delighted to share exciting changes and latest developments, and hope you enjoy this summary and the
beautiful photos incorporated into the report.
We are truly privileged to be part of Camp Ramah, to witness the joy on the campers’ faces each summer,
participate in the ruach that resonates throughout the camp, and support the many facets of camp that
make it truly unique and vital to the Jewish community. We are deeply appreciative of those who have held
our respective roles in years past and acknowledge their numerous contributions to the success of Ramah.
IN CALIFORNIAWithout
such remarkable past leadership, we would not have moved forward in our thinking and in our
growth, and the results have spoken for themselves.
Thanks to the Jewish community, both in Los Angeles and throughout the Western Region, we are closing
in on our 60 th anniversary. Now is the time to evaluate and reflect, while simultaneously thinking toward the
future and creating new directions. You’ll see some of our reflections and some of our new directions in
this report.
We always welcome your thoughts, comments and ideas. Our Ramah family is incredibly passionate about
our beloved camp and the love for it is palpable. You are all members of that family, and we are grateful
beyond measure for your dedication and support.
B’Shalom,
Avi Schlesinger Rabbi Joseph M. Menashe
Chair, Board of Directors
AT CAMP RAMAH IN CALIFORNIA
Executive Director
1

2
It is a joy to be able to share Camp Ramah in California’s numerous accomplishments over the last few
years. I was privileged to serve as Board Chair from 2009 – 2011, and so have witnessed firsthand the
dedication of our Board, staff and Jewish community to Ramah and its continued growth and success.
From the purchase of our camp property to new capital improvements and program enhancements, we
continue to move forward with a true commitment to our mission and the campers and families we serve.
As a Ramah parent, I know how passionately our children connect to Ramah. I also know how those
connections strengthen over time, and that the ties to both camp and those who shared in the summer
experiences become unbreakable. This is how Ramah succeeds – generation by generation – and it is an
honor to be part of something so integral to the Jewish community.
My years as Board Chair, chronicled in this report, were full of excitement, challenge, joy and awe. I hope
that, as a member of the Ramah family, you also experience the sense of pride and accomplishment these
years have brought our way. I am indebted to all of you.
Kol tuv,
Ilana Meskin
Chair, Board of Directors 2009–2011

Camp Ramah in California
Camp Ramah in California is part of a worldwide network of Ramah overnight and day camps spanning the globe from North
America to South America, Israel, and Eastern Europe. Ramah’s emergence has been described as “the jewel in the crown of
the Conservative Movement.” Camp Ramah in California, which celebrated its 50 th Anniversary in 2006, serves the Western
Region of North America – including Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico,
Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Each summer Ramah campers, from day schools and Hebrew schools in large and small Jewish
communities across the region, come together in Ojai on the campgrounds at the Max and Pauline Zimmer Conference Center.
Ramah summers offer swimming, drama, ceramics and arts and crafts, video production, Israeli dancing, archery, cooking, nature hikes, and more.
Hebrew musicals, performed at the Jacoby Amphitheater, are summer highlights. Ramah’s sports program includes basketball, ga-ga, volleyball, football,
baseball, tennis, soccer, and the Meskin Family Ropes Course.
Specialized Programs
Tikvah – Educate a child according to his/her ways. (Proverbs 22:6) Amitzim and Ezra are Ramah’s innovative Tikvah programs, which provide sleep-away
summer camp and vocational training experiences for adolescents and young adults with differences in learning, communication, social interactions, and
developmental delays. These campers have the opportunity to receive all of the benefits of the larger camp program. Thanks to generous grants from the
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles and other donors, Camp Ohr Lanu was initiated in 2008. Ohr Lanu is a week-long camp that combines study,
prayer and fun into a program designed specifically for families who have children ages 5–14 with special needs.
Ramah Seminar in Israel – A fun-filled, in-depth program for high school juniors in which students spend 6 weeks in Israel
complete with hikes, archaeology, and desert treks. It introduces participants to the history of the Jewish state and involves
them in central issues facing Israel today. Informal Hebrew language education and the study of contemporary and classic
texts are central to the program.
In addition to summer programs, the Max and Pauline Zimmer Conference Center, including the Irene and Howard
Levine Family Retreat Center, is also open year-round, providing a range of programs for people from all walks of life –
including Family Programs, Children’s Weekends and a Passover Institute. At Ramah, learning, fun, and personal growth
flourish all year in an environment where Jewish values and a warm community are an inviting welcome to everyone entering
its gates.
3

“ Our entire family
has benefited enormously
from our seven years at
Camp Ramah - all five of us
are devotees of Family Camp and
our older children would not consider
summer complete without Camp Ramah.”
Alex Bernstein / Sonia Daccarett, San Francisco, CA

Summary of Accomplishments 2008 – 2011
June 2008 Kishroniya (specialists) program developed with gift from Howard & Diane Zack
August 2008 Dedication of the Stone Family Ezra Dormitory
December 2008 Ilana & Dr. Mark Meskin honored at annual gala
January 2009 Camp Ramah offered opportunity to purchase camp property
August 2009 Dedication ceremony honoring official purchase of Ramah property
December 2009 Shirley & Marvin Selter honored at annual gala
February 2010 Camp Ramah offices move to Encino
April 2010 Dedication of the Meskin Ropes Course
Dedication of the Levine Retreat Center
December 2010 Tara & Jay Reisbaum, Sandi & Avi Schlesinger and
Marci & Dr. Andrew Spitzer honored at annual gala
January 2011 Dorot Ramah annual major gift society established
June 2011 Camp Ramah’s first organic garden established
December 2011 Ruth Ziegler honored at annual gala
5

6
At a Glance…
*Significant increase in revenue due
to Ojai Purchase Campaign

“ Our family supports Camp
Ramah, and Jewish camps in
general, because we feel it’s
our best investment in
‘keeping Jewish kids Jewish’.”
Lisa and Victor Kohn, Los Angeles

8
Annual Galas in Review
Camp Ramah’s annual gala dinners are well known in the
Jewish community. Held in December each year, they provide the
opportunity to recognize those whose level of support and dedication
to Ramah and the Jewish community sets examples for commitment,
leadership and tzedakah. We were honored to salute the following
individuals:
On December 4, 2008, Dr. Mark and Ilana Meskin were lauded at
Adat Ari El for their tireless efforts on behalf of Ramah, Israel and the
Jewish community. The Meskin family established its connection to
Ramah through a decade of Family Camp attendance, and daughters
Diane and Myra began as campers in their childhood and grew to
become counselors and Roshei Edah. Leaders and dedicated volunteers
in the community, Mark and Ilana (incoming Ramah Board Chair at
the time of this dinner) requested that the proceeds from their event
help create the Meskin Ropes Course, one of the most popular individual
and team-building activities at Ramah today.
The 2009 dinner, which took place at Sinai Temple on December 3 rd ,
honored Marvin and Shirley Selter. Marv, a long time Board member,
is well known for his business acumen and together with Shirley has
served on scores of nonprofit boards, chaired fundraisers, and led
numerous civic, charitable, professional and community organizations.
Shirley and Marv were active supporters as Ramah Regents for many
years and are deeply committed to the camp’s Tikvah Program.
Proceeds from the evening created the Dr. David Lieber Scholarship
Endowment Fund at Camp Ramah.
On December 9, 2010, Ramah honored three special couples at the
Sportsmen’s Lodge. Jay & Tara Reisbaum, Avi & Sandi Schlesinger,
and Dr. Andrew & Marci Spitzer were recognized as remarkable
community leaders, Board members, camp staff, inspirational
parents, and close friends. They all grew up at Ramah camps and
have remained stalwart supporters of Ramah throughout their lives.
Over the years, their dedication of time and effort has greatly helped
to ensure Ramah’s success. Thanks to this special evening, Camp
Ramah was able to pay down the mortgage of the Ojai property.
On December 1, 2011, Ruth Ziegler, well known throughout the
Jewish community locally, nationally and internationally for her
philanthropic endeavors, was recognized at Ramah’s annual gala.
Ruth’s late husband, Allen (z”l), provided bakery supplies to Ramah
for decades, and Ruth graciously led the Ojai Purchase campaign
with a significant gift. The celebration, which took place at Sinai
Temple, successfully raised significant funds for the Ziegler
Scholarship Endowment Fund, providing financial assistance
for Ramah campers.

10
Ojai Purchase Campaign – 2009
In November of 2008, the Board of Directors of American Jewish University offered Camp Ramah a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the chance to purchase
outright the camp property that had been operated by the Board and Staff of Camp Ramah for 53 years. Camp Ramah immediately began the Ojai Purchase
Campaign to raise $2.7 million in order to both own and operate the camp and ensure the growth and expansion necessary for the future.
Thanks to the incredible outpouring of support from generous donors and the Jewish community, Ramah raised the funds required in less than a year, and
celebrated its independence as a stand-alone institution with the “Celebration of a Lifetime” in August 2009.
We are proud to recognize the following, all of whom are named on plaques at Camp, for their outstanding commitment to this significant and historical endeavor:
ANGELS ohpra
Ruth Ziegler
PILLARS ohsung
Julie and Marc Platt
CORNERSTONES ,ubhp
Janet and Jake Farber
Abner and Roz Goldstine
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Sybil z”l and Mannon Kaplan and Family
Irene and Howard Levine and Family
Judith and Louis Miller and Family
Camp Ramah in California Celebrates
Independence Through Property Purchase
BUILDERS ohbuc
Sheila and Aaron Leibovic and Family
Ilana and Mark Meskin and Family
Angel and Alan Schneider and Family
Marvin R. and Shirley Selter
Sheila and Alan Spiwak and Family
The Tenenblatt Family
Martin F. Witkin Trust/Michael Waterman, Trustee
Diane and Howard Zack and Family
AUGUST 2009

TRAILBLAZERS ohkkux
The Irwin, Ronald and Edward Field Families
The Simha & Sara Lainer Family Foundation
The Monkarsh Family:
Joy and Jerry Monkarsh
Jon, Heidi, Briana and Russell Monkarsh
Julie, Isaac and Jonah Gadinsky
Dorothy and Avram Salkin and Family
Marilyn and Sigi Ziering Family Foundation
THE RIGHTEOUS ohshxj
David Albert Trust
Nancy and Scott Beiser and Family
Aviva and Leon Biederman
The Bordy Family:
Michael, Melissa, Shayna, Jenna and Samantha
Kenneth J. & Marilynn J. Friedman Family
Foundation
Elizabeth and Nathan Leight
Paulette and Ron Nessim
Dana, Evan, Shira, Eitan and Shimon
Schlessinger
Annette and Daniel Shapiro and Family
Orna and Keenan Wolens
THE JUST ohehsm
The Aftergood Family
Amy and Robert Bressman and Family
Beth and Rodney Freeman
Gaby and Jeffrey Kaplan
Lesley, Jeff, Yale and Serena Wolman
GUARDIANS ohrnua
Hannah, Jordan and Alex Kekst
and their Parents
Deborah and Etan Milgrom
Pamela and Randol Schoenberg
Gary Wolens
COMPANIONS ohshsh
Carol and Chuck Abrams
The Artson Family
Rhoda and Bob Barnhard
Jamie and Joel Berman
Selina and Brian Boxer-Wachler
Ellen and Jeffrey Brown
The Cunningham Family
Barbara and Alan Gindi
Sandy and Bill Goodglick
Jennifer and Rabbi Daniel Greyber and Family
Marlene and Barry Horwitz
In honor of our children and grandchildren
Lela and Norman Jacoby and Family
Lisa and Gary Lainer and Family
Marlene, Randy, Stephen and Alex Michaels
Marcia and David Nimmer
Tara and Jay Reisbaum
Fredi and Rabbi Joel Rembaum and Family
Kathy and Peter Reynolds
Elaine and Lee Rosen and Family
Avi, Sandi, Lisa, Adam and Talya Schlesinger
Paul and Joan Schultz
Marci and Andrew Spitzer and Talia, Eitan,
Sigal and Gilad
Jennifer and Lawrence Trilling and Jonah,
Lyla and Dahlia
11

12
Capital Projects in Review
In the summer of 2008, Ramah was proud to dedicate the
new Stone Family Ezra Building. Thanks to a $1 million gift from the
Stone Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of
San Diego, this building now provides dormitory living to Camp
Ramah’s Ezra staff – young adults with special needs who
have graduated from our Tikvah camper program.
Complete with lounges and a kitchen to help promote
cooking and clean-up skills, the facility has made a
significant impact on the Ezra residents, helping to
enhance their ability to live independent and Jewish lives.
April 2010 was the month for dedications of two
wonderful new additions to Camp Ramah. First, we
opened our state-of-the art Meskin Ropes
Course as an expansion of our outdoor
activities program. This magnificent
course, offering climbing, swinging and
ziplining, has created opportunities for
our campers to work in teams or test
their individual abilities. Made
possible by the proceeds from the
2008 dinner honoring the incoming
Board Chair Ilana Meskin and her
husband, Dr. Mark Meskin, the
course is used for a variety of activities
depending on the ages of the participants
and has become a
very popular activity
not only among our
summer campers but with
our off-season retreat visitors
as well.
We also dedicated the beautiful
Levine Retreat Center. This facility
was purchased several years ago as part of
the expansive orange grove property acquired
by Ramah. Honorary Life Trustee and former Board Chair Howard
Levine and his wife, Irene, provided the funds to remodel the house
and turn it into a spectacular retreat center, offering 9 comfortable
suites complete with bedroom and bathroom for special
guests. Board members and donors, visiting rabbis
and activity specialists have all had the opportunity
to spend time in this beautiful facility, and it is
used frequently during the off-season for a
variety of retreats. Ramah is very grateful
to Howard and Irene Levine for helping
us create such a special space for
our visitors!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2008 – 2011
Aaron Aftergood (2008-2011)
Dr. Matt Albert (2008-2009)*
Rabbi Brad Artson (2008-2011)*
Samantha Platt Auerbach (2011)
Gary A. Ball (2010-2011)
Dr. Robert H. Barnhard (2008)*
Nancy Beiser (2011)
Joel Berman (2008-2011)*
Alex Bernstein (2009-2011)
Dr. Leon Biederman (2008-2010)
Ellen Brown (2008-2011)*
Jill Carmer (2010-2011)
Rochelle Cohen (2008-2011)*
Sherri Cunningham (2008-2011)*
Cheryl Davidson (2008-2010)
Tom Fields-Meyer (2008-2011)
Robin Finkelstein (2008)
Beth Astor Freeman (2008-2009, 2011)
Barry Horwitz (2008-2009)
Jeff Kaplan (2008-2011)
Rebecca Kekst (2008-2011)*
Robert Kessler (2010-2011)
Lisa Kohn (2010-2011)
Deborah Kattler Kupetz (2008-2009)
Gary Lainer (2010-2011)
Sheila Leibovic (2008-2011)*
Janine Lowy (2008-2009)
Ilana Meskin (2008-2011)*
Randy Michaels (2008)
Joseph Miller (2009-2011)
Heidi Monkarsh (2010-2011)
Ron Nessim (2008-2010)*
Julie Platt (2008-2011)*
Jay Reisbaum (2008-2011)*
Board membership is listed only for the years noted in this report
Fredi Rembaum (2008-2011)
Peter Reynolds (2008-2010)
Elaine Rosen (2009-2011)
Avi Schlesinger (2008-2011)*
Dana Goodman Schlessinger (2008-2011)*
Alan Schneider (2008-2010)
Sherri Schreiber (2011)
Marvin Selter (2009-2011)
Julie Shuer (2010-2011)
Dr. Andrew Spitzer (2008-2011)*
Sheila Spiwak (2009-2011)
Arnold Stengel (2011)
Joel Stern (2008, 2010-2011)
Ryan Stone (2008-2009)
Elana Storch (2008)
Jennifer Kattler Trilling (2009-2011)
Michael Waterman (2008, 2010-2011)
Shari Weiner (2008)
Bruce Whizin (2009-2011)
Orna Wolens (2008-2009, 2011)
Lesley Wolman (2008-2011)*
Howard Zack (2008)
Gita Zarnegar (2010-2011)
*Served on Executive Committee
HONORARY LIFE DIRECTORS
Dr. Robert H. Barnhard
Murray Cohen
Jake Farber
Dr. Norman Jacoby
Mannon Kaplan
Howard Levine
Lou Miller
Seymour Neuman z”l
Dr. Paul Schultz
Ramah Leadership
PAST PRESIDENTS
Ben Lax z”l
Harry Friedman z”l
Seymour Neuman z”l
M. Harvey Powell z”l
Maynard Bernstein z”l
Howard Levine
Dr. Paul Schultz
Mannon Kaplan
Jake Farber
Louis G. Miller
Dr. Robert H. Barnhard
Jay Reisbaum
Julie Platt
CAMP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Rabbi Jacob Pressman 1955
Dr. David Lieber z”l 1956-57
Dr. Chaim Potok z”l 1958-59
Dr. Walter Ackerman z”l 1960-69
Rabbi Zvi Dershowitz 1963-73
(Camp Manager & Winter Director)
Dr. Ronald Levine 1970-71
Dr. Stuart Kelman 1971-72
Dr. Asher Meltzer 1972-73
Dr. Walter Ackerman z”l 1973-74
Dr. Sheldon Dorph 1973-74
Yisrael Spiegler 1974-76
Dr. Alvin Mars 1975-84
Rabbi Glen Karonsky 1985-89
Rabbi Ed Feinstein 1990-93
Robin Graff 1993-94
(Winter/Interim Director)
Brian Greene 1994-2001
Rabbi Daniel Greyber 2001-2010
Rabbi Joseph Menashe 2010-
13

14
Camp Ramah in California
Leadership Giving 2011 and Beyond *
Ramah is proud to acknowledge the Founders of its new Dorot Ramah major gifts society. Ramah created Dorot Ramah in order to maintain the
highest standards in Jewish summer camping, while at the same time striving to make camp affordable to all youngsters who desire to have a
Ramah experience. Dorot Ramah gifts start at $5,000 and may be directed to scholarship, programming, or unrestricted annual support for the
camp’s greatest needs.
Leaders’ Circle
Anonymous
Lisa & Victor Kohn
Irene & Howard Levine
Ilana & Dr. Mark Meskin
Julie & Marc Platt
Directors’ Circle
Janet & Jake Farber
Lela & Dr. Norman Jacoby
Sheila & Aaron Leibovic
Ambassadors
Nancy & Scott Beiser
Rochelle & Freddy Cohen
Suzanne & Elliott Felson – Etrog Fund #1
Andrea Narin & Larry Gill
Estate of Dr. Herman H. Kaye
Marci & Dr. Andrew Spitzer
Diane & Howard Zack
Regents
Jamie & Joel Berman
Ben B. & Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundation
Elyse Weise & David Gorney
Heidi, Jon, Briana and Russell Monkarsh
Gwen & Jeremy Rosenthal
Jennifer & Lawrence Trilling
*as of December 31, 2011

“ Summers at Ramah were the
highlight of my childhood and
adolescence. Life without Camp Ramah
is simply unimaginable. I am part of Dorot
Ramah to make sure my kids and future
generations have the same connection to
Judaism that has helped shape my life.”
Jennifer Trilling, Los Angeles
15

16
Alon Binyamin Legacy Circle *
Members of the Alon Binyamin Legacy Circle are securing the future of Camp Ramah in California through their
estate plans. We are deeply grateful to the following individuals for helping ensure that Ramah will be available for
generations of campers to come.
Anonymous
Carol & Charles Abrams
Jennifer & Aaron Aftergood
Samantha Platt Auerbach & Michael Auerbach
Jamie & Joel Berman
Alex Bernstein & Sonia Daccarett
David Braun, MD
Ellen & Jeff Brown
Rochelle & Freddy Cohen
Janet & Jake Farber
Jennifer & Rabbi Daniel Greyber
Harold Grinspoon
Marlene & Barry Horwitz
Rebecca & David Kekst
Sheila & Aaron Leibovic
Miriam Lincoff
Ilana & Mark Meskin
Marlene & Randy Michaels
Karmi & Harold Monsher
Deborah Musher & Rabbi Joseph Menashe
Paulette & Ron Nessim
Julie & Marc Platt
Jay & Tara Reisbaum
Fredi & Rabbi Joel Rembaum
Bea Reynolds
Kathy & Peter Reynolds
Avi & Sandi Schlesinger
Dana Goodman Schlessinger &
Evan Schlessinger
Alan & Angel Schneider
Julie Shuer & Steve Davis
Sue Stengel & Steve Wallock
Jackie & Michael Waterman
Bruce F. Whizin
*as of December 31, 2011

It is Bea Reynolds’ personal mission to “rebuild what was
lost” that has led her to become an extraordinary leader in the Jewish
community. Her decades as a volunteer demonstrate fulfillment of
her heartfelt mission and her remarkable dedication to Judaism.
After emigrating from Germany in 1938, Bea spent her teen years in
Chicago. She met and married Fred Reynolds (z”l), also a German
immigrant, and together they moved to Los Angeles in 1956. They
promptly joined Temple Adat Ari El (known at that time as the Valley
Jewish Community Center) and became deeply involved in Jewish
life. Bea served as the youngest Sisterhood president (1963-65, a
record still held to this day) and Fred was President at the time of the
Temple’s name change (1970-71).
Having received a scholarship from the University of Judaism, Bea
began a love affair with that institution, studying and volunteering.
In the early ‘70s, she was the first woman elected to the University’s
Board of Directors and has remained active on various committees,
as well as serving as Archivist and the Docent leader.
In Women’s League, the parent organization of all international
conservative Sisterhoods, Bea continues to serve on the Board of the
Pacific Southwest Region and the international Board where, at this
time, she is one of only two women still living who have received the
title of Honorary International Board Member of Women’s League for
Conservative Judaism.
Legacy Profile: Bea Reynolds
She is deeply passionate about Torah Fund and has
devoted over 50 years to growing its success.
Camp Ramah in California played an important
role in Bea’s life as well, as she and Fred spent
25 years serving Camp Ramah in California as
Board members. Their sons, Peter and Ron,
as well as their grandchildren, have all attended
Camp Ramah, and Peter has followed the
tradition with his own active role on the Board.
Bea says her service to the camp was “the natural
thing to do,” and to demonstrate their commitment to
Ramah, she and Fred thoughtfully named the camp as a
beneficiary in her estate plans. Ramah will thus become the recipient
of a portion of Bea’s significant legacy, and her gift will make a
difference for future generations of campers. In addition, Bea is now a
member of the Alon Binyamin Legacy Circle at Ramah, which recognizes
those whose planned gifts will help secure the future of the camp.
With her amazing 50-year history of volunteer activities and leadership
roles, Bea is a powerful example of a life dedicated to Judaism and
the preservation of tradition. She also sets an example for those
interested in leaving a legacy with Camp Ramah in California. You,
too, can help us continue our work well into the future by creating a
planned gift, whether it’s through a bequest, a life insurance policy,
or other creative options.
For further information on Legacy giving, please contact Ilana Ormond, Director of Development, at 818-668-2929 or ilana@ramah.org.
17

18
Dedicated Facilities at Camp Ramah *
Albert Observatory
in memory of David Lawrence 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
Beren Athletic Facility
Beren Family Parking Space
Robert M. Beren Tennis Center
in honor of his children & grandchildren & his sister,
Lela Beren Jacoby & her children & grandchildren
Berg Commons
in honor of Al & Bess Berg
Golden-Berkley Family Shade Sail
Handball Court
in memory of Ilan Gabriel Biederman
Ma’agal Ilan
in memory of Ilan Gabriel Biederman
Braun Solar Facilities
Bressman Family Benches
Cohen-Farber-Lavender Families Solar Pool Heating
Cole Family Outdoor Sanctuary
Deutsch-Kurland-Weiner Friendship Circle
Deutsch Boys’ Showers
Rehov Deutsch
Dorff-Nelson Kikar Tzion Outdoor Sanctuary
in memory of Edith Judith Nelson
Elaine & Leo Dozoretz Prayer Area
Sunny & Harold Easton Prayer Area
Sidney Eichenbaum Soccer Field
Familian-Smalley Swimming Pool Facility
in memory of Sunny & 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
Friendship Benches
in honor of Tara & Jay Reisbaum,
Sandi & Avi Schlesinger
and Marci & Andrew Spitzer
Friday Night Group Bench
Ner Tamid
given by the Gilberg and Lenz Families
Gindi Chadar Ochel
Leone & Marvin Golden Prayer Area
Gonda Family Foundation Director’s Office
Milton & Sandy Gordon & Family Prayer Area
Helene & Albert Greenfield Prayer Area
Greyber Family Bench
Greyber Family Retreat Center Suite
Hyman Kikar Lil
Jacoby Family Amphitheatre
Lela & Dr. Norman Jacoby Prayer Area
Janks Family Pool Slide Landing Area
Jefferson Health Center Ward
in honor of Irene, Elizabeth & Alexander Jefferson
Charlotte & Dr. Edward Kamenir Prayer Area
Kasirer Family Beit Midrash & Torah
Kitah Table
in memory of Dolores D. Kaye
Herman H. Kaye Medical Center
Kitchen Renovation
given by the Farber, Gindi & Miller Families
and the Martin F. Witkin Charitable Trust
Labowe Bunks
Sara & Simha Lainer Prayer Area
Alon Binyamin
in memory of Ben J. Lax
Marp Suite
in memory of the parents of Allan & Mary Lazaroff
Lazaroff Camper Residence
Leibovic Family Kitah Table
in honor of Tova,Talia & Tori Leibovic
Aaron & Sheila Leibovic Family Pool
Leibovic Family Pool Slide
Shirley & Ted Levine Basketball Court
in memory of Ted Levine
Irene & Howard 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
Adam Lipton Bunk Play Area
Benjamin Lowy Remote Campground Trail
Meskin Family Kitah Table
Meskin Family Full Perimeter Trail Loop
Meskin Family Ropes Course
Miller Bunks
i n 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
Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Prayer Area
Nessim Family Pool Deck
Jack and Bel Ostrow Executive Dining Room
Evelyn & John Pennish Prayer Area
Platt Family Dance Patio
in honor of Samantha, Jonah, Hannah,
Benjamin & Henry Platt
Platt Family Parking Space
Marjorie & Herman Platt Prayer Area
Bea & Fred Reynolds Prayer Area
Dedicated Facilities at Camp Ramah *
Robin Camper Residence
Flagpoles
given by M. Harvey & Jean Powell
Rochlin Camper Residence
Original Tennis Court Facility
in memory of “Mikey”–Michael Lawrence Roston
Salkin Family Tree House & Trail
Janet & Maxwell H. Salter Prayer Area
Helen & Raymond Sandler Prayer Area
Schlessinger Family Gaga Court
Schlessinger Family Kitah Table
Schlessinger Family Shade Sail
Schneider Family Gan
in honor of Cheyenne, Evan & Ivy Schneider
Rehov Schneider
Vera & Abraham A. Schnierow Prayer Area
Schulman Nurse’s Office
Rehov Selter
Rehov Shalom
in memory of Dr. S. Salem Fabe
by Brenda Fabe & Michael Adler
Silverman Doctor’s Suite
Ezra Dormitory Suite
in memory of Lana Berke Silverman
Flora & Arnold Skovron Prayer Area
Bea & Sam Smotrich Prayer Area
Dr. Jacob Sokol Memorial
Spitzer Heder Bishul
Spiwak-Baran Staff Lounge
Giborei Yisrael Beit Knesset
in memory of Jacob Hillel Stern
Scott Stone Activity Field
in memory of Scott Noah Stone
Stone Family Ezra Program Dormitory
Esther Strimling Prayer Area
Tenenblatt Family Pool Slide
Flag Circle
in memory of Jerry L. Weber
Waterman Family Parking Space
Evelyn & Seymour Waterman Prayer Area
Weiner–Finkelstein–Taff Family Beit Yaacov
in memory of Jack A. Finkelstein and in honor of
Irving & Lillian Weiner & Kitty Finkelstein
Weiner–Finkelstein–Taff Family Parking Space
Whizin Building
Whizin Rose Garden and Entry
Wolens Family Shade Sail
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. 19

20
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.
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
Grandparents Four 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
The Schneider Family Scholarship Endowment
Lana Berke Silverman Tikvah Scholarship Fund
The Smotrich Family Scholarship Fund
Reuben Tucker Scholarship Endowment Fund
Shari & Michael Weiner Scholarship Endowment
Sidney & Marilyn Williams Scholarship
Endowment Fund
Whizin Scholarship Fund
Ziegler Scholarship Endowment Fund
Zimmer Scholarship Fund
PROGRAM ENDOWMENTS
The Barnhard Mador Young Leadership Endowment
The Spitzer Family IKAR Endowment
The Spiwak Family Tikkun Olam Endowment
Tikvah Program Endowment
The Ziegler Tikvah Counselors Endowment
OTHER ENDOWMENTS
Nuritt & Elie Mechaly Facilities Beautification
and Maintenance Endowment Fund
Art Williams Rosh Gesher Endowment

The following pages acknowledge donors who made gifts to Camp Ramah in 2011 only. We are deeply grateful to all of our donors who have generously contributed in previous years.
$100,000 and up
The Jim Joseph Foundation
at the Jewish Federation of
Greater Los Angeles
Ruth Ziegler
$50,000 – $99,999
Sandy Gordon
Janine and Peter Lowy *
Ilana and Dr. Mark Meskin
Julie and Marc Platt
$25,000 – $49,999
Robert Beren
Janet and Jake Farber
Lela and Dr. Norman Jacoby
Lisa and Victor Kohn
Sheila and Aaron Leibovic
Irene and Howard Levine
National Ramah Commission
Diane and Howard Zack
$10,000 – $24,999
Alpert & Alpert Iron & Metal, Inc.
Nancy and Scott Beiser
Rochelle and Freddy Cohen
Louis L. Colen
Suzanne and Elliott Felson
Donna Gilbert
Roz and Abner Goldstine
Sandy and Bill Goodglick
Jewish Community Foundation
Mannon Kaplan
The Herman H. Kaye Charitable
Foundation
The Simha and Sara Lainer Family
Foundation
Betty Matoff z”l
Hannah Platt
Fred Siegel
Marci and Dr. Andrew Spitzer
Sheila and Dr. Alan Spiwak
Anne and David Steirman
Arthur Williams
Martin F. Witkin Charitable Trust /
Michael Waterman, Trustee
Betty and Ron Ziegler
Max and Pauline Zimmer Family
Foundation
$5,000 – $9,999
Anonymous
Drs. Aviva and Leon Biederman
Ellen and Jeff Brown
CAS Foundation
Emily and Rick Corleto
Marlynn and Rabbi Elliot Dorff
Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg
Foundation
Andrea J. Narin and Lawrence B. Gill
Rachel Gindi
Elyse Weise and David Gorney
Jewish Federation of San Diego
County
Rebecca and David Kekst
Ellie and Mark Lainer
Amy and Harold Masor
Judith and Louis Miller
Heidi and Jon Monkarsh
Gwen Shelden and Jeremy Rosenthal
Santa Clarita Real Estate
Partnership LTD
Jennifer Kattler Trilling and
Lawrence Trilling
Lesley and Jeffrey Wolman
2011 Donors
$2,500 – $4,999
Jenny and Aaron Aftergood
Heidi and Noam Arzt
Jamie and Joel Berman
Amy and Robert Bressman
Sylvie and Mark Deutsch
Susan and Dr. David Farkas
Helgard and Irwin Field
Judy Fischer
Foundation for Jewish Camp
Grinspoon Institute for Jewish
Philanthropy
Hyman Levine Foundation
Sharon and Leon Janks
Nancy Beren and Dr. Larry Jefferson
Jennifer and Michael Kaplan
Lisa and Gary Lainer
Nadine and Steven Lavender
Allyn and Jeffrey Levine
Deborah and Dr. Etan Milgrom
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks &
Mortuaries
Fredi and Rabbi Joel Rembaum
Sandi and Avi Schlesinger
Annette and Daniel Shapiro
Sisterhood of Adat Ari El
Elizabeth and Michael Soroudi
Marilyn Ziering
* Final gift of the generous 5-year Lowy Campership Incentive, which enabled nearly 500 new campers to participate in the Camp Ramah experience.
21

22
2011 Donors
$1,000 – $2,499
Adele and Trevor Abramson
Susan and Carl Albert
American Committee for the
Weizmann Institute of Science
Appelbaum Family Foundation
Jeff Astor Foundation
Samantha Platt Auerbach and
Michael Auerbach
Amy and Gary A. Ball
Jill and Thomas Barad
Rhoda and Dr. Robert H. Barnhard
Sanford and Phyllis Beim Family
Foundation
Donna and Ron Bender
J.B. Berland Foundation
Sonia and Alex Bernstein
Geri and Herb Bieber
Selina and Brian Boxer-Wachler
The Brand Foundation of
New York, Inc.
Jill and Adam Carmer
Jeri and Ira Cohen
Gabrielle and Dr. Malcolm Cosgrove
Julie Shuer and Steven Davis
Eileen and Dr. Don Diamond
Deborah and Eric Diamond
Myra Diamond
Dixie Richards Dresner and
Dr. Steven Dresner
Judy and Tom Flesh
Jackie and Scott Frager
Tamar and Dr. Gerald Freeman
Peter Gluck
Shawn Goodman
Diane and David Gould
Lisa and Randy Gruen
Gumbiner Savett, Inc.
Hebrew Union College
Renee and Dr. Harold Holland
Marlene and Barry Horwitz
Charlotte Kamenir
Gaby and Jeffrey Kaplan
Dr. Lynne Diamond and Gary Kates
Rabbi Sheldon Kirsch
Havi and Rabbi Adam Kligfeld
Karen and James Kohut
Deborah Kattler Kupetz and
David Kupetz
Lee and Luis Lainer
Elayne and Howard Levkowitz
Susan L. Lopez-Giss
Virginia and Frank Maas
Nuritt and Elie Mechaly
Deborah Musher and
Rabbi Joseph M. Menashe
Bette and Albert Menashe
Taren and Dr. Ralph Metson
Milken Family Foundation
Amy and Joseph Miller
Karmi and Harold Monsher
Paulette and Ron Nessim
Ruth and Sidney Pilot
Eva Raber
Kathy and Peter Reynolds
Janice and Benjamin Reznik
Adele and Herb Reznikoff
Peggy and Edward Robin
Lois and Rabbi Moshe Rothblum
Dr. Claudia Wallock and
Sandor Samuels
Dana and Evan Schlessinger
Angel and Alan Schneider
Sherri and Robert Schreiber
Shirley and Marvin Selter
Fela and David Shapell
Annette and Leonard Shapiro
Sinai Temple
Mehry and Dr. Marvin Smotrich
Aaron Spiwak
Susan Jacoby and Joel Stern
Rosalyn Taub
Anna and William Tenenblatt
The Saul Brandman Foundation
Linda and Stephan Tow
Jackie and Michael Waterman
Deborah Eisen and Joel Weinstein
Bruce Whizin
Orna and Keenan Wolens
Young Family Trust at
The San Diego Foundation
Jan and Dr. Phillip Zakowski
Dr. Gita Zarnegar
Kim Zucker
Mark Zucker

$500 – $999
Adat Ari El
Leah Adler
Sara and Dr. David Aftergood
Sharon and Michael Bacharach
Alyse and Stuart Berkley
Dina Chernick
Lisa and Craig Cooper
Drs. Gaby and Danny Cosgrove
Sherri and Paul Cunningham
Gail and Hal Dash
Cheryl and Bill Davidson
Sol Dresner
Judith and Dr. Leslie Eber
Rebekah and Howard Farber
Jory and Ted Feldman
Larry Fell
Molly Forrest and Erwin Diller
Beth Astor and Rodney Freeman
Helyn and Robert Friedman
Elaine and Sy Goldberg
Tamira and Dean Goldfein
Clarann and Irwin Goldring
Drs. Marian and Charles Goldsmith
Selma Goldstein
Iris Goodman
Green, Hasson & Janks
Earl Greinetz
Myna and Uri Herscher
Sheila and Milton Hyman
Jewish Family Service
Jewish Free Loan
Jonah Press Fund
Debra and Robert Kasirer
KASL Foundation
Hannah and Marshall Kramer
Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz
and Scott Lenz
Julie and David Levine
Lewis & Gerry Sare Philanthropic
Fund
Isabel and M. Milo Mandel
Abby and Jonny Mars
Marcy and Frank Melton
Lora and James Meyer
Marlene and Randy Michaels
Dr. William Miller
Roll Giving
Janet and Robert Rosenblum
Wendy and Allan Rosenthal
Laurence Rubin
Leah and Edward Schneider
Ellen and Rabbi Allan Schranz
Shirley Baskin Foundation
Sinai Temple Men’s Club
Sinai Temple Sisterhood
Julie Smooke
Southern California Cinetech
Students Run LA
Temple Sinai Las Vegas
Delilah and Mark Urman
Sam Utay
Susan Stengel and Steve Wallock
Harriet and Harold Waterman
Shari and Michael Weiner
Drs. Hana and Robert Wexler
Susan and David Wilstein
Ruby and Peter Winkelman
Gary Wolens
Olivia and John Ziegler
Marjorie and Mandell S. Ziegler
$250 – $499
Aetna PAC Match Program
Rosanna Bogart
Suzy and Stephen Bookbinder
Michelle and Rabbi Micah Caplan
Rabbi Shawn and Tom Fields-Meyer
Elissa and Dr. Bruce Fishman
Adeena Fitter
Liz Forer
Doris and Ernest B. Goodman
Howard Green
Jennifer and Rabbi Daniel Greyber
2011 Donors
Rabbi Nicole Guzik
Deborah Schmidt and
Rabbi Abraham Havivi
Stacey Jasper
Susan and George Kaplan
Drs. Beth and Abner Korn
Carole and Dr. David Kulber
Jill and Marty Lasker
Ariella and David Lehrer
Mary Beth and Richard Lieberman
Mitchell Locks
Los Angeles Hebrew High School
23

24
2011 Donors
Angela and Dr. Jamshid Maddahi
Eve and Dr. Harold Marcus
Petty and Dr. Bates Metson
Carina and Jonathan M. Miller
Dr. Laurie Levenson and
Douglas Mirell
Leah Mizrachi
Lydia and Dr. Benjamin Musher
Gail and Dr. Ken Nussen
Jean Powell
Marjorie and Rabbi Jacob Pressman
Irene and Robert Prushan
Alison Mayersohn and
Rabbi Laurence Scheindlin
Susan Goland and Russell Schwartz
Rabbi Gail Labovitz and
William Seligman
Joann Siegel
Micaela F. Varela and Scott Sigel
Selma and Phillip Silverman
Neila and Harvey Sisskind
Fran and Arnold Stengel
Louise and Craig Taubman
Toth Inc/Corsun Inc.
Paul Troy
Stephanie and Michael Weisberg
Elana Rimmon Zimmerman
and Scott Zimmerman
$118 – $249
Vivian and Ron Alberts
Merrill and Gregg Alpert
David Ashkenazi
June Bell and Neil Mendelson
Debi and Elie Benaron
Jackie Beuzieron
Ellen and Dr. David Braun
Lindsay and Will Bressman
Rhonda Averbach and Jack Chislov
Carol and Dr. Ralph Clayman
Mildred and Murray Cohen
Cari and Rabbi Mitchell Cohen
Tina and Bruce Coleman
Dvorah Colker
Congregation Ner Tamid
of South Bay
Congregation Netivot Shalom
Itay Engelman
Gail Fischmann
Ruth and David Fiske
Vanessa and Martin Friedman
Ivonne and Daniel Goldberg
Sheryl and Seth Goldman
Pamela Goldman
Frances and Milton Goodman
Karen and Jeffrey Goss
Robin and Dr. Gil Graff
Karen and Steven Grey
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Hostyk
Rebekah and Robert Hurwitz
Eva and Samuel Jason
Dr. Zachary Lasker
Michal and Howard Lesner
Irene S. Lieberman
Lea and Alexander Loewinger
Rosalie Lurie
Joi L. Morris and
Matthew F. Maccoby
Julie and Joel Mayer
Sharon C. McCauley
Golda and Dr. Martin Mendelsohn
Michelle and Jerry Mendelsohn
Teri and Howard Naftalin
Ilana and Steven Ormond
Alexandra Penzell
Sue and Howard Platt
Marcy and Andrew Polsky
Deborah and Dr. Bruce
Powell
Lisa and Dr. David Raphael
Beatrice Reynolds
Lauren and David Ross
Dr. and Mrs. Alan Saven
Tracy and Dale Schatz
Susan and Dr. Isaac Schmidt
Elin and Dr. Steven Schwartz
Lili and Dr. Jamshid Shafai
Helene and Ira Smith
Ann and Barry Steinberg
Stella and Dr. Leslie Stricke
Ronit Tsadok
Sherry Weinman and
Michael Umansky
Leslie and Dr. Andrew Wachtel
Nancy and Dr. Barry Waldman
Linda Press Wulf and
Dr. Stanley Wulf

YEAR-ROUND STAFF
Rabbi Joseph M. Menashe
Executive Director
Randy Michaels
Director of Finance and Administration
Elie Mechaly
Director of Operations
Ilana Ormond
Director of Development
Amy Mendelsohn
Program Coordinator
Wendy Morris
Finance Manager
Karmi Monsher
Outreach Coordinator
Hanit Stern
Office Coordinator
Jenni Romano
Finance Assistant
Erika Guerrero
Development Assistant
Elana Naftalin-Kelman
Tikvah Director
Camp Ramah 2012 Board of Directors
& Year-Round Staff
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Avi Schlesinger, Chair
Aaron Aftergood
Rabbi Bradley Artson
Samantha Platt Auerbach
Gary A. Ball
Nancy Beiser
Joel Berman
Alex Bernstein
Ellen Brown
Jill Carmer
Rochelle Cohen
Alison Feinberg
Tom Fields-Meyer
Beth Astor Freeman
Oren Gabriel
Lawrence Gill
Jeffrey Kaplan
Rebecca Kekst
Lisa Kohn
Audrey Kraus
Gary Lainer
Sheila Leibovic
Ilana Meskin
Heidi Monkarsh
Julie Platt
Lee Rosen
Dana Goodman Schlessinger
Sherri Schreiber
Marvin Selter
Julie Shuer
Sheila Baran Spiwak
Dr. Andrew Spitzer
Jennifer Kattler Trilling
Michael Waterman
Shari Weiner
Bruce Whizin
Orna Wolens
Lesley Wolman
Gita Zarnegar
Honorary Life Directors
Dr. Robert Barnhard
Murray Cohen
Jake Farber
Dr. Norman Jacoby
Mannon Kaplan
Howard Levine
Louis Miller
Jay Reisbaum
Dr. Paul Schultz
25

Summer Camp 2012
Session 1 (grades 4-10): June 20 – July 17
Session 2 (grades 4-10): July 19 – Aug.15
Gesher A (grades 3 & 4): June 20 – July 3
Gesher B (grades 4 & 5): July 4 – 17
Gesher C (grades 3 & 4): July 19 – Aug. 1
Gesher D (grades 4 & 5): August 2 – 15
Tikvah
Session 1: June 21 – July 17
Session 2: July 20 – August 15
Save the Dates
Camp Ohr Lanu
August 17 – 22, 2012
August 2, 2012
Legacy Planning Evening for
Ramah families (San Fernando Valley),
Private home *
IN CALIFORNIA
August 9, 2012
Legacy Planning Evening for
Ramah families (Westside),
Private home*
*Please call for details
December 5, 2012
Ramah Annual Gala
17525 Ventura Boulevard • Suite 201 • Encino, California 91316 • Phone: (888) 226-7726 • www.ramah.org
Camp Ramah is an American Camp Association accredited, coed, residential summer camp affiliated with the Conservative Movement and National Ramah Commission
and operates under the educational auspices of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University.
IN CALIFORNIA