vnr ubbjn - Camp Ramah Wisconsin
Transcription
vnr ubbjn - Camp Ramah Wisconsin
vnr ubbjn Fall 2013 s”ga, u,x From Jacob Cytryn, Director This past summer, we welcomed Nivonim 2000 to camp for their thirteenth-year reunion. As usual, it was a wonderful weekend for the alumni, their spouses and children, and it was great fun for me to reconnect with an eidah for which I hold a special affinity: my sister is in that eidah, as are many of the counselors I worked with as a Rosh Eidah. As we were reconnecting on Friday afternoon, however, little did I expect the treat that one alumna, Shira Goldstein, who now works at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, would offer: an aerial map of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, drawn by camper Bill Agress in 1963. The map itself is a bit like visiting an old house or neighborhood that we lived in many years ago. There are familiar landmarks but much is different. I am sure many alumni can shed some light on some of my questions: Why are cabins 3 and 6 connected, while halfway across camp sit 4 and 5? Did campers play in the swamps? What is amazing, especially when we compare the 1963 map to recent aerial photographs, is how much of the camp is still where it once was, from the “main house” (now our business office) to beito (the “director’s cabin”), the merkaz (then “arts and crafts’), and the bet am (“social hall”), as well as many of the cabins. We now call the “guest house” OGH – the “original” (or, as some prefer, “old” guest house), having been supplanted by a newer version sometime in the intervening 50 years. We know, however, from testimonials of grandparents who were themselves campers as well as many alumni who return to visit, that the physical changes in the camp, so noticeable upon one’s first arrival after years or decades away, are quickly overwhelmed and made irrelevant by that Ramah feeling which permeates the place. It still feels like the same place it once did; and many of the conversations, activities, and experiences that we see campers and staff having around the campus bring back sometimes visceral, often vivid memories of our own experiences years ago. This past summer, my first as director, I remember clearly watching our youngest male campers schlep their bags across the basketball courts, down between the Beit Am and Beito, and then up what we once called “Halutzim Hill” to the boys cabins (in 1992 when I arrived, as in 1963, #1-2). Every once in a while I’d catch a smell – French toast wafting through the Moadon during Shacharit or the indescribable fragrance of the trees along the garbage trail – that hauls me back to some moment in my Ramah past. In the office, we love those moments when we hear from alumni of all ages about their Ramah memories, which confirms for us what we know: the place slowly changes and evolves, with hairstyles and how the kids wear their shorts and jeans and Shabbat outfits; but the experience, our mission and the core experience we provide to campers and staff, remains constant from generation to generation. The Story Behind the Map By Bill Agress The question you may ask is, “How does a teenager from New Jersey go to Ramah in Wisconsin and how does a map he drew in 1963 wind up in Philadelphia 50 years later?” My parents had heard about the Ramah camps from friends in New York. Now no child from Congregation Brothers of Israel in Trenton, New Jersey, had ever gone to Camp Ramah. By the time we inquired the only camps with room for me were Wisconsin and California. Since Wisconsin is closer to New Jersey, that’s where I went. continued on page 6 Ramah Wisconsin then…and now Stay in touch with Camp Ramah via our blog and youtube channel at www.ramahwisconsin.com. To receive our weekly e-newsletter, HaMirpeset Shelanu, send an email to [email protected]. page 2 From Rabbi David Soloff, CEO Ramah Wisconsin Mission Statement: We are all about summer camp. Our core mission is to run the best overnight and day camps to serve our communities. The pages of this newsletter highlight the amazing 2013 seasons at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp. Ramah Wisconsin is the term we use for all that we do at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, Ramah Day Camp in the Chicago area, as well as alumni and community initiatives across the country. I’m happy to share that Ramah Wisconsin is growing. In 2013, Ramah Day Camp enrollment increased by 20% to 258 campers. The younger divisions at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin grew by 15%. Ramah Wisconsin Family Camp, held mid-August at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, was the largest ever with 26 families including 60 children! I am privileged to partner with an amazing professional team, as well as lay leaders and rabbinic colleagues, to refine our strategic vision and continue to seek out opportunities to strengthen and support our mission. And we are so fortunate to have generous donors like you to provide the scholarship support that enables more folks to participate. I’d like to emphasize several initiatives that have taken hold over the last six months. Following a recommendation from our strategic plan we increased our senior professionals and lay leadership presence in the Twin Cities from five days annually to over 20 days this year. We have appointed a Twin Cities lay leader to our Executive Committee and have recruited lay leaders from each of our Twin Cities congregations to form a Twin Cities Ramah Wisconsin advisory subcommittee. We strengthened our Tikvah and Atzmayim programs by connecting with inclusion professionals in the Twin Cities Jewish community, and we are grateful to the Ramah parents who facilitated this partnership. In the spring we presented to a group of professionals and lay leaders in the Twin Cities, and early in the summer we hosted a site visit from these leaders at camp. Later in the summer we returned to the Twin Cities to visit the inclusion programs at the Sabes JCC, and Olami and Butwin Day Camps. This has already led to new synergisms between our inclusion programs and those offered in the Twin Cities. We’ve continued to strengthen our outreach programs. We piloted our new Ruach Ramah program and brought 31 entering third graders from Ramah Day Camp to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for a fun-filled four-day field trip. Later in July we held focus groups in the Twin Cities and are pleased to announce there will be a Twin Cities delegation of entering 3rd graders participating in the Ruach Ramah program next summer together with the Chicago area participants. We’ve continue to expand our Family Camp, which has become a powerful new entry point to Ramah Wisconsin programming. This summer 26 families participated including 60 children! As part of Family Camp we welcomed two synagogue groups, one from Adath Jeshurun in Minneapolis and one from North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois. A terrific group of Ramah Day Camp families participated, and we were excited to welcome alumni from around the Midwest who wanted to experience Ramah Wisconsin with their young families. Expanding the portals of entry to Ramah Wisconsin is a theme we will continue to develop across our region and we look forward to working with our key partners to find the right approach for each community we serve. Helaine and Howard Resnick and family dedicated the Max and Anna Resnick Advanced Hebrew Language program, which utilizes Israeli cinema to improve language comprehension. Ramah Wisconsin serves the Jewish community of the Midwest through three pillars: Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, the Chicagoland Ramah Day Camp and through year-round programming: We welcomed 31 enthusiastic entering 3rd graders to our first ever Ruach Ramah program! These boys and girls, who attend Ramah Day Camp in Wheeling, Illinois, were on a 3-night “field trip” accompanied by their day camp counselors. Ruach Ramah 2014 will include participants from the Twin Cities together with the Ramah Day Camp group. On Visitors’ Day we dedicated an expanded and renovated cabin for boys in our youngest divisions. The building was expertly designed by Sarfatty Associates, Ltd., constructed by our maintenance team led by Tom Merkel, and dedicated by Susan and Marc Sacks in honor of their children Joshua, Steven and Daniel. page 3 From Arnie Harris, President As we embark upon a new camp year, the community can be proud of our accomplishments: engaging more than 1,000 campers and staff in our summer programming; establishing a number of alumni and community programs in various cities; raising $1.7 million from over 1,000 donors for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp scholarships, programming, and capital needs and so much more. All of this is done with the professional direction of our CEO, Rabbi David Soloff, and our directors, Jacob Cytryn at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Lori Stark at Ramah Day Camp. What makes this all work is the very strong partnership between our professionals and our lay leaders. One example of that partnership happened on a warm summer evening this past summer in Conover, when I attended a meeting for the entire staff. As part of the meeting, Jacob Cytryn, Rosh Aidah Tali Ribnick, and counselor Daniel Warshawsky led a session about the importance of tzedakah and of “giving back” to camp. They explained that 50% of the campers receive financial support to attend Ramah, and that every gift makes a real difference in bringing the camp community together. Jacob, Tali and Daniel inspired the staff to create a Tzevet 2013 Scholarship Fund, and 90 staff members volunteered that night to contribute $20.13 from their summer paychecks. Some even contributed more which resulted in a total of $3,000 raised for camp scholarships. What a brilliant way to create and strengthen a “culture of giving.” Our community must take note of what Jacob, Tali and Daniel have taught us. Moments like that re-energize the volunteerism in all of us. Members of the Ramah Wisconsin Committee You may know that there are hundreds of volunteers who work with our professionals throughout the year. Some serve on our Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Committee, Executive Committee and our Ramah Day Camp Advisory Committee. Others provide pro-bono services to strengthen our institution. They all volunteer their time and energy to guide our recruitment, Tikvah programs, medical policies, alumni programs, fundraising and so much more. If you would like to be more involved, our army of volunteers would be glad to have you. Drop me a note any time at [email protected]. As we support our camp professional staff, we dedicate ourselves to create a culture of giving, a culture of commitment, and a lasting partnership on behalf of the Jewish community. My Journey from Camper to Staff Member By Ben Paley Earlier this summer, I joined a group of campers at the end of Shabbat. The air became still as one of the participants led us in Havdalah creating a peaceful and meaningful experience. While I was standing there swaying back and forth with everyone else, a thought came to me: what would I do without Ramah in my life? When I first arrived at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in 2006, I was a 14-year old who was quite anxious about starting something new. My mom had told me about the Tikvah program, for kids with learning and social difficulties. I had just completed my first year at a Jewish day school where everything was new to me and here I was about to experience another extreme change in my life. Now when I think back on it, I realize how great my summers in Tikvah were. Tikvah campers are integrated into the general camp community for honest and real experiences. In elementary school I was in a secluded classroom. I cannot tell you what a great feeling it is to be accepted in camp activities and not to feel like an outsider. Some highlights were playing on the Machon (10th grade) softball and basketball teams. And now I will tell you about an experience that allowed me to become a member of the Ramah staff. It all started during my third summer when I was given the opportunity to take lifeguard training with Machon. I was told that I would not be given any special treatment and that I would have to complete all the training exercises like everyone else. I didn’t want any special treatment. I wanted to prove to not just everyone at camp, but to myself, that I could complete Lifeguard Training. Guess what? I did! The good stuff doesn’t end there, though. I was given the opportunity to be on waterfront staff during the summer of 2011 when I participated in the Atzmayim (vocational) program, and now I am a full staff member. I am a member of the swim staff, working this summer as a lifeguard and 2013 Waterfront Staff (Ben Paley, standing second from right) swim teacher. Back at home I am a journalism student at Broward College in Davie, Florida. Of course, a big part of my Ramah experience is the Jewish community. Over the course of four summers, I have had the opportunity to lead Ma’ariv (evening prayers) and Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) in front of the entire camp, read from the Torah on various occasions, recite a section of Eicah (Lamentations) during Tisha B’Av (a fast on the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av), and lead different services. Judaism is even a part of my waterfront staff experience since I always try to integrate Hebrew into my swim lessons! Ramah has helped me in more ways than one, and I am forever grateful to the wonderful staff members who helped me grow in ways I never thought possible. page 4 Camp Ramah in Wisconsin - where fun Kochavim (entering 4th grade) joined the entire camp in a spirited Yom Sport that included everything from a kayak race to gaga to cup-stacking to swimming from the island. Garinim (entering 5th graders) showed great energy at the campwide Zimriyah song festival. This years theme celebrated 65 years of Israeli music. Halutzim (entering 6th grade) navigated kayaks, canoes and sailboats in the annual Lake Buckatabon regatta. Solelim (entering 7th graders) entertained the camp with their awesome presentation of Annie, one of five musicals performed in Hebrew. Shoafim (entering 8th graders) focused on tzedakah, raising funds and volunteering at the Vilas Country Food Pantry and Trees for Tomorrow. As part of the Jewish Teen Philanthropy Initiative, they explored the importance of giving back and made philanthropic decisions based on the values that are important to them. Bogrim (entering 9th graders) chose a specialty activity during Shavua Sababa, translated as “Awesome Week.” Professional mentors led workshops in the arts and music and even Jewish pastry baking. Josh Lake, the founder of Outdoor Jewish Adventures, took campers out into the woods to explore the wilderness and their Jewish connection to the outdoors. They used natural material to create shelters and creative sculptures. page 5 and friendship build Jewish lives! Machon (entering 10th graders) participated in Ramah’s intensive sports program together with all campers. They learned new skills in basketball, tennis, softball, volleyball and soccer and participated in awesome inter-aidah games. Nivonim (entering 11th graders) led campwide events and served as role models for younger campers. Here they formed a reception line to welcome the community to Kabbalat Shabbat at the lakefront. The 24 campers in the Tikvah program filled their days with new and exciting activities like the high ropes course, boating, dancing on the kikar and creative art projects. Here the campers show off their colorful t-shirts after an epic paint toss. Seventeen Atzmayim participated in the Tikvah vocational training program, with job internships in the local Eagle River area. Nineteen new and veteran Israeli staff members joined us through a partnership with the Jewish Agency. Through their work as counselors, teachers, art, dance and outdoor education specialists, the Mishlachat infused Hebrew language, Israeli culture, and connection to Israel into every day. page 6 Recruitment for the 2014 season is underway and new campers can save up to $1,000! Go to www.ramahwisconsin.com for details or call 312-606-9316 ext. 221. Todah Rabbah to campers generously supporting the Yud Gimmel Project and Ramah Wisconsin Scholarship Fund in honor of their Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. The Yud Gimmel Project helps repair and maintain our camp Sifrei Torah. We awarded the first annual Derech Eretz Awards, a project supported by the Asaf Leibovich Memorial Endowment. One camper from each aidah was recognized for “raising the profile of kindness, respect and warmth in camp and all around mensch-like behavior.” Campers, staff members and parents enthusiastically welcomed the leadership team of Jacob Cytryn and Yael Bendat-Appell in their inaugural summer as Director and Assistant Director. The Story Behind the Map Continued In the summer of 1963 I was in the Machon, and my cabin was Yud Alef, one of four very rustic log cabins on a hill side. My head madrich was Dave Benson and junior counselor was Ira Shoulson. Also living in our bunk was waterfront director Mike Menitoff. Rabbi Burt Cohen was the Camp Director. I remember one special morning we rowed out to an island in the lake where we davened, built a fire and made Rocky Mountain eggs. The musical performed that summer by Machon was My Fair Lady. I still remember the words in Hebrew to “Get me to the Bet Knesset on time.” By the summer of 1964, there was room for me in the Poconos, so I never went back to Wisconsin. I also spent a summer at what was called the American Seminar at Ramah in Nyack, New York. Of the three Ramah experiences, my fondest memories are of Wisconsin. So why did I draw the map? I found the size of the camp in Wisconsin a bit intimidating, and drew the map to help me navigate. I understand the swamp has been drained but back in 1963 it was cattails and marshland. In 2010 I heard about the opening of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. I called one of the curators explaining that I still had all of my “stuff” from Ramah and USY in the 1960’s. The museum was very interested in my papers, play scripts, USY hat, Ramah t-shirt and sweatshirt, song books and even my map. Camp Ramah undoubtedly changed my entire life. I am “multisynagogal” – active at Adath Israel in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and the Perrineville New Jersey Jewish Center. I teach in the religious school of Brothers of Israel, now located in Newtown, Pennsylvania. My son Andrew spent five summers at Ramah Poconos, was very active in USY and now attends Brandeis University. I am now an empty nester, living alone with our dachshund. I hope some day soon to get back to revisit my favorite memories at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. page 7 Donor Honor Roll October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013 * represents gifts made in-kind CEO’s Circle Gifts of $250,000 and above Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation Director’s Circle Gifts of $100,000 and above Zell Family Foundation President’s Circle Gifts of $50,000 and above Dr. Rebecca and Daniel Blumenthal Nina and Arnie Harris Susan and Marc Sacks Dr. Michael Steuer Rosh Aidah Gifts of $25,000 and above Anonymous (1) Barbara and Larry Field David Kabiller Karen and Mitchell Kopin Ner Tamid Congregation of North Town Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Andrea and Kenneth Saffir Leslie and Howard Schultz Lori Stark and Dr. David Shapiro Karen and Hal Sider Dr. Margaret and Alan Silberman Karyn and William Silverstein Rosh Anaf Gifts of $18,000 and above Anonymous (1) Jennifer and Stewart Flink Jack & Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund Dr. Rebecca Schorsch and Dr. Scott Moses Mindy and Dan Ribnick Melissa and Marc Spellman Northwoods Gifts of $10,000 and above Anonymous (2) Carol and Dr. Ronald Fogel Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon Kathryn and Scott Happ David Harris Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Beth and Dr. Jeffrey Kopin Cyndi and Jamie Rosenthal Ruderman Family Foundation Silverman Family Foundation Emily and Rabbi David Soloff Esta Stecher W.J. Minkus Charitable Trust Idyth and Jay Zimbler Agam Gifts of $5,000 and above Anonymous (2) Mark Altschul Mary and Alan Becker Eve and Richard Biller Karen and Ethan Budin F. Bruce Cohen Ellen and Yehuda Cohen Dr. Nehama Dresner Beverly and Richard Fink Kim and Stuart Frankenthal Neera and Michael Kaufman Stephanie and Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh Dr. Lena and David Kushnir Andrea and Jeffrey Meltzer Mesirow Financial Kim and Daniel Price We gratefully acknowledge these annual gifts made during our recent fiscal year to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp. Todah Rabbah for your generous support of scholarships, innovative programming and stateof the art facilities serving over 1,000 campers and staff each summer. Lori and Richard Rabinowitz Amy and Mark Rotenberg Robin Newberger and Steven Sacks Lynn and Skip Schrayer Marci and Keith Shapiro Michelle Wasserman and David Smith Joanne and Dr. James Smith Miriam and Morton Steinberg Rick Storch Strauss Family Foundation Deborah and Adam Winick Northern Lights Gifts of $2,500 and above Anonymous (1) Anne Opila and Todd Abraham Dr. Wendy and Dr. Howard Bach Faye and Benji Bearman Sarah and Sam Caplan Gabe Chasnoff/ Whiteout Media Adventure* Deborah Shalowitz Cowans and Bruce Cowans Barbara and Daniel Fox Kim and Alan Frankel Rebecca and Ben Gerber Harold Grinspoon Foundation Diane and Shai Halivni Lorie Chaiten and Harold Hirshman Rochelle and Dr. Steven Katz Debra and Arnold Landis Lake Forest Bank & Trust Co Elyse and Dr. Ron Less Meredith and Benjamin Lewis Charlotte and Michael Newberger Rabbi Amy Eilberg and Dr. Louis Newman Ellen Sue and Dr. Jon Parker Judy and Dr. Mark Paschen Vicki and Gary Phillips Elyse Rabinowitz and Jim Porter Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz Louise and Jerry Ribnick Jill and Michael Rose Aviva and David Rubin Fran and Jonathan Sherman Eric M. Siegel Leslie and Bryan Sloane Lisa and Steven Tenzer Tami and Reuben Warshawsky Buckatabon Gifts of $1,800 and above Adath Jeshurun Congragation* Dr. Phyllis Gorin and Rabbi Morris Allen Sonia and Ted Bloch David Brown Rabbi Burton Cohen Margaret and Lee Cohn Terri and Sol Eisenberg Nancy and Maury Fertig Sheila and Larry Gerber Nami and David Goldenberg Suzy and Dr. David Hakimian Heilicher Foundation Terri Krivosha and Rabbi Hayim Herring Marlene Kaplan Karen and Michael Kesner Ally and Jordan Kirshenbaum Georgi and Dr. Jay Kleiman Ari Klein Bryna and Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Ron Lavin Madalyn and Robert Less Lynn and Dr. Louis Philipson Robin and Dr. Sanford Reikes Harriet and Joey Resnick Randee and Robert Romanoff Betty and Dr. Irving Rozenfeld Tamar Newberger and Andy Schapiro Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz Katy and Joshua Silvers Rubin Singer Rabbi Joshua Skoff Jodi and Bryan Sugar Linda and Al Winick Robin and Dr. Clifford Wolf Judy and Rabbi Carl Wolkin Michael Zaransky Kikar Gifts of $1,000 and above Anonymous (2) Carolyn Abramson Angela and Larry Adler Marlys and Elliott Badzin Nina and Bryan Badzin Rita and Edward Balk David Bonowitz Julie Strauss and Joel Brown Amy and Rabbi Eric Cytryn Tamar and Jacob Cytryn Karen and David Ebroon Jessica Ettinger Gail and Jeremy Fingerman Harriet and Bill Freedman Sarina and Robert Gerson Leslie and Paul Gotlieb Denise Longoria and Dr. Gary Grad Micki and Uzi Halevy Linda and Michael Hoffenberg Judy and Dr. Mark Hoffman Ann and Mike Hofkin Chaviva and Ralph Jacobson Joseph M. Levine Foundation Alison and Isaac Judd Lynnsie and Dr. David Kantor Ellen and Mark Kardon Rachel and Michael Klein Cindy Reich and Rabbi Harold Kravitz Shary and Dr. Marc Levitt Richard Levitt Joellen and Robert Lidov Leslie and Michael Litwack Naomi Newman and Jason Litwack Lawrence Loewenthal Hedva and Dr. Moshe Matalon Mondelez International Foundation Jonathan Oberlander Susan Feigenbaum and Dr. Jay Pepose Cindy and David Pogrund Jaynie Schultz and Ronald Romaner Tamar and Neil Rosenberg Rose and David Ross Stacy Palestrang and Tomer Rothschild Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein Miriam and Michael Rudolph Dr. Geraldine Keyes and Dr. Michael Safran Erica and Rabbi Michael Schwab Season of Change Foundation Cheryl and Larry Sklar Sheila and Michael Small Janice and Richard Small Blanche and Neil Sosland Jane and Joshua Sosland Liba and Dr. Tom Stillman Malka and James Weitzman Suzanne and Adam Zimbler Leila and Gary Zuckerman Friends Gifts of $500 and above Anonymous (1) Lisa and Micah Arbisser John Bailey Karen and Marshall Brill Sarah and Allan Budweg Patti and Alan Caplan Ada Beth and Charles Cutler Talia and Ari Derman Marlynn and Rabbi Elliot Dorff Sara and Dr. Mark Drexler Karen Lobl and David Eisenberg Dr. Sandra Sheinin and Alex Feller Tobi and Ken Gold Dr. Ranna Rozenfeld and Shane Greenstein Beth and Jordan Grey Jodi Gruber Jonah Harris Sharon Liebhaber and Rabbi Alan Iser Jeanne and Dr. Stanley Kagin Rachel Katz Judy and Jerry Kaufman Dr. Michael Klein Vivian and Sheldon Kopin Amy Elfenbaum and Scott Kramer Sara and Richard Kushnir Leslie Family Foundation Sandra and Dr. Mark Levin Dr. and Mrs. Charles Mann Edward Marks Rabbi Michael Mishkin Livia and Noah Moline Diane Lowenthal and Bradley Moskowitz Barbara and Donald Newman Leslie and David Orenstein Rachael Gray-Raff and Elliot Raff Marilyn Green and David Rebnord Talia Ribnick Alyssa Wiener and Jay Rosenbaum Jennifer Pehr and Jonathan A. Ross Kimberly and Dr. Ari Rubenfeld Karen and Russ Rubin Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff Arona and George Sarfatty Lilach and Carl Schrag Rabbi Zachary Silver Mrs. Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner Roberta and Dr. Hillel Skoff Mae and Mark Spitz Leah Steuer Karen and Jack Stopnicki Samuel Tatel Bruce Taylor Phyllis and Dr. Gary Traub Brenda and Max Wasserman Margie and Dr. Don Wasserman Patty and Matthew Weiss Naomi Wexler Gail and Robert Wilensky Ramahnik Gifts up to $500 Anonymous (8) Sandra Aaron Julia and Donald Aaronson Rachel and Dr. Drew Abeles Shira and Rabbi Steven Abraham Wendy and Richard Abraham Bonnie and Alvin Abrahamson Sarah Abrams Cantor Nancy Abramson William Agress Julia Allal Avi Allen Adina Allen Max Alper Lynn and Alfred Altschul Susan and Joseph Ament Irving Applebaum Brandi and Dan Argentar Rachel and Yaakov Ariel Stephen Arnovitz Jeane Aronoff page 8 Donor Honor Roll continued October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013 * represents gifts made in-kind Amy Aronow Amanda and Berek Awend Naomi Hoffman and Loren Bach Rebecca and Wade Bacon Josephine and Gordon Bailey Leora Balinsky Laura Elkayam and Ezra Balser Roger Barak Devorah Lissek and Dr. Joshua Barash Chloe Bayhack Elizabeth and Ronnen Belkind Nancy Bellew Yael and Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell Karen and Dr. David Benson Abraham Benson-Goldberg Berger Health Systems* Robert M. Berger Cheryl and Rabbi Kenneth Berger Laura and Rabbi Jonathan Berger Sonia Berk Seth Berkman Ari Berkowicz Ruth and Sydney Bernard Aryeh Bernstein Hope and Marvin Bernstein Barbara Bernstein Henry Bernstein Jean Best Rachel Billow Deena Fox-Birnbaum and Andrew Birnbaum Fredda and Rabbi Mark Bisman Norma and David Blecker Marilyn Blonsky Theodore S. Bloom Zoosie Bloomberg Eliot Blum Jennifer and Philip Blumberg Jennifer Stark-Blumenthal and Dr. Jeffrey Blumenthal Annie Blumfield Anne and Marvin Bonowitz Jessica Borison Mindy and Armand Botbol Emilie Botbol Eleanor and Albert Boxerman Sam Boxerman Elizabeth Boyle Edward Brener Richard Brener Stephanie Brill Reena Spicehandler and Jeremy Brochin Sharon Brodkey Tammy and David Brody Carrie and Adam Broms Ross Broms Marilyn and Tim Broms Shirley and Jared Bryan David Bubis Scott Burstein Deborah Burton Deanna Burton Elaine Burton Rochelle Calvin Paula and Dr. Jeffrey Cantor Nanci and Ben Caplan Jane and Professor Dennis Carlton Dina and Joey Carr Sandra and Alexander Chack Amy and Joshua Charlson Rebecca and Dr. Steven Charous Danielle Cherrick Lorraine and Jordan Cherrick Anne and Chris Chivetta Michelle Chizever Kathy and William Cissna Dr. Ron Citro Gabriel Ciuraru Debra Goldstein and David Cohen Rabbi Michael C. Cohen Nadine Cohen Conference Of Consulting Actuaries Congegation B’nai Amoona Sisterhood Sheri and Neil Cooper* Sharon and Leonard Cooper Stephanie Cooper Jamie Cooper Gloria and Peter Cooper Gloria Cotlar Sara and Steve Coven Babette and Mark Daskin Esther Goldberg-Davis and Rabbi Alexander Davis Debbie Denenberg Sheila and Stewart Derechin Benjy Derman Roseanne Diamond Debra and Dr. David Dobkin Thelma Dobkin Abigail Drazner Alison Dreifuss Ilana Dworin William Dworsky Eran Ebstein Karen and David Ecanow Shelly and Bruce Edwards Alexa Ehrlich Rami Eilian Judy Groner and Ronald Eisenberg Barbara Eisenberg Beverly Eisenstadt Michael Eisenwasser Deborah Swichkow and Ray Ellis Fern and Dr. Michael Ellison Fran and Dave Elovitz Arthur S. Elstein Jennifer and David Elyashar Tibor Engel Gerry Engelhart* Louis Engleberg Rebecca and Michael Epstein Lena Eskin Joseph Eskin Harry Eskin Kitty Calhoon and David Ettinger Barbara Fedor Sarah and Erwin Feiertag Judy and Steven Feinberg Sarah Feinberg Krayna and Rabbi Charles Feinberg Samantha Feinberg Ari Feldman Michael Feldman Sharon Ferch Ruth Fertig Jesse and Rabbi Jeremy Fine Beth Heifetz and Glenn Fine Jeremy Fineberg Aaron Fineberg Ellie Fineman Teresa and Paul Finer Judith Finkelstein-Taff Roberta Fischer Barb and Andy Fishman Miriam Fishman Michael Fishman Mollie Flink Shayna Flink Joshua Flink Benjy Forester Karen and Richard Fox Avram Fraint Wendy and Benjamin Frank Yael and Phillip Frankel Gretchen Frankenthal Laura Seidenberg and Alex Freedman Aaron Freeman Andrew Freeman Jerry Frick Miriam and Morris Futernick Dr. Rebecca and Dr. Gustavo Galante Eric Galante Minda and Rabbi Ronald Garr Yaela Garr Celia and Dan Geiger Talya Prombaum and Josh Gepner Gabriel Gershowitz Marlene and Herb Gerson Karen Gerson Sheila and Vern Gideon Dr. Betsy Gidwitz Michelle Gilats Nancy and Sheldon Gilman Steven Ginsburg Mark Gittleman Isaac Glassman Josh Gleicher Jonah Glick Jody-Lynn and David Glickman Ariel Gliksberg Sarah Gold Esta and Gerald Gold Terri Hartman and Bruce Goldberg Gideon Goldberg Dr. Leslie and Bernard Goldblatt Lesley and Matt Goldenberg Cheryl Goldenberg Natalie Goldfein Debbie Goldman Elana and Neil Goldsmith Susan Goldsmith Angela Goldstein Shira Goldstein Sharon and Eric Goodman Dr. Michael R. Goodman Hannah Gordon Maor Gordon-Guterman Brian Gorenstein Ashlyn Gorlin Rachael Gotlieb Amy Gottesfeld Carrie and Jeremy Gottstein Betsy and Pelleg Graupe Lev Gray Mark Grayson Rani Halpern and Joel Green Shaina and Jonathan Green Elan Green Dean Greenberg Ronya and Lawrence Greenberg Judith and Michael Greenberg Marci L. Greenberg Diane Greenberger Ronna Bach and Michael Greenwald Karen and Steven Grey Tamara Kushnir Groman and Jeff Groman Richard Gross Allyson Gross Evelyn Gross Darla and Dr. George Grossberg Andrea and Scott Gruber Orlee Tatarka and Yehuda Gruenberg Elizabeth and Simon Halfin Betty and Bertram Hamilton Rachel Hammel Maxine and Jacob Handelman Ruth and Mark Harris Evelyn Harris Eden Hazani Zion Billie and Simon Hellerstein Samara Hendin Marcia and Paul Herman Cheryl Siegelman and Nate Herscovitch Eunice and Bruce Hershman Jennifer and Joshua Herz Lena and Dr. Jack Heyman Barbara Barenholtz and Milton Hieken Shai Hillman Becky and Rabbi Brad Hirschfield Annie Grossberg Noam Hoffenberg Alysa Hoffman Stacey and William Hoffman Tamar Green and Ben Hofkin Amy Hohulin Joy Horwich Sarit Horwitz Eliana Horwitz Benjamin Igielnik Debbie and Simon Igielnik Shara and Rabbi David Israel Dr. Sherry Israel Kim Jackson Shanna Jadwin Emily Jaffy Susan and Dr. C. David Joffe Jill and Brad Johnson Lois and Mark Just Zachary Kafitz Lizzie and Micah Kafitz Eve and Steve Kafitz Jeffrey Kahn Rabbi Jane Kanarek Dr. Michele and Dr. Nelson Kanter Jacob Kanter Debbie Kaplan Charlotte and Alan Kaplan Alvin Kaplan Geraldine Kaplan Golda Kaplan Kaplan Family Foundation Marilyn Karasov Gita Karasov Stefanie and Robert Karon Karen and Dr. Irving Katz Eitan Katz Isaac Katz Tamar Katz Zoe Katz-Kaplan Rebecca Katzman Pam and Dr. Ronald Kaufman Marcia and Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer Sharon Van Dyck and Richard Kelber Delores Kelber Shira Kelber Lauren and Todd Keller Rachel Kesner Janet Zell Kessler Betsy Kestenbaum Shom Klaff Carla and Tibor Klausner Sydelle Klein Michael Klein Samantha Kopin Shosh Korrub Abby Kozberg Gabriel Kravitz Doris and Jerry Kravitz Hannah Kreindler Dr. Eliezer Krumbein Barry Krumstok Becky Kupchan Shuli and Noey Kupchan Riva Kupritz Laura and Matt Kushner Kashmir Kustanowitz Jonathan Kutas Rebecca Landis Geoff Rice and Dan Lange Sarah LaPorte Adrienne and Dr. Gerald Lasin Joshua Lawrence Susan Lazar page 9 We are grateful to nearly 50 synagogues, communal funds, local Jewish federations and foundations for their ongoing partnership and scholarship support. View a complete list online at: www.ramahwisconsin.com Sally and Morton Leder Sherry Leffert Beth Leonard Bonnie Lessing Laurie and David Levi Lois and Samuel Levin Arlene and Dr. Michael Levine Polly Levinson Lisa and James Levitas Carol and Paul Levitch Stephen Lieberman Gregory Linden Debbie and Gary Lindon Rebecca Linfield Tamara Linne Jane and Harvey Lippow Susan Litoff Jessica Manela and Matthew Litwack Rachel and Rabbi Asher Lopatin Dr. Pnina and Dr. Marshall Luban Jessica Lubetsky Arielle Kaufman and Ohad Ludomirsky Zella Ludwig Ilana Lupovitch Christine and Dr. Alan Lyss Brian Lyss Paula and Dr. Albert Madansky Justin Main Rhoda and Don Mains Daniel Malina Suzanne and Howard Malmon Fred Manaster Carolyn Mandlman Manitowoc Jewish Federation Tonya and Kent Manning Holly Margolin Trisha and Rabbi Fredric Margulies Dani Marx Philip Matsuhashi Bryce Jacobs and Matthew Mayers Theresa and Robert McEnaney Michele and Seth Meisler Shoshana and Edward Melman Rita Mendelsohn Sue Meyers Rebecca Millberg Minna Ziskind and Gabriel Miller Nathan Miller Patricia Miller Jaclyn and Jacob Millner Judy Teibloom-Mishkin and Larry Mishkin Jonathan Mishkin Rachel and Marc Modlin Joni Crounse and Rich Moline Alison and Alan Molotsky Jean Moses Rena and Roberto Munster Beth and Ronn Nadis Leah Nash Ellen and Micah Nathan Lois and Fred Neikrug Deanna Neil Leslie and William Nelson Roberta and Bruce Nemer Miriam Newman Allisa Newman Etan Newman Stuart Nolan North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Nurite Notarius-Rosin Marissa Oberlander Elaine and Jeffrey Oberlander Dr. Romer Ocanto Leah Oko Shira Olson Rachel Orbuch Lucy Orenstein Barrie and Steve Orloff* Nadine Orloff Bruce Orloff Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter Eveline and Rabbi Herbert Panitch Tamar Rubin and Adam Parker Rachel and Gary Parnes Danielle and Jonathan Pearl Marla Peckler Marcy and Vincent Pellegrino Rabbi Micah Peltz Morissa Pepose Beth Kissileff Perlman and Jonathan Perlman Tova Perlman Michelle Perlmutter Kathleen Peterson Benjamin Philipson Rachel Pickus Betsey and Dale Pinkert Brooke and Dr. Matthew Plofsky Emily Podgursky Dalia and Rabbi Shalom Podwol Hannah Berkowicz and Brian Pogrund Gregg Pollack Esther and Gary Polland Hannah Porter Tom Price David Price Joshua Price Keren and Rabbi Simcha Prombaum Hillel Prombaum Rebekah Pure Anne-Monique and Edward Rapoport Dr. Maryjane and J. David Rapport Rebecca Rapport Joel Ratner Ariella and Tzvi Raviv Marsha L. Raviv Angela Reiser Frieda Reschke Mary and Joel Rich Rebecca Rich Jodi and Daniel Rosen Helaine and Harvey Rosen Nancy and Rabbi James Rosen Dina Shiner and Mark Rosen Allison Rosen Larry Rosen Rabbi Daniel A. Rosenberg Rachel and Charles Rosenberg David Rosenberg Shirley Rosenberg Renee and Seth Rosenberg Susan Ticker and Hazzan Henry Rosenblum Lauren Rosenthal Dr. Elaine Hantman and Dr. Paul Rosenthal Adrienne and Adam Rosenthal Sally and Miles Ross Marilyn and Dr. Gary Rubin Adina Rubin Tracey Rubinoff Amy Rubinoff Deanna and Dr. Perry Rudich Rachel and Alan Russo Rebecca and Rabbi David Russo Sabes Jewish Community Center Randye and Don Sable Michael Sackett Steven Sacks Harold Sadoff Sarah Saide Martha and Arthur Salkin Judith Levin and Gerald Salzman Susan and Rabbi Neil Sandler Adela and Raymond Sasson Ruth U. Schack Dakota Schee Robyn Levich and Benjamin Schein Deborah and Randy Schepis Naomi Schiffer Sandra Schloff Esther and Marshall Schneider Dr. Larry Schochet Louise and Steven Schoenberger Ron Schrag Elana and Seth Schrank Kathryn Schubert Michael Schur Estherbeth Buchbinder and Jeffrey Schvimer Judah Schvimer Marci Dickman and Ralph Schwartz Jesse Schwartz Allison Schwartz Aviva Schwartz Stanley Schwartz Elena and Eric Scott Alison and Jonathan Segal Dr. Marcia and Dr. Edwin Segal Fern and Donald Segal Leah Segal Lauren and Marty Segelbaum Adam Seidenberg Marsha and Joel Seltz Noah Shaffer Irene and Samuel Shanes Amy Reynolds and Benjamin Shapiro Micah Shapiro David Shapiro David Sharken Cyril Shaughnessy David J. Sherman Ronna and Tom Sherman Caleb Sherman Audrey and Steven Sherwyn Karen Shevet Dinah Naomi Shisler Judith and Arnold Siegel Daniel Siegel Jorie and Andrew Sigesmund Elaine and Morton Silver Cara Silverman Samantha Silverman Rebecca Silverman Nancy Siteman Sharon Skidelsky Aaron Sklar Faith Roessel and Matthew Slater Ayelet Slovin Lynn and Eliot Slovin Susan Agate and Michael Slutsky Stephanie and Michael Smerling Edis and Professor Aaron Snyder Danya Snyder Ronnie Jo Sokol Phyllis and Wilfred Solomon Judy Solomon Julie Coplon and Whitman Soule Sari and Solomon Spector Jeffrey Spector Rachel and Howard Spiro Nori and Robert Spiro Gloria and Sanford Spitzer Daniel Stamos Valerie Stark Michelle Steiman Sheila and Dr. David Steiman Emily and Adam Steinberg Christy and Sandford Steinberg Candice Goldstein and Abraham Steinberg Dr. Robin Judd and Dr. Ken Steinman Rebecca Steuer Samuel Strauss Miriam Brosseau and Alan Sufrin Shaina and Brad Sugar Joanna and Peter Sussman Dr. Linda and Rabbi Sheldon Switkin Stuart Taussig Michael Taxy Karin Klein and Joel Teibloom Barbara and Harvey Temkin Eli Temkin Temple of Aaron Congregation Elana and Jason Tennenbaum Deena Tenzer Rosetta and Stephen Teplitz Miriam Thorne Dana Traub Rosilee and Dr. Philip Trotta Edith and Amos Turner Sarah Ungerman Amy Yenkin and Robert Usdan Adam Vales Joan and Dr. Joseph Vander Walde Ari Vandersluis Janna and Bryan Villano Alicia Vinocur Brenna Wagner Helene and Hillard Ward Glenn Warshaw Daniel Warshawsky Joshua Warshawsky Leigh and David Waterman Maxima and Rabbi Burton Wax Joan and Marvin Wayne David Weber Sarah Weil Marcia and Martin Weiland Frances Wein Heidi and Eric Weinberg Lisa and Michael Weiner Joan and Jerome Weinstein Aliza and Stuart Weinstock Arthur Weintraub Dr. Avrum Weinzweig Janice and Richard Weisman Karen and Steven Weiss Jonathan Werner Rhoda Wertheimer West County Endodontists Pamela and Sherwin Willner Betty Winer Steven Wiseman David Witten Tara Purohit and John Wojak Dr. Toni Ellis Wolf and Steven Wolf Aaron Wolf Joanne Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Francis Wolff Stanton Wolkoff Mei Chiang and Dean Yoost Renee Young Ina and Joseph Young Bonnie and Marvin Zeff Rivka and Matthew Zell Aaron Zell Rachel Zeman Jonathan Zimbler Ruth and Albert Zimbler Amir Zinkow Julie Zinn Jennifer Zukerman Every effort has been made to include all contributions and to verify the correct listing of donor names. If your name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact Linda Hoffenberg (info on page 16). page 10 Camp Ramah in Wisconsin counts on the generosity of alumni and friends to provide high quality programs and facilities to campers at a reasonable tuition level. You can help ensure the future of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin by including the camp in your estate plan. After your lifetime, your bequest or planned gift will become a part of the Ramah Wisconsin Endowment. Your legacy gift will support the camp in perpetuity and forever identify you as a devoted supporter of Ramah. We began our Ramah journey as campers and staff from 1980-1992. We went on hiatus until 2007 when our children started their love affair with camp. Our family’s connection with Conservative Judaism and the American Jewish community has been wonderfully influenced by Ramah. We are so thankful for the generations that created and nurtured this amazing institution. We feel a responsibility to share that with others. Being part of the Legacy Society gives us the opportunity to “pay some of that forward” to future generations. Elyse and Dr. Ron Less Legacy Society Members Anonymous (6) William Agress Dr. Phyllis Gorin and Rabbi Morris Allen Abby and Sheldon Badzin Shanna Baumgarten Faye and Benji Bearman Betty Benson(z”l) Miriam and Dan Berger Robert M. Berger Jean Best Marilyn Blonsky Cookie Feldman Bloom Karen and Marshall Brill F. Bruce Cohen Roberta (z”l) and Rabbi Burton Cohen Sarah Bierman and Rabbi Joshua Cohen Ellen and Yehuda Cohen Margaret and Lee Cohn Debbie and Gary Cortes Rita M. Cortes Deborah Shalowitz Cowans and Bruce Cowans Tamar and Jacob Cytryn Evan Dreifuss Arthur Elstein Jennifer and Stewart Flink Betsy and Scott Forester Kim and Alan Frankel Kim and Stuart Frankenthal Charlotte Singer Gelfand Marvell Ginsburg Leslie and Bernie Goldblatt Nami and David Goldenberg Laurie and Joel Goldsmith Marlene and Sam Gordon Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon Rabbi Yosi Gordon Harold Grinspoon Michal and Uzi HaLevy Evelyn Harris Nina and Arnie Harris Ruth and Mark Harris Linda and Michael Hoffenberg Sara and Jon Hoffenberg Vivian and Ralph Jacobson Camille and Rabbi Rob Kahn Orlee and Jeffrey Kahn Beth and Dr. Jeff Kopin Gabriel Kopin Rabbi Myer Kripke Dr. Lena and David Kushnir Elyse and Dr. Ron Less Madalyn and Robert Less Renee and George (z”l) Levine Leslie and Michael Litwack Aaron Magid Arthur and Lois Marc (z”l) Adam Margolis Edward and Roslyn (z”l) Marks Julie Rabinowitz and Gary Marx Judy Teibloom Mishkin and Larry Mishkin Dr. Rebecca Schorsch and Dr. Scott Moses Barbara and Donald Newman Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter Dana Yugend-Pepper and Larry Pepper Benjamin Philipson Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz Lisa and Mark Ratner Harriet and Joseph Resnick Mindy and Dan Ribnick Ann Lesley and Scott Rosen Shari (z”l) and Dr. Herbert Rosen Jonathan Adam Ross Dena (z”l) and Fred Rothschild Betty and Dr. Irving Rozenfeld Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein Susan and Marc Sacks Martha and Arthur Salkin Louise and Steven Schoenberger Jaynie Schultz and Ron Romaner Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz Phyllis and Sidney (z”l) Shalowitz Lori Stark and Dr. David Shapiro Fran and Jonathan Sherman Karen and Hal Sider Dr. Margaret and Alan Silberman Sarah Small Sheila and Michael Small Emily and Rabbi David Soloff Melissa and Marc Spellman Adam Steinberg Miriam and Morton Steinberg Mayer Stiebel Rebecca and Rabbi Loren Sykes Anna Tarkoff Lisa and Steven Tenzer Phyllis Hofman Waldmann Joshua Warshawsky Tami and Reuben Warshawsky Richard D. Weiner David Wolkin page 11 Declaration of Intent In the Jewish tradition of sharing our blessings, I/we take deep satisfaction in declaring my/our intent to help Camp Ramah in Wisconsin provide for the needs of future generations of Jewish children. I/We have made provision, or I/We will make provision to include Camp Ramah as beneficiary in: a bequest in my/our will a deferred lifetime gift through a trust fund and/or foundation through a retirement fund a life insurance gift Please add my/our name(s) to the Ramah Wisconsin Legacy Society. Print your name as you would like to be listed in the Ramah Wisconsin Legacy Society I/We do not want to be listed. Name Address City State Phone Email Signature Date Zip Please fax to 312.606.7136 or mail to: Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, Legacy Society, 65 East Wacker Place # 1200, Chicago IL 60601 Please consult your attorney or tax advisor for professional guidance in this area. For additional information contact Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 312.606.9316 ext. 225 or [email protected] page 12 Alumni and Community Initiatives Summer family picnics in Chicago and the Twin Cities Great turnout and lots of fun at the spring Chicago scholarship fundraising event Stay connected! “Like” Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp on Facebook, follow @ramahwisconsin on Instagram and check out the Alumni pages at www.ramahwisconsin.com page 13 Our post-season Family Camp continues to grow! This year's group - 26 families including over 60 children - enjoyed a fabulous, fun-filled Ramah experience. Save the date and join us next summer on August 13-17, 2014. National Ramah Israel Challenge: Last spring, 75 individuals representing every Ramah camp, biked or hiked from Jerusalem to Eilat to support Ramah special needs programs across North America. Thanks to their efforts, over $375,000 was raised from 2,700 donors to support special needs programs in the eight Ramah camps. Reshet Ramah, a National Ramah initiative to increase adult Jewish engagement using the power and passion of the Ramah alumni network, is helping to strengthen our alumni programming. Here Roshei Aidah Tali Ribnick and Adina Allen wear their cool Reshet Ramah sunglasses on Visitors’ Day. Follow Reshet Ramah on Facebook for details on upcoming Shabbat dinners and other alumni events! page 14 2013 Reunions Nivonim 1988 Reunion Back row from left: Dan Gutstein, Neil Weinstein, Aaron Weiner, Ted Raviv, Aaron Feldman, Micah Nathan, David Kushnir, Sam Tatel, Dan Sobelman, Joshua Cohen Front row from left: Shira Shiloah, Suzy Frisch, Karen (Kogan) Ebroon, Karen (Herstig) Gerson, Lisa (Tecktiel) Levitas, Tamar Newman-Shapira, Rebecca Behrmann, Abby Pickus Nivonim 2000 Reunion Back row from left: Ben Hofkin, Anat Shinar, Tamar Rubin, Shira Goldman, Yael Resnick, Marci Fiedler, Kara Behr, Jessica Ettinger, Hilary Wiseman, David Goldman Front row from left: Tamar Green, Sam Baker, Adam Parker, Ari Derman, Talia (Goldblatt) Derman, Ilana Dworin, Shira Goldstein, Shoshana (Eisenberg) Geller, Lucas Isleman, Tiffany (Berg) Goldman For information on Family Camp, alumni and community initiatives and 2014 reunions, contact Robin Rubenstein at [email protected] or at 312-265-6653. page 15 Now you can own these limited edition photos by Greg Shapps! Greg Shapps (Nivonim 1986) joined us as artist-in-residence this summer and took these spectacular photos of our beautiful Northwoods setting. A limited edition of these photos, printed at 16 x 20" on high quality archival paper, are now available for $180 each. Greg is generously donating all proceeds from the sale to the Ramah Wisconsin Scholarship Fund. Sunset Waterfront Kikar Night Sky Order online: click “Shop” at the top of the home page at www.ramahwisconsin.com or call 312-606-9316 ext. 221. Lightning Ohel Yitzhak page 16 From Lori Stark, Director Ramah Day Camp’s 15th season was a huge success! With special theme days like Yom Yisrael and Yom Sport, fun visitors like the Bible Players and our friends at Pony Acres, festivals like the Zimriyah and Rikudiah and of course an awesome staff, campers couldn’t wait to get to camp each morning! From left: Director Lori Stark with Tali, Leila, Gary and Noam Zuckerman We are so proud of our beautiful six-acre, tree-filled oasis in Wheeling, Illinois. Campers explored the natural setting as part of our Teva (nature) program and enjoyed cookouts and archery in the wooded area of the property. Campers learned about leaves and plant parts, went on bird walks and expanded on nature themes through scavenger hunts and art projects. Our camp Geena (garden) was a real highlight. Campers planted, watered, weeded and watched as the first tomatoes and peppers ripened. They were amazed to see the cucumber plants flower and then grow fruit. We grew tasty herbs, including lemon balm and mint that we used in our cooking activity. What a wonderful opportunity this was to learn and recite the blessing “borei pri ha’adamah,” thanking God for bringing forth fruit from the earth! Picking vegetables in the camp garden So many people work tirelessly and give of their resources to make our program a success. This summer we recognized a generous contribution made by Leila, Lev, Noam and Talia Zuckerman in memory of Leila’s mother, Rebecca Towb, and in honor of Gary Zuckerman “Volunteer of the Century.” Their gift will be used to support the Ramah Day Camp garden. I want to also take this opportunity to thank the Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation for providing a $250,000 challenge grant last fall to help reduce the Ramah Day Camp mortgage. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have met the challenge! Through this support and the efforts of so many others, Ramah Day Camp continues to go from strength to strength! Todah Rabbah! Ramah Day Camp is a warm and nurturing environment where kids come to make great friends, grow socially, learn Jewish values and most importantly - to have fun! Campers entering kindergarten through sixth grade enjoy sports, swimming, music, cookouts, arts & crafts and so much more! Chicago area campers entering grades 4, 5 and 6 can experience both Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in one summer at special rates! Kochavim offers entering 4th graders the opportunity to spend twelve action-packed days at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and the rest of the summer at Ramah Day Camp. Two sessions are available. Garinim (for entering 5th graders) and Halutzim (for entering 6th graders) offer four weeks at Ramah Day Camp and four weeks at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. For details call (312) 606-0444 or email [email protected]. Campers look forward to fun theme days and special visitors Camp Ramah in Wisconsin 65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 1200, Chicago IL 60601 Rabbi David Soloff, Chief Executive Officer Jacob Cytryn, Director, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Yael Bendat-Appell, Assistant Director Lori Stark, Director, Ramah Day Camp Benji Bearman, Chief Operating Officer Arnie Harris, President For additional information contact: Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement, (312) 606-9316 x 225, E-mail: [email protected] www.ramahwisconsin.com www.ramahday.com