Floating in an Ocean of Gratitude at Ramah Galim

At camp, core Jewish memories are imprinted so that Ramahniks may live with wonder and gratitude, courage and responsibility.

Blog/ReflectionsNRC WebmasterAugust 26, 2025Ramah Galim

A Journey of Ruach, Community, and Partnership

Walking through the familiar yet transformed grounds stirred a rush of memories from my formative years. What struck me most, however, wasn’t nostalgia, but the vibrant continuity of the Ramah ruach (spirit)—an evolving yet enduring expression of the values that have defined Ramah for generations.

Blog/ReflectionsNRC WebmasterAugust 22, 2025Ramah California, Ramah Wisconsin

Shabbat Nachamu at Ramah in the Rockies

As we drove up the mountainous road to Ramah in the Rockies, leaving urban civilization and cell phone service behind, I felt a sense of relief. While the air was getting thinner, the temptation (and ability) to constantly check the news slipped away.

Blog/ReflectionsNRC WebmasterAugust 22, 2025Ramah in the Rockies

A Summer of Meaning

It is poignant to end my summer journey in Israel. I am exceptionally proud that this summer, we said YES. As soon as Israel opened its gates, so did we. In doing so, we fulfilled our mission of creating enduring connections with the land and the people.. A collective kol ha’kavod to everyone who made that happen.

Israel and HebrewNRC WebmasterAugust 7, 2025Ramah Israel, Ramah Israel Overnght Camp

Distinguishing Between the Kodesh and the Chol, The Sacred and the Regular

Something is happening all around us. A reawakening to the power of adding the holiness of Judaism into our lives; not at the periphery, but at the center; and the young people I talked to are leading the way.

Blog/ReflectionsNRC WebmasterAugust 4, 2025Poconos

Young Leaders, Deep Conversations, and the Beauty of Ramah

I traveled to Ramah in the Rockies and Ramah Day Camp in Nyack this past week, concluding a North American trek that has taken me to our 15 overnight and day camps. These are powerful visits and while I only have a glimpse of the magic unfolding, I am grateful for the opportunity I have at each site to form relationships, soak in joyful Judaism, and marvel at programmatic and educational innovation. There is so much to be proud of.

Blog/ReflectionsNancy ScheffAugust 1, 2025Ramah Nyack, Ramah in the Rockies

The Power of Presence

All of our camps have now reached the second half of their seasons—with it, the sweet satisfaction of all that has been accomplished and the fervent desire to take advantage of every minute of every day. I’ve visited 14 of our camps (so far) and this past week, I had the opportunity to spend time at our Philadelphia and Los Angeles day camps, Ramah Galim in Northern California and Ramah California in Ojai.

The Sounds of Summer, the Strength of Community

Our visits this week have taken us to Ramah Canada, Berkshires, New England, and the Boston day camp. Shlichim and Israeli campers who arrived late are now settling in, and our camps have the mid-July feel that we joyfully anticipate each year: exuberant children (some already in need of hair cuts!), sticky humidity (when we are all in need of ice cream!), tzevet who have become masterful counselors—spirited shira, rikud, tefillot, maccabiahs and zimriyahs. As friends of Ramah, we all know firsthand the sounds of July: they are our favorite sounds.

NRC WebmasterJuly 11, 2025Canada, Berkshires, Ramah Day Camp Greater Boston, New England

Wows Across Ramah

We are settling in: all of our North American camps are now open, 560 shlichim have arrived, and 92 teens have begun their journey on Ramah Israel Seminar. There is a sense of optimism: the joyful Jewish energy of children, teens, and young adults is palpable. This season, we will not take any of this for granted.