"There is nothing quite like a Ramah Shabbat”
Photos taken before and after Shabbat.
Over the weekend of February 9–11, we convened 19 Ramah campus leaders for a Shabbaton about responding to antisemitism.
We approached this difficult topic from many directions, including how antisemitism sometimes operates as an invisible oppression, its relationship to anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel, and how a potent way to combat it is by living joyfully as Jews. And live joyfully we did during our Shabbaton.
We had spirited tefillot, great singing, meaningful opportunities to reflect on personal experiences, and a fun night out at one of the best all-Kosher supermarkets in the country.
We are so grateful to our partners at Hillel International for providing some of the educational materials and to our friends at the Orangetown Jewish Center for hosting us at their congregation.
After the Shabbaton ended, participants reflected on various aspects of our time together.
Some shared new ideas they learned about antisemitism and how to respond to it:
“Antisemitism is a very specific form of oppression that can be internalized, and sometimes even invisible. After attending this Shabbaton, I understand that my views and my Jewish identity are a part of who I am and I should promote discussion as a form of resistance, rather than shy away from it. ”
“I learned so much from the programming and from the insights of peers going through the same experiences as me. How do I deal with antisemitism in the classroom, online, and in person? How does one “live” while “leading?” (that is living through antisemitism and reeling from the attacks in Israel, while simultaneously having to be a leader in a club, Hillel, or Ramah College Network?) The space Ramah provided for students during this trying time was invaluable and provided a haven for students to be in community. The weekend provided new skills and understanding for our cohort, and left us more equipped than ever to return to campus.”
“Antisemitism isn’t our problem, it’s a problem of the antisemites.”
Others talked about how special it was to celebrate a mid-semester Shabbat with fellow Ramahniks:
“There is nothing quite like a Ramah Shabbat, especially during a time when the Jewish people have felt the most vulnerable. Being able to daven, sing, discuss, and be proudly Jewish along with other Ramahniks in the midst of this challenging time was like coming up for a breath of fresh air. I am returning to campus invigorated, proud, and certain in my desire to return to camp this summer.”
“The nine months between the end of camp until staff week begins are long—too long. To have the opportunity during the coldest month of the year to step away from the routine of classes and step into the refreshing and ruach-filled environment of a Ramah Shabbat is incredible. Singing, thinking, and bonding with Ramah peers from across the Ramah movement is such a treat, and it was just the boost I needed to carry me over to the summer!”
“Celebrating Shabbat at camp is unlike anywhere else, and having the opportunity to experience that during the school year for one weekend is such a necessary break from the stress of courses and the rest of life.”
A number of participants shared their intentions for having better conversations on campus and at camps, sharing and listening with their peers, university administrators, and campers:
“One key idea that stayed with me was the imperative of recognizing humanity. When it comes to Israel, seeing it as a human, living, being opposed to a cold idea or concept. Our primary method of doing this is through our relationships with the campers as well as our relationships with שליחים.”
“I hope to spread lots of the info we learned when I return to my campus by having productive conversations about protecting Jewish students with various administrative bodies. I also hope to make these conversations a lot better by defining terms, and thinking about potential ways of addressing various problems on campus.”
“This was a wonderful Shabbaton and experience. I find that there are few events geared towards forming deep cross-campus relationships for Jewish college students, and I am so grateful to Ramah for stepping up to fill this underserved niche. I look forward to Ramah continuing to provide effective programming for University students.”
Finally, they wrote about what it meant to them to respond to antisemitism with joyful Jewish living:
“I am excited to bring back a much-needed renewed sense of Jewish joy to my college campus. I also look forward to applying my learning at camp through the facilitation of conversations to help my campers understand antisemitism on a deeper level.”
“This weekend was truly a source of Jewish joy for me, a concept we discussed in length during the Shabbaton. The past four months have been filled with mourning, education, and advocacy—all very important things—but all of which have made me feel lost and confused in my Jewish identity. This Shabbaton was refreshing because while we discussed the aforementioned topics, we also spent time together, in a worry-free environment, away from our respective campuses, where it can feel really hard to be Jewish.”
“Going forward I hope to put a greater focus on finding small moments of Jewish joy throughout my week because I often get caught up in all of the anti Zionism and antisemitism around me and would like to make a more conscious effort to not let that define me.”
