Ruach Across a Continent: Reflections on My Summer Visits to Ramah

This summer, I had the profound privilege of visiting all nine of our overnight Ramah camps, and Ramah Day Camp in Nyack—an experience that carried me from the lakes of Canada, Wisconsin, Poconos, Berkshires, and Palmer to the peaks of the Rockies, from the heart of the South to the shores of California, and back home again to the Ojai Valley, where I worked for eighteen years. It was a summer of movement, but also, in a deeper sense, a summer of stillness: the chance to slow down and simply witness the Ramah ruach (spirit) as it lives and breathes in each of its distinct communities.

NRC WebmasterAugust 18, 2026Nyack, Canada, Wisconsin, JTS, California

Building the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders

This summer, I spent time at two Ramah camps: Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, New York and Camp Ramah in the Poconos. A major highlight of these visits is catching up with our JTS cantorial and rabbinical students, and it was wonderful to see so many of them in action in a variety of roles at camp. Each of these future clergy brings their unique talents and energy to their jobs on tzevet/staff, and they serve as wonderful role models to fellow staff members and campers alike.

Blog/ReflectionsNRC WebmasterAugust 7, 2026Ramah Nyack, Poconos, JTS

“How Goodly Are Your Tents”: Reflections on Returning to Camp Ramah in the Poconos

"My JTS colleagues and I were struck by one similarity of our Ramah visits this past summer—our teenage campers and our college-age staff are all yearning for pathways to deepen their knowledge base and their connection to Judaism." - Reflections from Rabbi Joel Seltzer, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, The Jewish Theological Seminary

Blog/ReflectionsNancy ScheffSeptember 24, 2024JTS, Poconos

A Reflection on My Visit to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires

"Given all the difficulties we Jews are facing, imagine the pure joy I felt participating in “the summer of joy” at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. " - Reflections from Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky, Dean of List College and the Kekst Graduate School , The Jewish Theological Seminary

Blog/ReflectionsNancy ScheffJuly 15, 2024JTS, Berkshires

A Reflection on Shabbat at Camp Ramah Darom

"Ensconced in gorgeous surroundings, I had the privilege of spending a deeply meaningful Shabbat at Camp Ramah Darom this June 2024." - Reflections from Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Chancellor, The Jewish Theological Seminary

NRC WebmasterJuly 9, 2024JTS, Darom

Reflections from JTS Visitors to Ramah Camps, Summer 2023

“May Ramah continue to evolve in ways that embrace its core values while pushing the boundaries of its programming to meet the needs of today’s Jews and tomorrow’s.” - JTS Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz

Blog/ReflectionsNancy ScheffAugust 23, 2023JTS, Wisconsin, Berkshires, Nyack, Rockies, Darom

How Good It Is to Be at Camp

With each visit I was reminded just how good it is to be in camp, even if only for brief moments of time. When I think about the meaningful interactions that I had during these short trips, I am energized by the deep learning, special friendships and lifelong connections to Judaism that I witnessed.

Blog/Reflections, PartnershipsNancy ScheffAugust 30, 2022JTS

Reflections on Visits to Ramah Camps, Summer 2018

“Camp Ramah is truly a wonderful part of the Conservative Movement. We should all be proud of the dedicated professionals and staff who bring Ramah to life each summer. ” - Cantor Nancy Abramson, Director, H.L. Miller Cantorial School and Director, Women’s League Seminary Synagogue, JTS

Nancy ScheffOctober 17, 2018JTS, Wisconsin, Berkshires, Nyack, Rockies

Camp Ramah Up Close and Personal

“One of the highlights of my summers is the chance to visit several Ramah camps and to see, up close, what happens when young people experience Jewish living that is joyful, meaningful, and entwined in all they do. I am proud that JTS not only founded the Ramah Camping Movement, but continues to play an integral role in leading and developing this inspiring program.” - JTS Chancellor Arnold Eisen

Blog/ReflectionsNancy ScheffAugust 30, 2018JTS, Galim, California