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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreSomething 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreAll 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreKama tov she'batem ha’bayta: Welcome home, dear shlichim. You are our heroes. You bring us yontif!
Read MoreThose who have spent any time at a Ramah camp know that Shabbat at Ramah electrifies the soul. Last weekend, Ramah Wisconsin's Shabbat delivered an especially potent spiritual charge. Early Friday night, the weather cooperated beautifully, with clear blue skies, and a calm breeze coming off the agam.
Read MoreOver the course of our Shabbaton weekend, whose theme was spiritual resilience, each of the 20 participating college-aged students shared a personal reflection about times they drew on spirituality to get through a challenging moment in their lives. Many reflected on post-October 7th campus life and how they’ve relied on community, song, and teaching children as b’nai mitzvah tutors or religious school teachers to cope.
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