What happens when a group of Ramah alumni gather at the end of the day on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives? Why, they sing “Rad Hayom,” of course! (“Rad Hayom” is the Hebrew version of “Day Is Done,” also known as “Taps.”)
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A grant of $100,000 by an anonymous donor will now make it possible for students in Jewish day schools to apply for generous scholarship support for the upcoming 2014 camp season.
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With cellphones, iPads and computers, children are constantly plugged in to technology. But when it comes time to attend an overnight summer camp, unplugging from technology is crucial.
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This past Sunday, February 23, I attended a wonderful Ramah Poconos fundraising dinner, including a silent auction and the honoring of Geoff Menkowitz, current director of Ramah Darom and Avi Orlow of the Foundation for Jewish Camp; Dr. Mark and Ruth Joffe, Ramah Poconos lay leaders and medical director; and Rabbi Arthur “Archie” Ruberg, director of Ramah Poconos from 1976-1980. Over 300 people were in attendance. I have the honor of attending these events at all of our camps from time to time, and I am always moved by the expressions of deep commitment to Ramah and the impact of Ramah on the lives of so many people. This evening, however, was perhaps one of the most memorable, as Archie Ruberg’s speech was truly incredible.
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In the late 1960s, when husband-and-wife team Barbara and Herb Greenberg first decided to create a Jewish overnight summer camp program for developmentally disabled children, it was hard to find a camp willing to host it.
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Nostalgia about summer traditions notwithstanding, Jewish camps have changed dramatically from a generation ago.Camp’s value for Jewish education and identity-building is now a major focus of communal attention. Major Jewish foundations, federations and organizations are investing heavily in the sector.
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It used to be that parents who wanted to expose their children to conversational Hebrew over the summer had to travel to Israel. Now a growing number of American Jewish day camps are offering Hebrew-immersion programs, where kids do the standard day camp activities — swimming, arts and crafts, music, zip-lining and field trips — but “hakol b’ivrit.”
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ur Limmud experience began on our ride up to Stamford, Conn., where the conference took place at the Hilton. Unexpectedly, we had a very full car — we were six Jews, religious and secular, New Yorkers and Brits, a rabbi, a cantor and a musician, with three presenters, two reporters, several jokesters and lots of lively conversation, a taste of what was to come.
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Can young adults with disabilities truly appreciate the Israel experience? Having returned from leading a Tikvah Ramah Israel trip for twelve adults ages 18 to 40 with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and a range of intellectual disabilities, the answer is unequivocally YES! And there should be more opportunities for Israel trips–for all populations, following a range of models from inclusive, to family trips and more.
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