Temple Educator's Column - June 2024

Excerpt from Ira's TBT Annual Meeting Report

I want to thank the leadership, Rabbi Moss and the staff for putting your trust in me as Interim Director nine and a half months ago. I was told at the time that my main task was to bring a sense of stability and calm to the teachers, parents and students of our Religious School.

I am very proud of the work of our teachers and madrichim who were instrumental in bringing this goal to reality. While I could teach, lead and encourage them – they were the ones in the rooms with our children. They created meaningful and authentic experiences and made each child feel seen and heard…

As Temple Educator, it is my task to work with you – our members and leaders, the senior staff and our faculty – to determine how to move forward and take us to the next level of learning.

The first thing we have to ask ourselves is "Why Change?"

Research tells us that the unique experiences of each generation mold their views, wants, needs and expectations. Our sacred challenge is to figure out how to engage and inspire the younger generations without disenfranchising or disenchanting those who have been here for decades. And even better - to bring the older generations along on this joyous road.

Part of this challenge involves building the plane while the plane is in the air. We do not have the luxury of putting everything on pause while we sit down to flesh out where we are going. There will be Shabbat this weekend. There will be Religious School tomorrow and Sunday and again in September. And Preschool will march on.

Our first steps are around curriculum and pedagogy – the content and the methods of learning. Our current curriculum is built around a pre-packaged and purchased product that was originally designed to respond to the needs of using Zoom as the primary medium for learning. It is a good, but limited curriculum, especially as we have returned to being in the same spaces with our students.

Once we agree why we need to change, we need to decide where to begin.

We are taking a three-pronged approach. We will focus on
1) curriculum – what we learn,
2) pedagogy – how we teach or transmit the curriculum, and
3) communication – how we describe and tell the story of how youth learning happens at Temple Beth Tikvah.

In April, the Curriculum Working Group was convened by chair Lizzie Sharp. It is a group of fourteen people that includes professional educators, parents of future and current students as well as alumni, two religious school teachers and two teenagers.

The next question is what content What Should Be Learned? (Curriculum)

If a child attends our school from kindergarten through high school graduation, they will have approximately 900 hours of class time over 13 years. And most children, even those who love the experience and are encouraged by dedicated parents, attend far less than that. It’s a reality.

The other reality is that even in 900 hours we cannot squeeze in all the history and customs and language and tradition and community-building and… that we’d like. So decisions have to be made about what gets more attention and what gets less. These types of decisions can be made based on the experiences and expertise of our Temple Educator or dictated by an off-the-shelf curriculum, but to be truly effective the choices need to be made through careful reflection which incorporates Temple Beth Tikvah’s values and philosophies as well as a deep understanding of the needs and desires of our students and their parents.

Our learning goals will be framed by our temple’s mission: “Temple Beth Tikvah is a vibrant, inclusive Reform Jewish community, guided by Torah and interconnected through our traditions and values of tikkun hanefesh (enriching our lives) and tikkun olam (improving our world).”

The Curriculum Working Group is working to recommend a framework for the curriculum, the values and content that will be taught. I will use that process and product to develop the guidelines for teachers and determine the needed supplies and training for it to be implemented. This will be a staged process, with successive areas of the curriculum rolled out over the next 18 months. The Education Committee will be asked to adopt the recommendations as they are developed.

Second, it’s critical that we focus on How We Teach (Pedagogy)

I have been working with our teachers to expand their pedagogic toolboxes, with an intense focus on experiential learning. This refers to the deliberate infusion of Jewish values into engaging and memorable experiences that impact the formation of Jewish identity. The idea is to focus less on learning facts, dates and data – although we will still do that – and more on creating experiences that help our kids be hands-on with being Jewish.

We will continue to work on developing Experiential learning skills, and will expand our focus to include Social, Emotional and Spiritual learning goals – reaching inside the learners, trying to connect to their hearts and souls in addition to their minds.

Our third focus is on Communication – how we will describe how youth learning happens at Temple Beth Tikvah.

A separate working group will begin to meet in the fall to explore a name change for what we now call Religious School and how we tell our story. The name may change or it may not. Whatever we choose, we need to be able to articulate to ourselves as well as to those looking for a congregation what we are all about. And we want it to be something unique that speaks to how kids learn today.

We are about to celebrate Shavuot, which marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Every member of the children of Israel was there, regardless of gender or age. In Parshat Nitzavim, we are told “I make this covenant, with its sanctions, not with you alone, but both with those who are standing here with us this day before our God and with those who are not with us here this day.”

The rabbis interpreted this to mean that every member of Am Yisrael – the people of Israel – who would ever live was also there. Let me conclude by asking that we all stand at Sinai together.

We are looking for a few new teachers, and I invite you to consider joining our faculty or serving as a substitute.

Participate in one of our working groups or serve on the education committee which guides learning at TBT.

Pirkei Avot teaches that we are not required to complete the task, but we are not free to desist from it. A congregation of learners means we are all learners and teachers.

Join us.
Ira Wise

Temple Educator's Column - May 2024

Which Truth Do You Mean?

There has been a lot of talk about the truth – or lack of it – in the news. People talk about “the big lie” and disagree about a variety of events of the day. Seen from various perspectives, it is hard for many to believe that so many can disagree on what seems to be the plain truth, based on what we can all see with our own eyes. These are troubling ideas that are dividing us one from the other. I encourage everyone to try and imagine perspectives different from our own and remember they are held by members of our community, even our own families. We have to figure out how to move forward together. I am not going to discuss that here though.

This is not just a current events story. I cannot remember a year when a learner – sometimes and adult, sometimes a youth – has not asked me or one of the rabbis “Are the stories in the Torah true?” The answer to that question is another question: “What do you mean by true?” To be fair, my answer is different from the one you might get from an Orthodox teacher.

Until the mid-nineteenth century, nearly all Jewish thinkers and rabbis accepted that the Torah was written word for word, letter for letter by God – or at least dictated by God to Moses. So, the answer from the Orthodox perspective is “Yes. The Torah is true. It all happened.” There are of course many orthodoxies, not just one monolithic uniform movement. There is a fair amount of nuance that should be in that discussion. By and large, though, if the Torah is actually directly from God, then the Mitzvot are not just a good idea, they are the law.

From a Reform perspective, I suggest that there is truth and there is Truth. The first, with the lower case “t” refers to historical accuracy. Approximately 150 years ago, a number of biblical scholars – both Jewish and Christian – looked closely at the Hebrew text of the Torah. They noticed that in some sections, God was Elohim. In others, God was Adonai. There were several almost duplicated sections. In the midst of conversations between God and Moses, Aaron would simply appear and disappear. And the entire book of Deuteronomy seems to repeat much of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers – although many of the commandments are stricter in the second version.

The scholars concluded that there must have been more than one – at least four – different authors involved in the writing of the five books of Moses. This was called the Documentary Hypothesis. And if humans – even if Divinely inspired – wrote the words, then the Mitzvot become more or less guidelines for behavior. And this is the core difference between Reform and Orthodoxy (although there are others. Based on this, I would suggest that the Torah is not a great source of historical accuracy. I see it as our people’s record of how we perceive our origin stories.

I will say that I believe that the Torah is filled with Truth with an upper-case “T.” It teaches us how to be Jewish. It teaches us how to embrace what we have come to call Jewish values like Kehilah (community), Kavod (respect, honor), Kedushah (holiness), Savlanut (patience) and Sovlanut (tolerance), to name five out of dozens. It teaches us that we are each created in God’s image, so we must treat one another with the same respect we have for God.

My friend and teacher Joel Lurie Grishaver once taught me that he believes that the Torah was written by humans. And they wrote exactly what God wanted them to write. So that leaves it in our hands. Coming from a human source, we each get to choose how to be Jewish, which values to embrace. Coming from God, filtered through humans, we must remember that we must not choose “none of the above” when it comes to values. We can handle the Truth.

L’shalom,

Ira Wise

President's Column - May 2024

Dear TBT Family,

April was an extraordinary month for me as Temple Beth Tikvah's president, marked by both profound sorrow and joyful anticipation. As a community, we mourned the loss of two young people: gathering to pray, sit shiva, and share our grief. At the same time, we were hard at work planning our Community Seder and preparing for the 1st Annual Gala — a joyous occasion full of hope and excitement.

The month's events symbolized the duality of life, with its heartache and happiness, and highlight how Temple Beth Tikvah is our home through the highs and lows. It is a place where we come together for comfort and companionship during times of sadness, and for laughter and celebration during times of joy.

In moments of loss, we often say "Zichrono l'vracha," which means "may their memory be for blessing." This phrase carries deep significance within our tradition, offering a sense of comfort and hope as we navigate grief. This week I thought about why we say "for blessing", instead of “may their memory be a blessing.” The use of "for blessing" suggests that the memory of our loved ones has a future-oriented impact—it can inspire positive actions and encourage us to honor their legacy by continuing their good work. This week, as I reflected on the lives of Sara Koenigsberg and Josh Lipshutz, I thought about how their memory can inspire us to be better and do better. To their grieving families, I say, "May their memories be for blessing."

Despite the sadness we've felt, I am excited to invite you to our temple's First Annual Gala on June 1st. This event marks a significant step in our congregation's journey. Our new building is more than just a structure; it's a testament to our resilience and dedication. It's a place where we gather, as we did last month for b'nei mitzvahs, funerals, Shabbat services, our Chai/Legacy Dinner, Community Seder, and so much more. It's a space that will serve as a source of strength and community for generations to come.

The Gala will be a night to remember, filled with joy, connection, and celebration. We'll enjoy Havdalah, delicious food, music, dancing, and an auction. This is our chance to come together, make new memories, and celebrate Temple Beth Tikvah.

I look forward to seeing you all on June 1st.

Warm regards,

Karen Goldberg Temple Beth Tikvah President

Rabbi's Column - May 2024

Dear Friends,

During my college days, there was a slogan all over campus: “think one person can change the world? We do.” I loved these words because they reflected my institution’s history at the forefront of social change. In fact, college students have always made headlines for protests, marches, and civil disobedience. This

is how it should be. They are exploring their sense of right and wrong. They are expressing their voices as change agents.

Undoubtedly, there are many compassionate young people protesting in the tent encampments that have sprung up at universities throughout the United States. They are demonstrating for an end to the war in Gaza and for justice for Palestinians. And what decent person doesn’t want both of those things? They have seen the terrible images and grim statistics that we have all seen. We all want an

end to the suffering.

Unfortunately, these rallies are not always benign. My colleague Rabbi Ari Hart recently took a walk through the encampment at Northwestern University. Some of the signs and chants he encountered called for peace and an end to the fighting. Others were downright chilling: “Long live the Intifada!” “Hey hey, ho ho - Zionists have got to go.” And then there’s the ubiquitous slogan heard around the world, “from the river to the sea Palestine will be free.”

I wonder how many of these students know what river and what sea they are chanting about? If they do, do they think that the seven million Jews living there will simply pack up and leave? And what about the word ‘intifada’ — which means ‘shaking off ’ or ‘uprising’ — do they know that the second intifada consisted of hundreds of suicide bombings, sowing terror throughout Israel’s civilian centers? Do they know that that uprising began after Palestinian leadership rejected a two state peace deal that Israel agreed to?

Perhaps the most disturbing recent statement came from Khymani James, the organizer of the Columbia encampment, who said that “Zionists don’t have a right to live.”

Just let that sink in.

Zionism is simply the political movement for the freedom of the Jewish people. To reject that movement is to deny the Jewish right to safety and self-determination. It is a form of hatred. I wish I could comfortably advise our young people to speak up for the safety and self-determination of both Palestinians and Israelis in these protest spaces. But I do not know of any protest where such nuance would be accepted. Tragically, the protests have been poisoned by forces that would not end the war, but rather declare it anew— on the entire Jewish people. (“Globalize the Intifada?” The nefarious intent is hiding in plain sight.)

This messy morass reveals a failure of the American left. Intersectional justice work dictates that none can be free unless all are free. In too many of these protest spaces, that applies to everyone except for Jews.

(And by the way, how many of these students showed up to protest the brutality of the Rohingya Genocide or Syrian strongman Assad’s murder of thousands of Palestinians in his civil war? We could name dozens of other geopolitical conflicts that haven’t risen to encampment-protest-worthiness. That alone is reason for deep reflection.)

Many well-meaning young people attend these events because of the images in the news or an invitation from a friend. Many have absolutely no knowledge of this conflict or its history. Most are well-meaning.

Undoubtedly, some of these protesters are Jewish. I suspect that some of our own college students from TBT may be involved. We should listen to them. Many of them are driven by conscience. We should respect their right to free expression. But mass protests devoid of critical thinking are morally bankrupt and potentially very dangerous. The movement we are seeing today is not about peace. It is tainted by a zero-sum worldview that requires Palestinian liberation at the expense of Jewish safety. That is a false choice and one that makes Jews around the world less safe.

Oseh Shalom bimromav, hu ya’eseh shalom aleinu - v’al kol yoshvei teivel.

May peace yet prevail in our world.

Shalom,

Rabbi Moss

Rabbi's Column - April 2024

Dear Friends,

Do you know where the largest Pesach seder in the world takes place? I’ll give you a minute to guess for yourself — the answer will surprise you!

Pesach (Passover) ranks as one of the most widely observed Jewish Holidays. Even those who do not attend synagogue or otherwise practice Judaism often find themselves around the seder table, asking the four questions and speaking of our ancestors’ journey to redemption.

The story of the Exodus is so compelling because it touches on universal human themes: the triumph of good over evil, and the quest for freedom. For that reason, the Jewish freedom story has inspired freedom-seekers throughout history, including the 17th-century Pilgrims and enslaved Africans. When my grandfather was alive, he would love to hear Al Jolson sing Go Down Moses — an abolitionist protest song influenced by the plight of the Biblical Israelites. This year, many Jews will place an olive on their seder plates as an aspiration for the liberation of both Israelis and Palestinians.

In short, Pesach’s universal themes bring an ancient story to contemporary relevance, every year. Perhaps that is why it is so widely celebrated. And I am so glad that this year, TBT will be holding our community Seder for the first time since 2019! Because many folks travel or spend the first two nights with family, our seder will take place on the fifth night of Pesach: Friday, April 26th. Our Seder will be joyous, uplifting and fun for TBT folks from ages 0-120. I hope to see you and your family there. Because our wonderful planning committee needs to order the right amount of food and set up our space properly, we ask for all RSVPs no later than April 11th. (RSVP here) Further information about the seder can be found later in the Shofar.

It is so important for us to be together to share these stories, especially in a year like this. If you are in town for that Friday night, please join us. You will be glad you did.

Oh, and in case you still wanted to know: the largest Passover seder in the world takes place in Kathmandu, Nepal.

I wish you and your family a Chag Kasher V’Sameach (a happy Matzah-filled holiday),
Rabbi Danny Moss

Temple Educator's Column - April 2024

Full disclosure: I am a comic book fan boy. Always have been. I once had a subscription to the Legion of Super-Heroes. The new issue arrived by mail! (I am also one of those fan boys whose mother gave away the collection while he was in college. Sigh.) I still enjoy comics now and then, and I love all the superhero movies.

I have not given up my love of superheroes. As I have matured, I have learned that there are REAL superheroes. They rarely wear a cape, although occasionally they wear tights – even if they are not going to a yoga class. And while they cannot fly or stop bullets with their bracelets, they can make imaginations soar and help us feel stronger than ever.

I am talking about teachers of course. And because of who I am and where you are reading this, I am particularly talking about Jewish teachers. Our teachers do amazing things. If you have a child in our religious school, I don’t need to tell you about them. You know. If your kids are out of the house, or not yet old enough to join us on Sundays or Wednesdays, you have not had the pleasure of hearing kids running up to their parents in the lobby to tell them about what happened in their classroom or somewhere else in the building.

I have only been here since August, but I would be happy to sit down over a cup of coffee and tell you some great stories about Miriam Heyman (K), Karen Rabinovici (1st), Jack Brown and Lia Solomon (2nd), Lizzie Sharp (3rd ), Eli Buchdahl (4th ), Noah Tirschwell (5 th ), Danya DubrowCompaine (6th), Shelley Capozzi (7th) or Rabbi Moss (10th - 12th ) and the amazing experiences they have created for their learners. (I teach 8th and 9th , but I don’t like to blow my own horn.)

One of the things that helps make some of these heroes most effective is that they are members of the congregation. I have yet to hear something like “Hey Lauren! It is so cool that your mom is our teacher!” at TBT, but I have heard it often throughout my career, as I love to hire our members to teach.

Why am I telling you all of this? First of all, join me in shepping naches (being really proud) from all of the amazing things our fellow congregants are doing. Next, and just as importantly, please think about becoming a member of our team. Start by reaching out to me and we can talk about what being a teacher means, and what it can do for you. (All of our teachers do it because they love it – even though we do pay them!) We can dream a little bit together and I can help you develop some skills.

We do not look specifically for professionally trained teachers – although some of our teachers also teach in general education. We are looking for people who love kids and being Jewish, who are not overly shy and who are really good at listening. We are creating experiences where our learners can decide what being Jewish will mean to them, not just filling them with information.

Call me at 203-245-7028. Email me at rsdirector@tbtshoreline.org. Or just drop in. Teaching will be great for you and awesome for our learners. Capes and tights are optional. If you want a mask, we can talk.

L’shalom,
Ira Wise

President's Column - April 2024

Dear TBT Family,

With the arrival of spring, we are greeted with the gentle warmth of the sun and the promise of new beginnings. For me, this season signifies the blossoming of flowers in my garden, the return of geese to the lake, and the anticipation of celebrating Passover together as a community. It fills my heart with joy to announce that after our time in exile, because we are back in our beloved building, we will be gathering for a Seder on April 26th. (RSVP here)

I hold wonderful memories of my dear friend Sharon Besser, may her name be for blessing, who tirelessly organized this Seder for many years. I can only imagine her delight in knowing that we are continuing this cherished tradition once more.

Passover holds a special place in our hearts as it commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from the horrors of slavery in ancient Egypt. It stands as a testament to the unwavering faith, resilience, and divine intervention that guided our ancestors through those dark hours. As we observe Passover, we are reminded of our journey from bondage to freedom and the enduring values of faith, perseverance, and justice that have sustained us through the ages.

The Seder not only allows us to come together with our families, friends, and fellow members of the TBT community, but also serves as a time for introspection and reflection. It is an opportunity to deepen our connection to our rich heritage, express gratitude for our blessings, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a sacred community.

In the spirit of Passover, may we find renewal, inspiration, and strength in our shared traditions and experiences. I extend a heartfelt invitation to each one of you to join us as we break Matzah together and celebrate the blessings of freedom and community.

I am deeply grateful to the Passover Seder Committee, comprising Kate Lee and Jon Katz as chairs, along with Nancy Rosen, David Rosen, and Gloria Kindman, for their dedicated efforts in ensuring that this evening will be both beautiful and meaningful. Your hard work and commitment are truly appreciated.

Chag Pesach Sameach – may this Passover be filled with joy, meaning, and abundant blessings for us all. Karen Goldberg

President's Column - February 2024

Dear TBT Family,

Last week there was a New York Times Opinion piece entitled “Train Yourself to Always Show Up.” It caught my attention not only because this is one of my life’s mottos but also because it referenced the Mishnah. The text Middot 2:2 describes a ritual from the time of the Second Temple. Thousands of Jews would climb to the Temple Mount and walk in a circle in the plaza. Most people would walk counterclockwise. Meanwhile, the people suffering would make this same ritual walk but they would walk in the opposite direction, clockwise. This way the downtrodden would get comforted by the other people passing them. Those who walked counterclockwise would offer a blessing: “May the Holy One comfort you. You are not alone,” and then would continue to walk until the next person approached.

How proud I am to be a descendent from a tradition like this. Our ancestors understood the transformative power of our presence in the lives of others. In a world that is constantly buzzing with activity, it’s easy to get caught up in our own hectic schedules and responsibilities. However, our souls are enriched when we extend ourselves beyond our personal sphere and embrace the opportunity to support and uplift one another. In times of joy, our presence magnifies the celebration; in times of sorrow, it provides a comforting embrace. The simple act of showing up for someone can make a world of difference.

Our Chesed committee is working to create a community of caring for our fellow congregants. We want to create a culture not only of helping those in need, but also the expectation that if something difficult happens, you call the temple, you reach out, you let us know that you need care. I am sure that many of us are willing to step up to help. I suspect that the more difficult challenge for our congregation will be to ask for help. In our fiercely independent society, it feels weak to admit we are suffering. I, however, would say that it takes great strength to reach out when you need a helping hand. We all must learn to both give and receive.

In this spirit, you will all be receiving an invitation to sign up on a platform called Helping Hands. This does not commit you to do anything. It will just allow us to email you when the Chesed committee identifies a need. It may be for rides, visiting a sick congregant, making food for a mourner, etc. I hope to get a great response from our devoted community.

I will end the way I began, with the ritual from our ancient text. Sometimes we will walk counter clockwise but there will be times when we walk against the current. I pray that TBT, our Jewish tribe, can support us while we walk the walk.

L’Shalom,

Karen

Rabbi's Column - February 2024

Dear Friends,

Last month in this column I introduced two vital Jewish values to help us as we confront this terrible war: Tzelem Elohim (human dignity) and Yetziat Mitzrayim (compassion for those under duress). This month, I’d like to tell you about Hillel and Shammai. They were ancient study partners who sparred about nearly every area of Jewish law. Even though both sides presented cogent arguments, Hillel almost always won. Why? According to the Talmud (Eruvin 13b) it was because Hillel would teach the opposing side’s argument first. He would invite the Shammai family to dine in his home even though they disagreed about kashrut. In short, he was a mensch, and that mattered most of all.

Further, the Mishnah (Avot 5.16) relates that there are two types of disagreements: those for heaven’s sake (l’shem shamayim) and those not for heaven’s sake. According to the text, Hillel and Shammai exemplify what it means to disagree for heaven’s sake.

As we all continue to pray for peace and the hostages’ safe return, I’d like to share some further learning resources with you in the spirit of Hillel and Shammai. In addition to our TBT programs, these can help us better understand the events in Israel and Gaza. If you’re a podcast listener, I recommend the Ezra Klein Show and the Hartman Institute’s “For Heaven’s Sake” Podcast. For high-level geopolitical analysis, check out the BICOM Podcast. (BICOM has also has an excellent primer on the conflict.) In particular, I recommend the following episodes from Ezra Klein’s Show:

● Rabbi Sharon Brous (Senior Rabbi of IKAR LA)

● Aaron David Miller (Veteran US Peace Negotiator who played a key role in Oslo)

● Yossi Klein HaLevi (Senior Scholar of the Hartman Institute) and Amjad Iraqi (Palestinian-Israeli Journalist) — I recommend listening to these two back-to-back.

The ability to hold cognitive dissonance is a Jewish aspiration, reflected in much of the Talmud’s discourse. (And, not to mention, Tevye). When you listen to these podcasts, you will almost certainly hear ideas that both affirm and challenge your beliefs. You may start crying or feel very angry. I did both of these things.

I believe that as Reform Jews, we are called upon to grasp the fullness of this conflict, including things that make us uncomfortable. When we pay close attention to the lived experiences of people on all sides of this conflict, can we develop our own positions, grounded in moral integrity, an honest understanding of history, and the wisdom of our tradition. We can feel more confident in our commitment to Israel, knowing that we are not afraid to confront the pain of past and present.

L’Shalom — with every fervent prayer for peace,

Rabbi Moss

Education Director's Column - January 2024

Are you ready for the summer?

I have been quoted as saying that overnight Jewish summer camp is the most valuable thing you can give your child after connecting them to a congregational community and teaching them to care about being Jewish. (I have suggested many other things that it is the best thing after, but let’s stick to the Jewish stuff.) My wife Audrey, I, and both of our adult sons are products of Jewish summer camps, and we all went on to become counselors and more. In fact, we believe much of how we parented our sons is based on what we learned as camp staff.

Camp is an immersive experience. You learn about being part of something by being part of it. In a Jewish camp, Jewish identity, Jewish ideas and Jewish values are built into everyday living. Kids there do all of the fun summer stuff: sports, arts and crafts, hiking, drama, music, climbing and ropes courses, laying down in the grass with your friends and declaring what clouds look like, and even repairing the world. It is a safe cocoon – some camps call it the Bubble – where they can help one another get on with the business of figuring out who they are.

On Sunday, January 21, we will be hosting several overnight Jewish Camp representatives from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. They will each have different activities for the kids as they move through their stations, giving them a taste of camp. Parents are invited to join us and to have more focused conversations about the possibilities for your children down the road.

Some of our kids are already planning to attend a camp this summer. They will simply have fun. Others might go to an overnight camp in a year, or three, but are not ready for this summer. They will also have fun. We are not trying to convince anyone to go to camp right away. We are trying to plant the seeds with them and with you to think about Jewish summer camp when they and you are ready.

All of the camps we have invited participate in the One Happy Camper program sponsored by the Foundation for Jewish Camp. It offers a significant scholarship for ALL first-time campers at Jewish summer camps, regardless of financial need. They do it because they agree that Jewish Summer Camp is that important to the Jewish development of our kids. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

L’shalom,
Ira Wise Interim
Director of Education