ו ל ת ה ו י לבנ ב נ ו ת
GROW OUR FUTURE ANNUAL REPORT 2019
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | 1
אנו באנו ארצה–לבנות ולהבנות בה We have come to the land—to build it and to be built by it.
ָ ַה ”קּטֹן יִהְי ֶה לָאֶל ֶף וְהַצָּעִיר ”ל ְגו ֹי עָצוּם “The smallest shall become a thousand, and the least a mighty nation.” ISAIAH 60:22
So say the words of an old Zionist folksong—and certainly those words are appropriate as we reflect on a year of growth, building, and inspiration for Camp Ramah in the Poconos. We hope that you enjoy reading through this annual report, chronicling the growth of our organization over the course of the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year. Certainly there are ways in which we physically grew this past year: continued full enrollment at our overnight camp, adding and expanding years to our Sha’ar Hebrew Immersion program at our day camp, and continued expansion of our special needs offerings through our Tikvah programs. This past year was also a year for building! At the overnight we saw a complete renovation and redesign of the Sifriyah (Library) creating a climate-controlled space for learning, prayer, and programming. We also expanded our Omanut (Arts and Crafts) complex, with a gorgeous new woodworking space where our campers learned new skills helping them to become better builders of our world. And at our Day Camp we built a “Gag” a new shaded tent where the entire machaneh could gather, and we also dedicated our new ‘machsan’ a permanent programmatic space for our Day Camp on the Mandell Education Campus. But this past year was also a time to pause, to reflect, and to strategize about how we will continue to build and grow our future as an organization. We remain committed to a vision that simultaneously wishes to invest in and continually improve upon our camp programs—while also working to expand our brand and our reach far beyond the months of the summer, or the camper years. We are poised to unveil new programs, retreats, staff development initiatives, and adult education in the coming months and years as we make certain that the growth of Camp Ramah in the Poconos will continue in perpetuity.
“ יָסֵף,”וּדְלֹא מוֹסִיף “One who does not increase, ceases.”
PIRKEI AVOT 1:13
We wish to thank the leadership of Michael Wachs, who ended his term as president on September 30th of 2019. Under Michael’s presidency we crafted our current strategic plan, restructured our governance system, and always practiced the art of “beginning with the end in mind.” Michael, thank you for your time and dedication to our mission. Lastly, we want to thank you—our philanthropic community! None of this growth and vision would be possible without your support of our organization. We hope that you will read through these pages and feel immense pride in your own role in helping to grow our future—one happy camper, staff member, family, and alumna, at a time. Sincerely,
Debbie Albert President
Rabbi Joel Seltzer Executive Director
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OMANUT As part of our Master Land Use and Facilities Plan of 2016, we envisioned renovating and expanding the current Omanut (Creative Arts) complex, adding a beautiful new addition which would become the home for our new Nagarut (woodworking) program. Because of the generous donations of the estate of Ernest and Meta Oppenheimer, an anonymous foundation, and the Jewish Federation Real Estate Group of Philadelphia, we added a new 1,000 sq. ft. woodworking space, while also making significant renovations to the existing building. Partnering with a company called Mapelwoodshop, we purchased brandnew woodworking equipment that allowed are campers to design and hand-assemble various creative projects.
SIFRIYAH Another vision of our Master Plan was to renovate the Sifriyah (Library) in order to make it a more versatile programmatic space for both the summer and throughout the year. Climate control and two bathrooms were added to the space, making it usable both during the hottest days of the summer—as well as during the chilly mornings of our Sukkot Retreat. The Sifriyah has now become a Mercaz Chinuch, an educational center, a place where our amazing team of educators can create and execute their experiential lessons for our chanichim.
STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENTS In the Fall of 2018 we began the first year of a three-year strategic plan aiming to Grow Ramah Poconos, Grow Ramah Leaders Year-Round and Life-Long, and Grow Ramah Day Camp. Several key initiatives took place during the course of the last fiscal year related to this longterm strategic visioning.
וֶהְי ֵה נ ָכו ֹן ל ַבֹּקֶר And you shall be ready for the dawn…
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Firstly, we underwent an organizational restructuring which we believe will better position our year-round team to continue to invest in and innovate our camp programming, while simultaneously looking forward to the next decade, which will include major capital improvements, and the continued expansion of our retreat offerings. Secondly, we determined that the current home of Ramah Day Camp on the Mandell Educational Campus in Elkins Park, PA, is the location that is most suitable for our near-term sustainability and growth; and we are exploring partnership opportunities to invest further in that campus. Lastly, we continue to focus our energies in building year-round and life-long leadership opportunities for our staff and alumni. Pre-camp trainings, trainings across the Ramah movement, staff development and mentorship, and staff appreciation are all key initiatives driven by this strategic vision.
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REUNION HA’GADOL It was a picture-perfect Visiting Day on July 14th, 2019 when over 120 former campers and staff from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s came back to the place that meant so much to them decades before. Alumni came from Israel, California, and everywhere in between to experience again the magic of Camp Ramah in the Poconos.
“We are here because Ramah made a huge difference in out friends, careers, families and our Judaism… this camp is part of our DNA.” DEBBIE ALBERT, BOARD PRESIDENT, GESHER ‘77
“Ramah changed our lives.” ROBIN SUE LANDSBURG, ALUM, PARENT & GRANDPARENT
Picture sheer joy as friends who hadn’t seen one another in years embraced like they did when they were 12-years old. Judy “Rikkudi” Brown led dancing, David Braverman played old favorites on an electric piano, and the kitchen staff took a nostalgic tour through their old stomping grounds. It was a day of photos, laughter, tears of joy, and sweet memories.
“We raise Jews here. But we raise kids and staff, more importantly, who are committed and interested and practiced.” RABBI ELI HAVIVI, FORMER DIRECTOR 1981–1984
“Ramah is the future of Judaism.” MINNA ZISKIN, PARENT AND RAMAH WISCONSIN ALUM
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IVRIT, HEBREW
GROWTH HIGHLIGHTS
This summer saw a number of new initiatives to raise the level of Hebrew being used at camp. All campers participated in a ‘perek ivrit’—an activity period that focused on Hebrew vocabulary, taught in Hebrew. Each morning, the Hebrew specialist set up a space for Hebrew games/coloring/reading and once a week we recognized campers and staff who made an effort to speak Hebrew with a “Meah Milim” (100 words) t-shirt and certificate. In addition to the continued growth of Sha’ar Philadelphia: a Hebrew Immersion Program, now representing 25% of our camper population, Hebrew continued to be a focus at camp.
RAMAH DAY CAMP
AHAVAH STATUE To beautify our campus, our campers, with the guidance and help of Israeli artist Reut Asimini, built a life-sized replica of the Ahava (love) statue that sits outside the Jerusalem Museum. The completion of the statue coincided with Yom Yisrael and will stay on campus as an outdoor art installation through the summer months.
MITZVAH INITIATIVES As we do every summer, we teach the concept of mitvot through hands-on experiences. This summer we launched our first “Color Run for Tzedakah”. In the days leading up to the run, edot (age groups) were challenged to bring in the most number of coins. On the final day, the entire camp ran a mile loop around camp, while dodging colored powder! This effort raised over $650 which was donated to the Lone Soldier Center in Israel. For our third year, we also participated in Yom JRA, a day dedicated to supporting the work of the Jewish Relief Agency. Our campers delivered almost 600 boxes of food to low-income individuals followed by a camp-wide picnic at a local park.
FRIENDSHIPS
Ramah Day Camp chanichim (campers) once again enjoyed a summer of exploration and growth! Campers participated in some new special programs days (like Yom Flight where we created and built numerous types of flying objects, Purim b’Kayitz, and Yom Philadelphia (complete with a visit from the Philadelphia Union organization); New structures to keep us cool were built (like our new Gag); and our tzevet (staff) as always, was full of ruach (energy) and care for each and every camper. “To see them both so
happy and having the summer of their lives has been such a joy for us. They are already asking us, “How many days until camp next summer?” PARENT, DAY CAMP
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GROWTH HIGHLIGHTS
ESAU AND YONATAN
CAMP RAMAH IN THE POCONOS
For our second year, we welcomed two very special members of our staff community from the Abuyadaya Jewish community in Uganda: Esau Wanani and Yonatan Katz Lukato. Esau was our archery and mountain biking instructor, while Yonatan was a madrich (counselor) in our Yedidim edah. Over the past two summers they met, befriended, taught and inspired our chanichim (campers), as well as our American, and international staff. They shared their unique story; which became part of our Ramah story. Their presence in our camp community reminds us—the story of Judaism is diverse and complex; and should be celebrated as such. It has multiple narratives that begin in innumerable places that are not always so neatly contained by the terms ‘Ashkenazic’ or ‘Sephardic’.
It was another summer of happiness and growth as over 550 children enjoyed the joyfully Jewish environment of Camp Ramah in the Poconos. This summer saw one of our biggest groups ever in our decade-old Ramah Basketball Academy, coached by former New York Knick, Michael Sweetney. Programs such as RBA, as well as the week-long Ramah Songleader Academy with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky allow our campers to choose specialty tracks within their camp experience. “Every summer we get closer to one another and suddenly, we’re friends forever.”
CHOZRIM HABAYTA, RABBI HAROLD MESSINGER
NEW FIRE PIT Proceeds from the previous fiscal year’s Chai Campaign helped us to invest in a new, multi-tiered fire pit down by the agam (lake). The size of the new fire pit allows for a bunk, and even an edah(!) to sit comfortably together, overlooking a moonlit lake, while they make s’mores and sing campfire songs. During our Alumni Weekend and our Sukkot Retreats last year, we were able to gather around the new fire pit to share camp memories, countless laughs, as well as to go through the entire songbook of ‘classic camp songs’ (in English AND Hebrew, of course!) We continue to try to invest in better maximizing the natural beauty of our campus in efforts to consistently nurture a love of nature in our campers and staff.
GOLF WITH RABBI JOEL Rabbi Joel loves golf! You may not know this about him, but if he isn’t enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful day at Camp Ramah in the Poconos or Ramah Day Camp, then he would want to be out on the golf course. So this past summer, Rabbi Joel created Camp Ramah in the Poconos’ first-ever ‘Closest to the Hole’ completion as a bunk activity. Tzrifim (bunks) were encouraged to come to the bottom of Migrash Banim (Boys’ Campus), where they found Rabbi Joel waiting for them with two sets of golf clubs and a flagstick at the end of the field. After learning the finer points of the proper interlocking grip and a smooth swing, the chanichim and their madrichim set to work. Extra Chanutiyah (canteen) was awarded to the winner. Looking to summer 2020, Golfing with Rabbi Joel will be expanded as a new ‘chug’, a weekly programming option.
FRIENDSHIPS
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YOM YEDIDIM STORY
GROWTH HIGHLIGHTS
In celebration of Toy Story 4 coming out this past Kayitz Yedidim held Yom Yedidim Story. Madrichim planned lots of fun activities based on the Toy Story movie series we are all big fans of! Some activities included pin the hat on Sherriff Woody, Andy & toys freeze dance and diving for space aliens in the pool! Everyone wore their Yedidim Story shirt and we ended with a Toy Story 3 viewing party in our Moadon.
TIKVAH PROGRAMS
TRIP TO MOKA During Kayitz 2019 we had the opportunity to visit the Moka Origins Coffee Factory. Yedidim participants were given a private “bean-to-bar” chocolate factory and coffee roasters tour. Together they explored the artisanal chocolate and coffee making process and sampled lots of Moka’s finest creations. Yedidim participants also learned about where the ingredients they use come from and how using them helps people in communities far away from us. After the tour, participants also got to enjoy the beautiful view that can be seen from their factory.
TIKVAH FAMILY CAMP As always, Tikvah Family Camp was the highlight of the Kayitz for many. We had new families and returning families joining us this summer for 5 days of fun at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. Tzevet jumped right into the swing of things and before long it felt like we had all known one another forever. Some highlights were the SoFun City Magic Show, our annual TFC Talent Show and making Challot before Shabbat. New friendships were made and old friendships grew stronger.
INDEPENDENCE
Yedidim at Camp Ramah in the Poconos saw steady growth in Kayitz 2019. Our girls side was almost full with 9 participants with a capacity for 10. Our boys side also grew with a total of 8 male participants. Having seen the steady growth the program has had since 2016 we were excited to receive the Yashar Grant which allowed us to create a vocational program for some of our participants to move up to in 2020 and make room for new younger participants in Yedidim.
“It’s impossible to put into words what this place and this community has done for my family.” SUSANNAH & BERNIE GOLDSTEIN
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ENROLLMENT DAY CAMP ENROLLMENT
OVERNIGHT CAMP ENROLLMENT
FULL CAMPER EQUIVALENT
FULL CAMPER EQUIVALENT
2018
2018
2019
204.5 188.75
2019
TOTAL SERVED 2018 2019
379 388.5
FINANCIALS
TOTAL SERVED 258
2018
240
569
2019
2018
2019
REVENUE $5,616,055
REVENUE $6,060,468
TUITION & FEES
TUITION & FEES
555
FAMILY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL REVENUE 2018 2019
$5.6M $6M
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES 2018 2019
$5.3M $5.3M
$4,353,509 $154,600
FAMILY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
$4,465,263 $156,000
DONATIONS $907,544
DONATIONS $1,008,120
OTHER $200,402
OTHER $431,085
EXPENSES $5,349,107
EXPENSES $5,317,806
PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS
PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS
$4,913,235
SCHOLARSHIPS GIVEN:
SCHOLARSHIPS GIVEN:
Camp Ramah in the Poconos
$184,478
Camp Ramah in the Poconos
Ramah Day Camp
$124,565
Ramah Day Camp
Tikvah Family Camp
$4,918,188
$1,800
Tikvah Family Camp
$223,588 $116,283 $0
FUNDRAISING $125,029
FUNDRAISING $59,747
REVENUE
EXPENSES
Organizational Net Assets overall increased by $742,662 compared to $266,948 in 2018; 52% from overnight camp, 2% from day camp, and 46% from fundraising/development. The value of fixed assets increased by $507,093, mostly due to building improvements at overnight camp in Library and expansion and renovation of Creative Arts building, program and equipment.
Scholarships distributed to the overnight camp, Tikvah and day camp programs were in the amount of $339,871, compared to 2018 of $307,052, with $67,837 covered by endowment funds interest, and the remainder of support from the Chai campaign. Programs were also supported at the overnight camp and day camp by Chai campaign proceeds.
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MORESHET RAMAH LEGACY SOCIETY Members of the Moreshet Ramah Legacy Society ensure the future of Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Ramah Day Camp, and our Tikvah programs by making a commitment in their estate plan to contribute to Camp Ramah’s permanent endowment.
ENDOWMENTS Thank you to all of our donors who have funded endowments supporting Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Ramah Day Camp, and our Tikvah programs in perpetuity. Adam Port Memorial Scholarship Fund
Morton and Elise Rose Scholarship Fund
Arthur Poley Memorial Fund for Outdoor Living
Natalie & Ted Miller Memorial Fund
Bob Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund
Paul & Gertrude Jacobs Scholarship Fund
Canady Music Fund
Piwosky Scholar-in-Residence Fund
Carol & Isaac Auerbach Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Albert & Sarah Lewis Scholarship Fund
Cheryl Magen Jewish Education Fund
Rabbi David A. Goldstein Scholarship Fund
Congregation Brith Israel Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Yaakov & Devorah Rosenberg cholarship Fund
Congregation Emanuel-El Scholarship Fund
Anonymous (21)
Carol G. Einhorn
Roger Hess
Eliana Seltzer
Nona L. Abrams
Jules Einhorn
Melissa Kleiman
Rabbi Joel Seltzer
Deborah Albert
Deborah-Jo Essrog
Sara Kreisman
Laura Smith
Florence Albert
Glen Feinberg
Jason Kreisman
Beth Ann Spector
Debbie Levin Lusana/Leslie Levin Weiss Scholarship Fund
Susan Ansin
Beth Gansky
Benjamin Landsburg
Missy Tick Stein z”l
Edith & Albert Karp Scholarship Fund
Susan Ansul
Morris Garten
Zachary Landsburg
Rabbi Jay Stein
Ervin B. Miller Scholarship Fund
Ina Asher
Alice Matas Garten
Michael Landsburg
Louis Stesis
Florence Rodgers Scholarship Fund
Steven Asher z”l
Danielle Garten
William Landsburg
Karen Stesis
Gerson Epstein Sports Fund
Talia L. Balakirsky
Leanne Bess Garten
Robin Sue Landsburg
Max Sugarman
Hanna S. Cohn Memorial Scholarship Fund
Amanda H. Balakirsky
Rela Mintz Geffen z”l
Joshua L. Landsburg
Michelle Sugarman
Iota Alpha Phi Sorority Scholarship Fund
Samantha M. Balakirsky
Bruce Goldberg
Jonathan Levin
Lee Sussman
Ivy Elinoff Marwil Scholarship Fund
Emily Goldberg
Sharon Levin
Ali Sussman
Julius & Ray Charlestein Scholarship Fund
Michael Goldberg
Leslie Molder
Lauren Tanzer
Leah Soffa Memorial Scholarship Fund
Sandra Goldberg
Uri Monson
Matthew Tanzer
Levin-Schloss Memorial Scholarship Fund
Akiva Goldstein
Rebekah A. Monson
Michael C. Wachs
Lillian Rosenthal Rubinoff Scholarship Fund
Seth Goldstein
Mindy Oppenheimer
Diane Wachs
Lucille Munion Rubin Scholarship Fund
David Goldstein
David Oppenheimer
Jody Wernick
Max & Esther Weiner Scholarship Fund
Pearl Graub Goldstein
Nathan Relles
Milton & Joan Wohl Scholarship Fund
Harold Grinspoon
Mary Relles
Rabbi Steven Wernick
Donna Haas
Jonathan Rothschild
David I. Haas
Lori Rothschild
Phyllis Haas z”l
Deena Scoblionko
Terri Hartman
Mark Scoblionko
Judith Hess
Sion Segal
Andrew Barnett Vivian Barnett Julie Berger William J. Chertok z”l Matt Closter Arielle Davis Rachel L. Devor Cheryl G. Dorsch z”l Matthew Dorsch Rabbi Joshua Dorsch Rabbi Daniel Dorsch Jay A. Dorsch
Joan Wohl Milton Wohl z”l Rabbi Todd Zeff Alan Zucker
Congregation Tikvoh Chodoshoh Scholarship Fund
Minnie Preminger Scholarship Fund Mollie Goldstein Scholarship Fund Morris & Miriam Ockman Scholarship Fund Morton & Malvina Charlestein Scholarship Fund Morton J. Dannenhirsch-Beshunsky Scholarship Fund
Rose & Sydney Steiner Scholarship Fund Seymour & Sue Fox Resource Center Fund Seymour H. Simon Scholarship Fund SJCC Staff Programming Fund Sonya & Ernest Simon Scholarship Fund Stern Maintenance Fund Steven D. Josselson- Tikvah Staff Training Fund Ursula & Arnold Kahn Scholarship Fund
שקולה צדקה כנגד כל המצות Tzedakah outweighs all of the other commandments
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DONORS October 1, 2018–September 30, 2019 *2018 Annual Chai Campaign Members
Susan Ganz and Howard Sugarman*
Craig Goldstein
Marvin Sellers
Charla and Mark Sussman*
Michele and Curtis Golkow
Sonya and Ernest Simon
Lauren and Matthew Tanzer*
Sarah and Richard Gratz
Tina Saracino and Kenneth Simon
Sarah and Jeff Vogel*
Rabbi Joshua and Elissa Gruenberg
Mark Soffa
Jen and Marty Wachs*
Marci and Robert Hackel
Marjorie Stanek
Juliet Spitzer and Philip Wachs*
Jewish Community Foundation, Inc.
Robert Steinhart
Joan Wohl*
Ruth and Mark Joffe
Ami Israel and Markus Steiner
Violet and Richard Zeitlin*
Staci and Richard Julie
Jeffrey Susskind
Marge and Boaz Kalfon
Adina and Phil Wagman
Marsha and Darin Katz
Shira Goodman and Alan Woronoff
Margo and Marnin Kligfeld
Rabbi Eric and Dava Yanoff*
$500-$1,799 $200,000+
Ali and Lee Sussman* Miriam and Jim Tehrani*
Laura Sklar and Daniel Goldstein*
Mary and Nathan Relles*
Diane and Michael C. Wachs*
Ilene and Harry Grossman*
$50,000+
$1,800-$4,999
Foundation for Jewish Camp
Ursina Teitelbaum and Benjamin Abella*
Legacy Heritage Fund Limited
$20,000+ Heather Bogdanoff Baker and Felix Baker*
Nona Abrams* Joanne and Jonathan Adar* Beth Etra and Jonathan Adler * Flossie Albert* Suzanne and James Aisenberg*
Hannah S. and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Foundation
Allison and Jamie Arking*
Terri Hartman and Bruce Goldberg*
Tami and David Astorino*
Jewish Federation of Greater Phila.
Rachel Gross and H.P. Baker*
Jewish Federation Real Estate Group
Vivian and Andrew Barnett*
National Ramah Commission
Risa and Michael Baskies*
Elanah and Stewart Uretsky
Susan and Arnie Baskies*
Judith & David Wachs Family Foundation, Inc.*
Julia Sivitz and Matthew Bieber*
$10,000+
Ina Asher
Nanci and Jim Bramson* Judy and Jerry Caplan* Susan and Robert DeLong*
Anonymous
Debra and Harris Devor*
Nancy Rothbard and Brian Bushee*
Elements Production, LLC*
Rabbi Gary and Laya Charlestein*
Jo Ann Chalal and Bruce Engleman*
Pearl Graub Goldstein and David Goldstein*
Bebe and Gary Fallick*
Marlene and Jonathon Graub*
Julie and Daniel Fein*
Arthur Krevitz
Debbie Albert and Glen Feinberg*
The Nachshon Project
Sara Bucholtz and Rabbi Adam Feldman z”l*
$5,000-$9,999
Ella and Arthur Feldman*
Donna and Richard Forman*
Micaela and Rick Gold*
Beth Gansky*
Alice and Morris Garten*
Amy J. Goldberg*
Heidi and Jeffrey Gordon*
Donna and David Haas*
Michal Wachs and Daniel Gold*
Dina and Daniel Relles*
Anne and Steven Fassler*
Ellen and Sidney Friedman*
Rachel and Jeremy Goldberg*
Judy Groner and Ronald Eisenberg Harold Grinspoon Foundation Har Zion Temple Judith and Roger Hess* Elana Rivel and Greg Halperin* Elise Gispan and Brad Johnson* Rabbi Michael and Fran Katz* Carol and Daniel Karsch Rebecca and Ben Kirshner* Rachel and Charles Korman* Cyndi and David Kosloff*
Rachael and Joshua Abrams Sara and Bruce Berger Kathryn and Martin Birn Heather and Howard Cohen Sarah Waxman and Jacob Cohen Cantor Jen Cohen Deborah-Jo Essrog and Jay Dorsch Carol and Jules Einhorn Harriet and Philip Freidenreich Judith and Leonard Galler Judy and David Gilberg Iris and Jonathan Gold Florene and Ronald Goldner
Leah Rosen and Peter Konwerski Barbara Kritz Debra Lacks Avi Lebovic Miriam Lefkowitz Eva and Larry Levitt Carole-Ann and Brahm Levine Erica and Ross Levine Meryl Sussman and Bruce Lipton Anne Weiss and Michael Livingston Rabbi Alan and Edy Lucas Barbra and Bart Mellits Lauren and Jeremy Menkowitz
Heather and Mark Kramer*
Leon Miller
Amy and David Kritz*
Rebekah and Uri Monson
Sarah Kay Lacks and Matthew Lacks*
Jamie and Harold Orel
Emily and Michael Landsburg*
Leah Ravitz
Robin Sue and Bill Landsburg* Julie and Michael Lippmann Sharon and Jonathan Levin* The Lewis Lyons Foundation * Neil Lubarsky* Ivy and David Mermelstein* Roe and Don Miller* Deborah and Irwin Mortman Rachel Zivic and Rabbi Micah Peltz* Debbie and Richard Perlman* Monica Palenzuela and Martin Pollak * Amy and Ben Relles* Jamie and Jesse Richman* Diane and Reuben Romirowsky* Jill and Brian Rosen* Carole and Larry Schaffzin* Rabbi Joel and Eliana Seltzer* Susan Sherr-Seitz and Brett Seitz* Kathy and Richard Soloff* Jennifer and Evan Stein
ׁ כ ָ ּל־א שר ֶ ׁ ֲִיש א ֹ י ִ ְדּב ֶנּו ּל ִב ּו Any person whose heart so moves them…
Joshua Rosen Gail and Robert Rosenthal Sally Bergwerk and Larry Schloss Suzanne and Jared Sclove Sharon and Stephen Seiden
$100-$499 Rachel and Avi Abel Seyna and Larry Abel Linda and Cary Aminoff Lawrence and Marcia Arem Wendy and Bruce Armon Mikki and Jeff Ashin Yoni and Dorry Avital Caron Gremont and Kenneth Baer Seth Baer Samantha Balakirsky Carol Baldridge Randee and Harry Baumohl Donna Bender Elyse and Max Berger Hildy Steinbach and Paul Berlin Marc and Phyllis Beresin Danya and Marc Berman Sara and Jeffrey Blivaiss Cindy Blum
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,מַ ְרב ֶ ּה צ ְ ָדקָה שלו ֹם ָ ׁ מַ ְרב ֶ ּה
Aliza Romirowsky and Sam Kerbel
Lauren and Joshua Okon
Deborah and Michael Srulevich
Doree Sitkoff and Greg Kidorf
Arline and Dave Olim
Sharon and Marvin Starr
Mara and Adam Kimowitz
Deborah Pardo Williams
Sharon Gross and Rabbi Jay Stein
Phyllis and Richard Kline
Marianne and William Perilstein
Missy Tick Stein
Adina and Ari Konikoff
Bruce Peskoe
Cathy Stern
Jane and Richard Kontopodias
Hila and Josh Podietz
Suzanne Rose and Rabbi Kenneth Stern
Dana Jacobs-Kosmin
Melissa and Joshua Present
Susan and Berel Sternthal
Marc Krass
Claire Raab
Susan and Richard Stone
Orlee and Matt Krass
Rachael Gray-Raff and Elliot Raff
Amy and Jason Storch
Elisheva Krupnick
Randi and Greg Rappaport
Michelle Sugarman
Dana and Jeremy Lacks
Adinah and Heschel Raskas
Rhonda and Steve Sugarman
Arielle Davis and Benjamin Landsburg
Arline and Carl Ravitch
Shayna and Sam Sukoneck
Zachary Landsburg
Shira Galler and Yochai Re`em
Sima Sussman
Jamie and Eric Langer
Melissa Renny
Hinda and Daniel Tanzer
Faye Laveson
Alexandra and Joshua Romirowsky
Miriam and Bruce Taubman
Jennifer and Michael Laytin
Aaron Rosen
Naomi and Rabbi Howard Tilman
Kellie Lerner
Gregg Rosenberg
Karen and Cantor Eliot Vogel
Sandy and Edward Levin
Carol and Martin Rosenblum
Davida Vogel
Natanya and Jason Levitz
Mandy and Eric Rothstein
Elsa Wachs
Aaron Levy
Miriam and Rabbi Arthur Ruberg
Marnie Wachs
Rabbi Annie Lewis
Marci and Aaron Ruderman
Jodi and Daniel Wahlberg
Ira Blum
Lori and Matthew Fein
Staci and Jonathan Boiskin
David Feinberg
Samantha and Brett Braterman
Ari Feingold
Linda and Gerald Brenner
Lisa Friedman and Ron Feingold
Eric Braverman and Neil Brown
Rene and Mark Feitelson
Debra Stein and Issac Brumer
Eric Fineman
Joan and Harvey Bucholtz
Sarah Chopnick and Adam Sofair-Fisch
Nancy and Neil Lewis
Rabbi Ariel and Matthew Russo
Carrie and Larry Walinsky
Ellen Podolnick and Steven Bushinsky
Marcy and David Fish
Jane and Rabbi Steven Lindemann
Bonnie and Ian Schachter
Jo-Ann and Howard Waxman
Carolyn and Barry Caplan
Marilyn and Alan Fogel
Marcia Linebarger
Leah Schatz
Eileen and Michael Weingram
Harriet and Craig Caplan
Michele and Kenneth Forman
Jamie and Andrew Goldstein
Barbara Lissy
Marla and Larry Schimmel
Ivy and Joshua Weingram
Sheila and Edward Chacker
Nomi and Jack Forman
Jeffrey Goldstein
Judith Lobel
Leah and David Schutzman
Judith and Allen Weinstock
Lorraine and Andrew Cherashore
Ivy and Eric Frajerman
Julie and Joshua Goldstein
Talya and Rabbi Aaron Lucas
Aviva and Rabbi Moshe Schwartz
Judith Weisenberg
Mindy and Jesse Civan
Amy Rappaport and Allan Freedman
Carole and Rabbi Nason Goldstein
Barry Magen
Mimi and Richard Sebek
Barbara and David Weiss
Julie Berger and Matt Closter
Rebecca Krasner and Rabbi Abe Friedman
Aaron Grant
Sarah and Jonathan Magen
Stacy and Matthew Seltzer
Marcy and Wayne Weitz
Angela Cohen
Carly and Jonathan Friedman
Judith and Stephen Gray
Alexa and Steven Mallet
Deena and Mark Scoblionko
Shira and Rabbi Adam Wohlberg
Nicole Cohen
Melissa and Steven Friedman
Michele Gray
Audrey and George Marcus
Robyn Bennett and Marc Schwartz
Judy and Rabbi Jeffrey Wohlberg
Rachel and Seth Cohen
Renee and Brian Friedman
Eileen and Richard Graub
Andrea and Louis Marmon
Samuel Schwartz
Julie-Anne and Jeremy Wohlberg
Robyn and Adam Cohen
Anna and Jerald Green
Elisa and Lawrence McAfoos
Susan and Eric Schwartzman
Ramona Sitko and David Wolff
Sherri and Daniel Cohen
Judith Silverman Hodara and Roberto Hodara Friedmann
Lori Stark and David Shapiro
Melanie and Michael Wolfson
Conner Strong & Buckelew
Ilana Trachtman and Jonathan Friedan
Rachel Engleman and Eric Merin
Jill and Geoffrey Hammel
Deborah Shapiro
Marsha and Leonard Yorinks
Philip Cook
Deborah and Avi Galler
Andrea Lieber and Ted Merwin
Jerre Harris
Phillip Silverman
Meg Jacobs and Julian Zelizer
Beth Cooper
Lonni and Josh Gajer
Deena and Daniel Messinger
Sara Tova Brody and Rabbi Arie Hasit
Abbey and David Gancz
Karen and Harold Messinger
Rachel Hollander Sirner and Ari Sirner
Nora Zelizer
Sarina and Stuart Davis
Cindi and Yakir Hasit
Diane Sizer
Suzanne and Adam Zimbler
Judy Brown and Trevor Davis
Rela Mintz Geffen z”l
Nancy and Stuart Messinger
Steven Heger
Eliot Skolnick
Daniella Gold and Jonathan Zimmerman
Jillian and Jacob Dembowitz
Frank Giorgilli
Deborah Miller
Rochelle and Robert Hirsh
Juli and Glenn Sloves
Helaine Dubner and Steven Zlotnick
Cathy and Bert Distelburger
Lauren and Jeffrey Gladstone
Gail Mindlin
Lewis Hoch
Gretchen and Simon Glaser
Sara Rothschild and Jeremy Monsky
Rachel and Avi Spielman
Debra and Mark Zweben
Arielle and Gerald Dorros
Meredith and Jonathan Hoffman
James Spinola
Benjamin Zwiebel
Sarah and Isaac Dovere
Peggy and Louis Gold
Carole and Stanton Moss
Gail and Alan Josselson
Sharon Spivack
Rachel and Josh Dunaief
Sandra and Michael Goldberg
Gail and Elliot Norry
Lauren and Kenneth Kanfer
Debra and Norman Einhorn
Debbi and Robert Goldich
Sara Kaplan
Francine and Howard Elgart
Russell Goldich
Talia and David Kaplan
Rachel Epstein
Rachel and Jonathan Goldman
Diane and Gary Katz
Hayden Farber
Katy Kristiansson and Neil Goldman
Rhena and Steven Kelsen
If you increase tzedakah—you increase peace.
Shoshana Gross
20 | CAMP RAMAH
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
YEAR ROUND STAFF
Debbie Albert President
Rachael Abrams Director of Camper Care and Staff Development
David Goldstein Executive Vice President
Rachel Dobbs Schwartz Camp Director
Jon Adler Treasurer
Tobi Afran Special Projects Coordinator
Jill Rosen Vice President
Benjy Goldberg Director of Retreats and Assistant Director of Operations
Lee Sussman Vice President
Orlee Krass Director of Tikvah Programs
Matt Tanzer Vice President
Debbie Lacks Registrar
Michael Wachs Immediate Past President
Bruce I. Lipton Director of Finance and Operations
Jonathan Adar
Alexis Lubianetsky Development Assistant
Andrew Barnett Nanci Bramson
In the tradition of those who came before us, and with overflowing joy, camp will blaze a path for us through the thicket of life.
Elana Rivel Director, Ramah Day Camp
Dana Fallick Arthur Feldman
HIMNON RAMAH
Leah Schatz Program Director
Karly Forman Beth Gansky
Marla Schimmel Bookkeeper
Rick Gold
Miryam Seid Director of Institutional Advancement
Josh Goldstein Rachel Gross
Rachel Seid Strategic Communications Director
Elissa Gruenberg Terri Hartman
Rabbi Joel Seltzer Executive Director
Matthew Lacks Debbie Perlman
Todah Rabbah to all of our donors for their generous and ongoing commitment to Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Ramah Day Camp and our Tikvah programs!
Deb Srulevich Office Manager
Nancy Rothbard Martin Wachs Michal Wachs
PAST PRESIDENTS Abe Birenbaum z”l
Michael Lippmann
David Niesenbaum z”l
Kenneth Shear
Rudolph Fried z”l
Jules Einhorn
Isadore Marder z”l
Susan Birenbaum Stone
S. David Rosenzweig z”l
David I. Haas
Ervin B. Miller z”l
William Landsburg
Alvin Gershen z”l
David Goldstein
Edward B. Josephs
Lee Sussman
Morton Wachs z”l
Michael Wachs
Charles H. Laveson z”l
Design: J Sherman Studio
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www.ramahdaycamp.org
www.ramahpoconos.org
215-885-8556
Philadelphia, PA 19103
2100 Arch Street
