ii | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
Dear Friends,
Theodore Herzl taught:
אגדה היא ואגדה תישאר, אין זו אגדה; ואם לא תרצו,אם תרצו
“ If you will it, it is no dream; and if you do not will it, a dream it is and a dream it will stay.”
The Jewish tradition values dreaming. Whether it was Jacob’s ladder, Joseph’s dream interpretations, or the 2000 year-old dream of the Jewish people returning to their ancestral homeland in Israel, Judaism clearly understands and values the human need to dream. In 2016, Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Ramah Day Camp were places where dreams came true. Thanks to gifts from three donor families totaling $500,000 and a portion of the $386,000 raised in the 2015 Annual Chai Campaign, for the first time in decades, a new bunk was built and a new edah (division) was added at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. The dream of an edah (division) for campers with special needs was realized with the addition of Yedidim. We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Ramah Day Camp with The Dream of Esrim (20). Our Ramah community, as you will see in the pages of this Annual Report, is truly blessed. Dreams of higher camper enrollment, generous support from our annual development efforts, an active and engaged board of directors, year-round programming, and a fully inclusive camp community that celebrates campers of all abilities have gratefully come to fruition. But these dreams did not simply appear one day out of the blue. They are the result of will: the collective will of our incomparable professional team, our lay leadership, and you—the Ramah stakeholder. We are stronger and we are able to achieve our dreams because of the effort, love, and support of the Ramah Poconos and Ramah Day Camp community. We thank you and we look forward to working and willing new dreams into reality in the future. Todah Rabbah,
Lee Sussman, President, Board of Directors
Rabbi Joel Seltzer, Executive Director
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $1,103,632 in construction and improvements were made during 2016. Thanks to the generosity of Rick and Donna Forman, Ruth Davidoff, Toby and Henry Susskind, a private foundation, and donors to the 2015 Annual Chai Campaign, Beit Yedidim, the new Tikvah bunk for campers with special needs, was completed. The bunk houses 20 campers and 10 staff members and also includes a 3600 sq. ft. basement for programming needs. A new 12-room staff housing building was also built during the off season to replace the original wooden cabins that were removed during the construction of Beit Yedidim. This construction created not only much needed space for camp staff, but also connecting rooms to accommodate families during both the summer and retreat seasons. In addition, renovations to camper bunks continue with the addition of new flooring, energy efficient lighting, and bathroom refurbishing.
Monies raised during the 2015 Annual Chai Campaign have allowed for more capital improvements at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, including; adding two shuffleboard courts creating a white-sand beach volleyball court laying SnapSports flooring in the Gag (outdoor hockey pavilion) installing an outdoor water fountain with a bottle filler
Nestled among the hills, a scenic jewel stands above all— our Camp Ramah.
בין רכסי ההרים פנינת תפארה ישכון לו בדד מחננו רמה
2 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
STRATEGIC PLAN Thanks to our mentors at JCamp180 and the members of the strategic planning committee that included alumni, board members, parents, and other stakeholders, Camp Ramah in the Poconos’ organizational three-year strategic plan was created in 2014. Those objectives were completed in 2016, and the formulation of the next three-year strategic plan has begun. Thank you for your help in accomplishing our goals. 99 COMPLETED A comprehensive Development Plan for the organization 99 COMPLETED Renewal of a long-term lease for Ramah Day Camp 99 COMPLETED Conducting general improvements to existing camp buildings, including painting, landscaping, and replacing floors and roofs of bunks and buildings, to be done incrementally each offseason until complete 99 COMPLETED 100% participation by Members of the Board of Directors in financially contributing to Ramah events and fundraisers 99 COMPLETED Solicitation training for members of the Board of Directors 99 COMPLETED Hiring a Development Assistant 99 COMPLETED Evaluating staff-housing options, needs, costs, and timing, including a possible impact from the residential Tikvah program 99 COMPLETED Freshening programming at the overnight camp, including adding a drama specialty track, as well as adding daily programming options on both land and water 99 COMPLETED Renovating the guest house 99 COMPLETED Exploring options for a new Mercaz, including plans for a 2018 capital campaign CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 3
In summer 2016, our programming was enhanced at all age levels with the arrival of new Ramah Day Camp Director, Elana Rivel. Some highlights include: A special Yom Omanut (Art Day) focused on an iconic spot at camp, the Etz Tefillah (prayer tree), which culminated with the creation of sculptures made from wire, string, and other tactile materials by our Alonim (2nd grade), Solelim (3rd grade), and Arazim (4th and 5th grade) campers. Educational programming enhanced by Wee Play Language taught our Cochavim (kindergarten) chanichim (campers) Hebrew through an immersive, interactive approach using books and puppets. Our Etgar (6th and 7th grade) campers had new experiences, such as a trip to Baltimore, where they participated in a scavenger hunt at the Inner Harbor and cheered on the Aberdeen Iron Birds at Ripken Stadium.
In the tradition of our ancestors and with great joy, Camp Ramah shows us the path through the challenges of life.
במסורת אבות וברוב ענגים יפלס לנו דרך בסבך החיים 4 ||CAMP CAMPRAMAH RAMAHANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT2016 2016
connecting TO CAMP
RAMAH IN THE POCONOS
A concerted effort was made to connect campers from Ramah Day Camp with Camp Ramah in the Poconos. 20 Arazim campers had an overnight trip to Camp Ramah in the Poconos, where they stayed in the brand new Yedidim bunk. They joined with the Tze’erim campers as they were led through activities like sport, art, and swim and were treated to the Halutzim play, ‘The Little Mermaid,’ in Hebrew! Ramah Day campers got a big surprise when 41 Ramah Poconos Shoafim (9th grade) campers came to visit on their way back from Washington, DC. They sang songs, danced, and played games together, creating connections and bonding over a marshmallow-eating contest.
20TH ANNIVERSARY This summer we celebrated TWENTY YEARS of providing a fun and enriching Jewish day camp experience to children in pre-K to 7th grade in the Philadelphia area. With the theme The Dream of Esrim (20), there were special events throughout the season, including “An Evening on the Kikar” with alumni, leadership, staff, and camper parents, and “The Hofa’ah: Performing Arts Festival,” honoring previous camp directors with a retrospective of Ramah Day Camp’s history performed by our campers. CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 5
connecting TO INCLUSION
Campers agree that a highlight of Kayitz (summer) 2016 was the addition of our eighth edah (division), Yedidim. With the launch of the Tikvah Residential Program for campers with significant special needs, our 12 Yedidim campers truly completed our Ramah community. The combination of Yedidim and Shoafim campers in a joint talent show and production of Fiddler on the Roof made an everlasting impact on all of the campers.
connecting WITH STAFF
Appreciating and connecting with our hard-working staff is a top priority. This summer, proceeds from contributions to the Staff Appreciation Fund and the interest generated by the SJCCBA Staff Programming Endowment allowed staff members to unwind with the Bible Players in a hilarious night of comedy. A late-night visit by a Kosher Ice Cream Truck was another treat that put smiles on everyone’s faces. 6 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
Serving over 560 campers in 2016, Camp Ramah in the Poconos was filled to capacity for the second consecutive summer. Our Taste of Ramah introductory experience was more popular than ever and combined with our prospective family days brought 87 new camper families to our beautiful camp grounds. As a result of the overwhelming support of the 2015 Annual Chai Campaign: campers received over $200,000 in scholarship allocations new flooring, renovated bathrooms, and eco-friendly LED lighting were added to bunks expanded programmatic offerings included filmmaking with YouTube artists, in which campers created original Ramah music videos CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 7
On July 19, 2016, Camp Ramah in the Poconos added a new edah (division) for the first time in decades. Yedidim (friends) is part of the Tikvah Residential Program for campers with special needs and included seven boys and five girls, ranging in age from 12 to 18, from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. No two Yedidim campers were the same; several were on the autism spectrum while some had Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other cognitive delays. The Yedidim campers enjoyed typical activities each day, such as swimming, arts and crafts, Yahadut (Judaics) & Tarbut (Israeli Culture), Hanutiyah (Canteen), and sport. Counselors used various tools to support the campers throughout the day: visual schedules, “first…then…” boards, incentive charts, and, of course, lots of positive reinforcement.
8 ||CAMP CAMPRAMAH RAMAHANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT2016 2016
connecting
WITH LIFE SKILLS
Each week, the Yedidim campers prepared a shopping list, invited guests to their oneg Shabbat, and made Friday outings to the supermarket in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. This helped them work on important life skills, such as grocery shopping, using money, and engaging in conversation. In preparation for their oneg Shabbat, they also cooked, cleaned the bunk, and set up tables with plates, cups, utensils, and decorations for Shabbat.
connecting TIKVAH FAMILY CAMP
Tikvah Family Camp provides Jewish children with developmental disabilities and/or social learning disorders, their parents, and their siblings the unique opportunity to experience the magic of Jewish summer camp together. Over the past eight years, the five-day program has grown and was at capacity this summer with 6 of the 15 families attending for the very first time. A highlight of Kayitz (summer) 2016 was, “The Drum Circle,� led by Musical IQ. Everyone adored the interactive evening, including those campers with sound sensitivity.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 9
“ I just wanted to let you know how much it meant to me to go to CRP last summer! My favorite thing was all the new f riends I met. I was even invited to a Bar Mitzvah in the fall like my sister. Thank you for making it possible to have a camp experience. Yedidim is the best!” AUBREY, YEDIDIM CAMPER
549
560
$5.6M $5M $4.5M
381.5 311 234.25
2015
387.75
520
549
$4.9M
$5 M $4.5 M
$4.5 M
289
$4 M
350 201
2016
Full Camper Equivalent*
2015
2016
Total Served
Day Camp ENROLLMENT
2015
2016
Full Camper Equivalent*
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
Total Served
Overnight Camp ENROLLMENT
Session Camper + 1 Second 10*1| First CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORTSession 2016 Camper = 1 Full Camper Equivalent
Organizational
Revenue
Organizational
Expenses
FINANCIALS
October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016
2015
2016
Revenue $5,019,049
Revenue $5,605,013
Tuition & fees
Tuition & fees
$4,191,330
Donations $616,701
Donations
$1,077,867
Family Capital Improvement Contribution
Family Capital Improvement Contribution
$4,171,277 $72,600
$74,853
Other $158,471
Other $260,963
Expenses $4,509,845
Expenses $4,918,351
Programs and Operations
Programs and Operations
$4,128,277
Scholarships Given: Camp Ramah in the Poconos Ramah Day Camp Tikvah Family Camp
$4,567,812
Scholarships Given: $268,385 $90,660 $2,150
Fundraising $20,373
REVENUE | In 2016, there was a 12% growth in revenue due to both an increase in enrollment and another successful year of development efforts, including the 2015 Annual Chai Campaign, resulting in a staggering 43% increase in fundraising from the previous year. Sold out edot (divisions) for the third consecutive summer at Camp Ramah in the Poconos and income from grants, donations, and the guest house contributed to 25% of Camp Ramah’s total organizational-wide profits, an 8% gain from 2015.
Camp Ramah in the Poconos Ramah Day Camp Tikvah Family Camp
$222,602 $81,440 $2,500
Fundraising $43,997
EXPENSES | $306,542 was allocated in aid to Ramah Day Camp, Camp Ramah in the Poconos, and Tikvah Family Camp constituents in 2016. In addition, $1,103,632 in building and improvements were made during the off-season, including the construction of Beit Yedidim, the new 7200 sq. ft. bunk and programmatic space for campers with special needs.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 11
LEGACY SOCIETY Planting the seeds for future generations of campers, the Legacy Society recognizes friends of Camp Ramah in the Poconos who have made arrangements during their lifetime to leave a legacy gift in their estate plan. Thank you to our Legacy Society members for supporting Camp in perpetuity and forever identifying themselves as devoted stakeholders. The Legacy Society ensures that Ramah Poconos and Ramah Day Camp will continue to: link Jewish children to their roots and to each other foster a love of Israel for campers and staff provide magical summers for special needs and inclusion campers through our Tikvah programs train staff members to be future leaders of the Jewish community maintain and improve facilities offer exceptional experiences in Conservative Jewish living and learning Please choose to be part of the Legacy Society today and become a philanthropist and life-long supporter of Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Ramah Day Camp. Contact Missy Stein, Development Director, for more information at missys@ramahpoconos.org or 215-885-8556.
12 ||CAMP CAMPRAMAH RAMAHANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT2016 2016
Anonymous (20)
Rabbi Joshua Dorsch
Judith Hess
Nona L. Abrams
Matthew Dorsch
Jason Kreisman
Florence Albert
Carol G. Einhorn
Sara Kreisman
Deborah Albert
Jules Einhorn
Benjamin Landsburg
Susan Ansul
Deborah-Jo Essrog
Michael Landsburg
Ina Asher
Glen Feinberg
Robin Sue Landsburg
Steven A. Asher z”l
Rela Mintz Geffen
William Landsburg
Amanda H. Balakirsky
Emily Goldberg
Zachary Landsburg
Samantha M. Balakirsky
Michael Goldberg
Jonathan Levin
Talia L. Balakirsky
Sandra Goldberg
Sharon Levin
Julie Berger
Akiva Goldstein
Leslie Molder
William J. Chertok z”l
David Goldstein
Rebekah Monson
Matt Closter
Seth Goldstein
Uri Monson
Arielle Davis
Pearl Graub Goldstein
David Oppenheimer
Rachel L. Devor
Harold Grinspoon
Mindy Oppenheimer
Cheryl G. Dorsch z”l
Phyllis Haas
Mary Relles
Rabbi Daniel Dorsch
David Haas
Nathan Relles
Jay A. Dorsch
Donna Haas
Jon Rothschild
Lori Rothschild Sion Segal Eliana Seltzer Rabbi Joel Seltzer Rabbi Jay Stein
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.
Louis Stesis
For information related to establishing or contributing to endowed funds, please contact Missy Stein, Development Director, at missys@ramahpoconos.org or 215-885-8556.
Max Sugarman
Adam Port Memorial Scholarship Fund
Minnie Preminger Scholarship Fund
Melissa Sugarman Kleiman
Arthur Poley Memorial Fund for Outdoor Living
Mogilner-Solomon Memorial Fund
Michelle Sugarman
Bob Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund
Mollie Goldstein Scholarship Fund
Ali Sussman
Canady Music Fund
Morris and Miriam Ockman Scholarship Fund
Lee Sussman
Carol & Isaac Auerbach Scholarship Fund
Morton and Malvina Charlestein Scholarship Fund
Diane Wachs
Cheryl Magen Jewish Education Fund
Morton J. Dannenhirsch-Beshunsky Scholarship Fund
Michael Wachs
Congregation Brith Israel Scholarship Fund
Morton and Elise Rose Scholarship Fund
Joan Wohl
Congregation Emanuel-El Scholarship Fund
Natalie & Ted Miller Memorial Fund
Milton Wohl z�l
Congregation Tikvoh Chodoshoh Scholarship Fund
Paul and Gertrude Jacobs Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Todd Zeff
Debbie Levin Lusana Scholarship Fund
Abram & Elizabeth Piwosky Scholar-in-Residence Fund
Edith & Albert Karp Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Albert and Sarah Lewis Scholarship Fund
Ervin B. Miller Scholarship Fund
Rabbi David A. Goldstein Scholarship Fund
Florence Rodgers Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Yaakov and Devorah Rosenberg Scholarship Fund
Gerson Epstein Sports Fund
Ramah Alumni Scholarship Fund
Hanna S. Cohn Memorial Scholarship Fund
Rose and Sydney Steiner Scholarship Fund
Iota Alpha Phi Sorority Scholarship Fund
Seymour and Sue Fox Resource Center Fund
Ivy Elinoff Marwil Scholarship Fund
Seymour H. Simon Scholarship Fund
Julius and Ray Charlestein Scholarship Fund
SJCCBA Staff Programming Fund
Leah Soffa Memorial Scholarship Fund
Sonya and Ernest Simon Scholarship Fund
Levin-Schloss Memorial Scholarship Fund
Stern Maintenance Fund
Lillian Rosenthal Rubinoff Scholarship Fund
Steven D. Josselson Tikvah Staff Training Fund
Max & Esther Weiner Scholarship Fund
Ursula and Arnold Kahn Scholarship Fund
Karen Stesis
Milton and Joan Wohl Scholarship Fund
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 13
Any person whose heart so moves them
ָכּל־אִיׁש אֲשֶ ׁר י ִדְ ּבֶּנּו לִּבֹו
14 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
DONORS $75,000
October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016 Har Zion Temple
Amy J. Goldberg*
Richard and Kathy Soloff*
Rachel and Charles Korman*
Laura Sklar and Daniel Goldstein*
Adena and Andrew Sternthal*
Goldsteins’, Rosenberg’s, Raphael-Sacks, Inc.
Charla and Mark Sussman*
Heidi, Jeff, Ariel, and Avi Gordon*
Miriam and Jim Tehrani*
Anonymous Foundation
$36,000+ Hannah S. and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Foundation
$20,000+ Anonymous Foundation* Lynne and Leonard Barrack* Arthur and Ella Feldman* Mary and Nathan Relles*
$1,800- $4,999 Ursina Teitelbaum and Benjamin Abella* Joanne and Jonathan Adar* Beth Etra and Jonathan Adler* Flossie Albert* Allison and Jamie Arking* Tami and David Astorino* Rachel Gross and H.P. Baker* Julia Sivitz and Matthew Bieber* The Bramson Family*
Donna and David Haas* Judith and Roger Hess* Lisa and Nehemia Ichilov* Alan and Gail Josselson Rabbi Michael and Fran Katz*
Rabbi Micah Peltz and Rachel Zivic*
Debra and Stanton Lacks* Sarah Kay Lacks and Matthew Lacks*
Mildred B. Gershen* Terri Hartman and Bruce Goldberg*
Susan and Robert DeLong*
Pearl Graub Goldstein and David Goldstein*
Debra and Harris Devor* Deborah-Jo Essrog and Jay Dorsch*
Marzollo Charitable Fund*
Ali and Lee Sussman*
Jo Ann Chalal Engleman and Bruce Engleman*
Roe and Don Miller* Eve Coulson and Nelson Obus*
$5,000-$9,999
Debbie Albert and Glen Feinberg*
Marty Pollak*
Deborah Winokur and Hanan Fishman*
Amy and Ben Relles*
Heather Bogdanoff Baker and Felix Baker*
Beth Gansky*
Dina and Daniel Relles*
Alice Matsas Garten and Morris Garten*
Reuben and Diane Romirowsky*
George, Joan & Jack Shuster Foundation*
Melissa and Doug Sayer*
*Member of the 2015 Annual Chai Campaign Chai Society
Joan Wohl*
Heather and Mark Kramer*
Jan Cohen Weiss and Fred Cohen in memory of Debbie Cohen z”l*
Marlene and Jonathon Graub*
The Warmflash Family*
Phyllis and Ted Kosloff*
Rabbi Gary and Laya Charlestein*
Adam Bell
Martin and Jenifer Wachs*
Rabbi Eric and Dava, Aiden, Ezra, and Avi Yanoff*
Nancy Rothbard and Brian Bushee
Michael and Debbi Bass
Diane and Michael Wachs*
Leah Rosen and Peter Konwerski*
$10,000+
Jerome and Judith Caplan*
Matt and Lauren Tanzer*
Emily and Michael Landsburg* Robin Sue and Bill Landsburg* Sharon and Jonathan Levin* Adam Levine Neil Lubarsky*
Jill and Brian Rosen* Rabbi Joel and Eliana Seltzer*
$500- $1,799 Anonymous Rachael and Joshua Abrams Adath Jeshurun Men’s Club Suzanne and James Aisenberg Ina Asher Andrea Fagen and Scott Bernstein Beth Sholom Congregation Men’s Club Beth Sholom Sisterhood Kathy and Marty Birn Norma and David Blecker Joan and Harvey Bucholtz Caren Barnet and Steve Abramson David Axelrod and Keira Chism Julie Berger and Matt Closter Aliza and Brad Cohen CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 15
Cantor Jen Cohen
Amy and David Kritz
Howard Soloman
Vikki Kristiansson and Harvey Bartle
Jules and Patricia Cwanger
Rabbi Aaron and Helene Krupnick
Victor and Lori Strauss
Randee and Harry Baumohl
Deghan, Inc.
Holly and Robert Lankin
Tiferet Bet Israel
Tamar and Scott Barbash
Duffine Family Foundation
Miriam Lefkowitz
Rabbi Howard and Naomi Tilman
Susan and Arnold Baskies
Donna and Gary Drizin
Sandra and Edward Levin
Neal Vallins
Michael and Risa Baskies
Dana and Mark Fallick
Eva and Larry Levitt
Sarah and Jeff Vogel
Bellman Jewelers, Inc.
Anne and Steve Fassler
Melanie and Adam Lewin
Michal Wachs
Dana Ben-Avi
Meredith and Joshua Friedman
Julie and Michael Lippmann
Carrie and Larry Walinsky
Robyn Bennett
Friedman, LLP
Meryl S. Sussman and Bruce Lipton
Leslie and Mitchell Weiss
Phyllis and Marc Beresin
Harriet and Philip Freidenreich
Kay and Fred Lokoff
Roger Wilco
Sara and Bruce Berger
Judith and Leonard Galler
Seth and Allison Lyons
Estee and Craig Bergmann
Joel and Meredith Gantcher
Jonathan and Sarah Magen
Rabbi Adam, Shira, Tamar and Hana Wohlberg
Lauren and Jeffrey Gladstone
Ken Manning
Edward and Lois Wolf
Rose Ann Berwald
Rick and Micaela Gold
Shelley and Bruce Menkowitz
Sheila and Jay Grossman
Gaby and Avi Mermelstein
Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?
Mitchener Farrand Fine Jewelry, Inc.
Bob and Marci Hackel
Rabbi Ari Lucas and Talya Oberfield
Rabbi Laurie and Aaron Hahn Tapper
Richard and Tina Ochroch
$100- $499
Har Zion Temple Men’s Club
Overseas Direct Co. NY
Rabbi Eliezer Havivi
Barbara and Michael Payne
Paul Aaron
Judith Heicklen
Laura Perkins
Jeremy Heller
Arielle Richman
Hillcrest Architecture
Gary and Robin Risler
Meredith and Jonathan Hoffman
Alexandra and Josh Romirowsky
Larry and Jamie Jakubowitz
Royal Jewelers, Inc.
Ruth Tomases Joffe and Mark Joffe
Shechtman Marks Devor PC
Benay Josselson
Lawrence Scheer
Carol and Richard Josselson
Efram and Lisa Silberstein
David and Marilyn Kane
Phillip Silverman
Steven Katz
Ken Simon
Carol and Ira Kay
Sonya and Ernie Simon
Rich and Teena Keiser
Andrea and Bob Sklenar
16 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
Shira Goodman and Alan Woronoff Violet and Richard Zeitlin Caroline and Robert Zuritsky
Rachel and Avi Abel Seyna and Larry Abel Adath Israel Men’s Club Keith Adwar Rabbi Robert Alpert Cary and Linda Aminoff Michael and Ann Andorsky Anshei Chesed Carol and David Apothaker David Andorsky and Joanna Arch Marcia and Larry Arem Barbara and Tom Bale Kenneth and Ruth Barber
Rabbi Ellen and Steven Bernhardt Irene and David Beyth Kathryn Biber Debra and Arnie Blank Ira and Lucinda Blank Cindy Goldfarb Blum Rachel and Mike Blum
Our hearts are filled with gratitude, may Camp Ramah continue to be a beacon for generations to come.
לבבנו מלא רחשי הודיה עוד תהיה למופת לאלפי רבבה
Ryan Blumenthal
Abby Cohen
Lois Davidson
Donald Factor
Samantha and Brett Braterman
Elaine Sherman and Robert Cohen
Ellen and Daniel Dean
Victoria Levin and Joel Fein
Janis and Aaron Brenner
Heather and Howard Cohen
Jillian and Jack Dembowitz
David Feinberg
Linda and Gerald Brenner
Jan and Fred Cohen
Vivian Mamelak and Alain Demers
Ari Feingold
Rebecca Spector Bridger and Perry Bridger
Mark and Karen Cohen
Mary Beth and Joe Demidovich
Lisa Friedman and Ron Feingold
Rabbi Arie Hasit and Sara Tova Brody
Rabbi Mitchell and Cari Cohen
Bonnie and Adam deSouza
Anita and Len Feldman
Nicole and Jonathan Cohen
Michael Diamondstein
Nicholas Fielowsky
Rona Rosen and Mark Cohen
Samuel Domsky
Cantor Joshua and Andrea Fineblum
Ronnie and Barry Cohen
Arielle and Gerald Dorros
Marcy and David Fish
Seth and Rachel Cohen
Mara and Jonathan Dorff
Nancy Florin
Sherrie and Jeffrey Cohen
Sarah and Isaac Dovere
Marilyn and Alan Fogel
Congregation Tifereth Israel Men’s Club
Rachel and Josh Dunaief
Naomi Gingold and Zev Forman
Carmen Conrad
Ivy and Theodore Eder
Michele and Ken Forman
Lisa and John Cattell
Barbara Medoff-Cooper and Marc Cooper
Debbie and Norman Einhorn
Ivy and Eric Frajerman
Risa Chain
Marla and Ross Cooper
Howard and Francine Elgart
Ilene Fredd
Leslie and Isaac Chalal
Amy and Adam Cuker
Stephanie Elgart
Allan Freedman
Harriet and Mark Chertok
Nicole and Mitchell Cwanger
Judith and Joel Eisner
John Marcotte and Vicki Freedman
Steven and Judy Chesnick
Ronda and Craig Daily
Judy Groner and Ronald Eisenberg
Carly and Jonathan Friedman
Sarah Chopnick
David/Claire Feldman Family Foundation
Jennifer and Lee Emdur
Ellen and Sidney Friedman
Vicki and Norman Ettenger
Sheila and Alan Friedman
Eric Braverman and Neil Brown Judy Brown Debbie Stein and Isaac Brumer Rabbi Adam Feldman and Sara Bucholtz Carolyn and Barry Caplan Harriet and Craig Caplan Sharri Horowitz and Michael Carrier
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 17
Uri and Michal Friedman
Abbe and Mark Goldstein
Cindi and Yakir Hasit
Micah Kaplan
Patrick Funck
Julie and Joshua Goldstein
Christine Hein
Sara Kaplan
Iris Gair
Paula and Cliff Goldstein
Barbara and Sandy Herman
Elliot Karp
Rabbi Chaim Galfand and Kelly Creed Galfand
Michele and Curtis Golkow
Megan Herman
Jennifer and Fred Karpf
David and Beth Galinsky
Stuart Gordon
Seth Hersch
Doug and Tracy Katz
Julia Spivack and Andrew Gottesman
Joel Heymsfeld
Marsha and Darin Katz
Andrea and Richard Gottlieb
Kimberly Hirshberg
Sheldon and Ruth Katz
Erik Granoff
Tracey Hoberman
Tori Katz
Sarah and Richard Gratz
Joan Hockman
Lena and Ahron Kavakeb
Eileen and Rich Graub
Merle and Allan Horowitz
Benjamin Kay
Pam and Matt Greenwood
Mindy and Jay Horrow
Lauren Keiser
Sheldon Gross
I. Zakarin & Sons Paper Inc.
Scott Kenniff
Sheryl and Seth Gross
Susan and Daniel Isenberg
Carol Kershbaum
Nancy and Michael Grossman
Stephen Jacobs
Sharon and Joseph Kestenbaum
Doris Grossmann
Paula and Mitchell Jayson
Doree Sitkoff and Greg Kidorf
Jack and Sandy Gruenberg
Geoff Josselson
Stefanie Kirchheimer
Elana Rivel and Gregory Halperin
Raphael and Natale Kail
Rabbi David-Seth and Dori Kirshner
Robert and Betty Halperin
Lauren and Kenny Kanfer
Robert Kitchenoff
Sara Harberson
Gregg Kanter
David and Judie Koch
Jenna Statfeld and Aaron Harris
Leah Kaplan
Sheryl Kogan
Deborah and Avi Galler Ilene and Jonathan Gershen Judy and David Gilberg Gary Gilman Eliana Glanzberg-Krainin Gretchen and Simon Glaser Ilana and Danny Glazer Peggy and Louis Gold Ethan Goldberg Debra and Robert Goldich Katy and Neil Goldman Rachel and Jonathan Goldman Benjy and Ella Goldberg Michael and Sandra Goldberg
“ I often lead davening on Saturday mornings at our shul and people have asked me where I learned to lead prayers. I always credit my experiences at Ramah as the source of my knowledge and inspiration. My youngest child, Simona, remains in regular contact with her Ramah f riends. Dancing and singing with abandon on Friday nights will always remain one of my fondest memories and, I hope, will continue to inspire my children to view Judaism as the joyous gift that it is.� CARL S., CAMPER 1966-67 AND CAMPER PARENT
18 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
Adina and Ari Konikoff
Dolly and Michael Love
Howard Parmet
Beth and Jeffrey Kopin
Tara Lucas
Jonathan and Dena Parmet
Peter Kramer
Cheryl and Barry Magen
Berna and Larry Pauker
William Kramer
Adam Mamelak
Morria and David Pedowitz
Rabbi Abe Friedman and Rebecca Krasner
Robert Manstein
Albert Perlstein
Rabbi Judd Levingston and Hillary Kruger
David Margules
Nancy and Robert Perilstein
Michelle and Andrew Markowitz
Beatrice Podorefsky
Andrea and Louis Marmon
Terri and Robert Podorefsky
Janet Marsico
Cecelia Prewett
Larry and Elise McAfoos
David and Dana Rabizadeh
Barbra and Bart Mellits
Mike and Sue Radlauer
Synthia Mellon
Rachael Gray-Raff and Elliott Raff
Reena Meltzer
Susan and Judah Rand-Lakritz
June D. Bell and Neil Mendelson
Rapid Recycling, Inc.
Wendy Rosov
Hillary Menkowitz
Thea Raskin
Edward and Judith Rubin
Lauren and Jeremy Menkowitz
Arline and Carl Ravitch
Marci and Aaron Ruderman
Rachel Engleman and Eric Merin
Stefanie and Neil Ravitz
Renee and David Sackey
Ivy and David Mermelstein
Razny Jewelers
Jen and Ron Safier
Rabbi Andrea Merow
Amy Reich
Larry and Phyllis Schachter
Ellen and Brad Molotsky
Susan and Sean Reiter
Danny and Katharine Schaffzin
Monti Jewelers, Inc.
Steven Resnick
Howie Goldstein and Nicole Schechter
John and Dottie Morrow
Lew Richardson
Marla and Larry Schimmel
Robin Moskow
Frank and Roz Romanoski
Yakov Schindel
Moskowitz Dental Associates
Samuel Romirowsky
Sally Bergwerk and Larry Schloss
Margot Schloss and Patrick Muncie
Shai and Abigail Romirowsky
Michele Neuman
Lauren and Peter Rose
Rabbi Aaron and Jane-Rachel Schonbrun
Lee Neves
Barbara and John Rosenau
Rabbi Moshe and Aviva Schwartz
Jerry and Fran Newberg
Ethel Rosenberg
Susan and Sam Schwartz
Janet O’Connor
Jay and Sandy Rosenberg
Sue and Eric Schwartzman
Ohev Shalom Men’s Club
Paul Rosenberg
Caryn and Sam Schweitzer
Arline and Dave Olim
Carol and Martin Rosenblum
Leah and David Schutzman
Lesley and Marc Osias
Evelyn Kenvin and Arthur Rosenbloom
Deena and Mark Scoblionko
Dana and Jeremy Lacks Ellen Lafferty Sora Landes Lindsay Landman Felisa Lane Faye Laveson Dugan Lawrence Mark Lazaroff Dena and Avi Lebovic Jen and David Leinwand Leitzel’s Jewelry Eric Berger and Melissa Lerman Donna and Jack Levin Harriet and Mark Levin Carole-Ann and Brahm Levine Natanya and Jason Levitz Nancy and Neil Lewis Rabbi Steven and Jane Lindemann Thelma Linder Jon Liss Jodie and Mark Littwin Beth Lobel Len Lodish Barbara and Stephen London
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 19
Stacy and Matthew Seltzer
Bob and Arlene Subin
Rabbi Steve and Jody Wernick
Susan and Bob Seltzer
Michelle Sugarman
Bonnie and David Wind
Jenny and David Selvers
Rhonda and Steve Sugarman
Jodi and Jeff Wiseman
Lester and Lynn Shapiro
Sima and Steve Sussman
David Wohl
Shira Gordon and Phil Shaw
Ellen Svitek
Judy Chertok and Adam Wolpaw
Susie and Kenny Shear
Hinda and Daniel Tanzer
Maxcine and Bernie Wyman
Michal and Noam Sheps
Lila Tarnowsky
Nusha Wyner
Jessica and David Shklar
Sally and Harry Taub
Saralee Zakroff
Gladys Shubin
Tony and Cathy Tifiletti
Debra and Brian Zaslow
Sisterhood Har Zion Temple
Ron Shapiro and Maya Tsarfati
Michael Zawadzki
Janine and Justin Silberberg
Zahava and Eli Velder
Phil and Marilyn Zemblenn
Eric and Eileen Singer
Cantor Eliot and Karen Vogel
Suzanne and Adam Zimbler
Ramona Sitko
Susan and Atzi Vonsover
JL Zrebiec
Anita and Stuart Skolnick
Tracy Waasdorp
Alan Zucker
Cindi Slater
Bryan and Jill Wachs
Debra and Mark Zweben
Ellen Seidman and David Smokler
Jodi and Daniel Wahlberg
Robin and Howard Zwick
Lauren and Martin Sobel
Katherine Harter and Kevin Waloff
Sharon Spivack
Sarah and Stuart Warsetsky
Gail and Douglas Stanger
Joshua and Hillary Wasserman
Ed Stein
Jacob Cohen and Sarah Waxman
Jennifer and Evan Stein
Jo-Ann and Howard Waxman
Missy Tick Stein
Michele Hasit and Adam Waxman
Shimon Stein
Stefanie and Avi Weiner
Susan and Ben Stein
Eileen and Michael Weingram
Betsy and Lewis Sternthal
Ivy and Joshua Weingram
Susan and Berel Sternthal
Lillian and Sydney Weiss
Karen and Louis Stesis
Stacey and David Weiss
Rachel and Eric Stone
Judith and Allen Weinstock
Susan and Richard Stone
Marcy and Wayne Weitz
Debbie and Michael Srulevich
Michael Werner
20 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016
Thank you!
תודה רבה
Your support enables us to continue our mission of creating life-long Jewish connections, one happy camper at a time.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lee Sussman PRESIDENT
Michael Wachs SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER
Jay Dorsch VICE PRESIDENT
Judith Hess
YEAR-ROUND STAFF Bruce Engleman Mark Fallick Beth Gansky Alice Matsas Garten Rick Gold Shira Goodman
Rabbi Joel Seltzer
Sheryl Hershinger
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
REGISTRAR
Michelle Sugarman
Marla Schimmel
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
BOOKKEEPER
Bruce I. Lipton
Francesca Feldman
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Missy Stein
OFFICE MANAGER
VICE PRESIDENT
Matthew Lacks
Martin Wachs
Adam Lewin
Michele Hasit
VICE PRESIDENT
Rabbi Micah Peltz
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Debbie Albert SECRETARY
David Goldstein
Debbie Perlman Nathan Relles
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Laura Finkelstein PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Elana Rivel
Josh Romirowsky
DIRECTOR, RAMAH DAY CAMP
Rachael Abrams
Jill Rosen
Eileen Graub
Jonathan Adar
Richard Soloff
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, RAMAH DAY CAMP
Jon Adler
Matt Tanzer
Julie Berger
Rabbi Eric Yanoff
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Norman Einhorn
Deb Srulevich Orlee Krass DIRECTOR, TIKVAH PROGRAMS
Benjy Goldberg ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & DIRECTOR OF RETREATS
Adena Sternthal DIRECTOR, TIKVAH FAMILY CAMP
PAST PRESIDENTS Abe Birenbaum z”l
Charles H. Laveson z”l
David Niesenbaum z”l
Michael Lippmann
Rudolph Fried z”l
Kenneth Shear
We express deep gratitude to former members of our staff and board who contributed greatly to Ramah’s success in 2015 and 2016.
Isadore Marder z”l
Jules Einhorn
S. David Rosenzweig z”l
Susan Birenbaum Stone
Ervin B. Miller z”l
David I. Haas
Alvin Gershen z”l
William Landsburg
Edward B. Josephs
David Goldstein
outweighs all of the other commandments
Morton Wachs z”l**
TZEDAKAH
**With much sadness, we mourn the passing this year of Morton Wachs. May his memory be for a blessing.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | 21
2100 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-885-8556 www.ramahpoconos.org www.ramahdaycamp.org
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