ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Dear Friends,
:על שלשה דברים העולם עומד,שמעון הצדיק היה אומר .על התורה ועל העבודה ועל גמילות חסדים ב:פרקי אבות א Shimon the Righteous would say: “The world stands on three things—on the Torah, on worship, and on deeds of lovingkindness.” Pirkei Avot: 1:2 Thank you for investing in Camp Ramah in the Poconos. As we reflect on the year and summer of 2017, let us celebrate the wonderful examples of Torah, of hard work, and of kindness that are emblematic of the Camp Ramah in the Poconos community. Firstly, over 800 campers and over 300 staff members experienced ‘joyful Judaism’ at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Ramah Day Camp, and through our Tikvah programs. This means that each camper and staff member now has tangible and positive connections to Torah and our tradition because of meaningful learning they experienced over the summer. Secondly, although the Hebrew word avodah in the teaching above refers to the worship service, it also means ‘work.’ There is an indescribable amount of work that goes into our success year-round. In particular, we want to recognize the efforts of our immediate past president, Lee Sussman. Lee’s four-year term as president represented a period of unparalleled growth in our organization. Thanks to his leadership and vision, the year-round staff and Board of Directors have accomplished a great deal, which you will see highlighted in this Annual Report. Lastly, there is hesed, kindness. On the following pages, you will see the quantifiable metrics by which we measure ourselves as a not-for-profit organization. Although it is difficult to measure, what is also represented here is the ruach (spirit) of Ramah. A spirit that is kind, friendly, compassionate, and empathetic. Thank you for helping us to fulfill this holy mission by increasing Torah, avodah, and hesed, in our world. Todah Rabbah,
Michael Wachs, President, Board of Directors
Rabbi Joel Seltzer, Executive Director CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 1
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $286,646 went toward construction and improvements at Camp Ramah in the Poconos during 2017. In memory of alumnus Steve Josselson z”l (Gesher 1992), gifts were made to create the Steven D. Josselson Memorial Fund. A portion of the fund was used to create a sensory space in Beit Yedidim. The Harry and Martha Stern Outdoor Synagogue, also known as the Beit Knesset, was built just over 30 years ago in 1986 and is in need of numerous repairs. Thanks to the 2016 Annual Chai Campaign, the wooden benches in the amphitheater were specially treated with weather-proof paint, allowing for greater comfort and durability.
2 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Other improvements to the overnight camp included: CONTINUATION of bathroom and floor upgrades to all bunks
COMPLETION of Girls’ Campus roof replacements
ADDITION of new kitchen equipment
INSTALLATION of a new waterfront boardwalk
ENHANCEMENTS to the camp-wide security system including video surveillance
Strategic Plan Strategic Plan One of the guiding principles of the Jewish experience is that we are never done learning. We read the Torah, portion by portion, week by week, only to, upon its completion, turn it over and do it again! This philosophy reflects Camp Ramah in the Poconos’ organizational approach to strategic planning and visioning. The crafting of the upcoming three-year strategic plan that will guide Ramah’s priorities moving forward is currently underway. A strategic planning committee that represents the diverse Ramah constituency, together with JCamp180 mentor Julia Riseman, and the Board of Directors have been working diligently to draft the new plan. While the strategic plan has not been finalized, the committee anticipates it will focus on: PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING a comprehensive capital campaign
CONTINUED improvements at Camp Ramah in the Poconos
INVESTING in the future of Ramah Day Camp
DELIVERING more opportunities for year-round engagement to our broadest constituency
TURN IT, AND TURN IT—FOR EVERYTHING IS IN IT MISHNAH AVOT 5:22
הפך בה והפך בה דכלא בה
כ ב:משנה אבות ה
RAMAH DAY CAMP Thanks to funds raised in the 2016 Annual Chai Campaign, Ramah Day Camp was able to offer both a new specialty track week for older campers, Shavuah Omanut (art week), and Sha’ar: Philadelphia, a Hebrew-language immersion program, for a younger edah (division) in summer 2017. Hebrew Immersion Fourteen rising 1st-grade campers participated in our pilot program, in which all aspects of the camp day were conducted in Hebrew, giving the children an opportunity to gain proficiency as they took part in the full Ramah Day Camp schedule of activities. The $20,000 investment in Sha’ar: Philadelphia paid off with 90% of parents responding that they would recommend the program to a friend and 80% noting an increase in their child’s usage of Hebrew.
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Highlights of summer 2017 Mishlachat (Israeli Staff) Z’man Yisraeli (Israeli Time) was a new perek (activity period) that was created to develop a deeper connection between campers and the land of Israel. Mishlachat (Israeli staff) alternated between the tzrifim (bunks), introducing campers to various aspects of Israeli culture, including music, dance, games, and stories.
ZimRikkudiah A highlight at the overnight camp, the ZimRikkudiah Israeli song and dance festival was presented for the first time at Ramah Day Camp this summer. Each edah (division) sang or danced as staff and peers cheered them on.
Grandparents’ Club Day 40 grandparents arrived at Ramah Day Camp for the inaugural Grandparents’ Club Day. Although it was one of the hottest days of the summer, they joyfully joined their grandchildren under the Etz Tefillah (prayer tree) for Torah Thursday and could not pass up a tour of the Day Camp garden led by the campers. Cool refreshments and text study with Director Elana Rivel completed their morning.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 5
CAMP RAMAH IN THE POCONOS Campers in all of our programs received over $321,773 in scholarship allocation for summer 2017 as a result of the overwhelming support of the 2016 Annual Chai Campaign. At the overnight camp alone, 26% of the 585 campers over the course of the summer were able to enjoy the Ramah experience because of financial assistance. 6 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Taste of Ramah Taste of Ramah is a one-week introductory overnight experience for 2nd and 3rd graders. This year the program in the second session was so popular that an additional Taste of Ramah was offered during the first session with a total of 78 campers in attendance. Of those campers who attended the program, 70% have registered for summer 2018!
Ramah Drama Academy Ramah Drama Academy (RDA) was a new intensive specialty track that was added to Ramah Poconos’ programming thanks to funds from the 2016 Annual Chai Campaign. 30 campers gained experience in improvisation skills, vocal work, and performance creation. RDA participants created original plays using their newly acquired skills and performed them on Shabbat for each of their edot (divisions).
TIKVAH PROGRAMS Yedidim had a successful second summer, with 13 returning campers and three new ones. Part of the Tikvah Residential Program for campers with special needs, this year’s nine boys and seven girls ranged in age from 12 to 20. Yedidim chanichim (campers) vary in their needs; several were on the Autism Spectrum, while some had Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other cognitive delays. The Yedidim chanichim (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 chanichim (campers) throughout the day: visual schedules, “first…then…” boards, incentive charts, and, of course, lots of positive reinforcement.
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Sensory Space
YediBEAN Life Skills
Thanks to the Steven Josselson Memorial Fund, a full sensory space complete with active and chill zones was constructed in the lower portion of Beit Yedidim. A weighted blanket, a climbing system, fiberoptic sprays, and a sensory pea pod are just some of the equipment that provided chanichim (campers) with the sensory input they needed to be successful at camp.
Supported by funds from the 2016 Annual Chai Campaign, summer 2017 piloted the first ever vocational program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos—YediBEAN, an iced coffee and smoothie shop run by a group of our Yedidim chanichim (campers). The YediBEAN employees took turns trying out various jobs, each working on job-specific “hard skills.”
Tikvah Family Camp In August, the five-day Tikvah Family Camp program provided 11 families from all streams of Judaism with an extraordinary experience. Chaverim (buddies) were assigned to each camper with developmental disabilities and/or social learning disorders, which allowed parents and siblings to socialize in the evenings and everyone to participate in activities during the day. Upon arrival, families were greeted by the Beaverwood Farms petting zoo. Campers went on horseback rides, bottle-fed calves, and cuddled with the baby goats, setting the tone for a wonderful week at Tikvah Family Camp.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 9
ENROLLMENT Day Camp Enrollment 2016
201
2017
191
FULL CAMPER EQUIVALENT*
2016
289
TOTAL SERVED
2017
261
Overnight Camp Enrollment 2016
387.75
2017
389.5
FULL CAMPER EQUIVALENT*
2016
560
TOTAL SERVED
2017
585
Organizational Revenue 2016
$5.1M
2017
$6.1M
Organizational Expenses 2016
2017
$4.9M
$5.1M
*1 First Session Camper + 1 Second Session Camper = 1 Full Camper Equivalent
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FINANCIALS October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017
2016
2017
REVENUE $5,118,018
REVENUE $6,154.134
TUITION & FEES
TUITION & FEES
FAMILY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
$4,191,330 $74,853
$4,347,800
FAMILY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
$78,600
DONATIONS $590,872
DONATIONS $1,467,085
OTHER $260,963
OTHER $260,649
EXPENSES $4,918,351
EXPENSES $5,157,162
PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS
PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS
$4,567,812
SCHOLARSHIPS GIVEN: Camp Ramah in the Poconos Ramah Day Camp Tikvah Family Camp
$4,770,645
SCHOLARSHIPS GIVEN: $222,602 $81,440 $2,500
Camp Ramah in the Poconos
$223,356
Ramah Day Camp Tikvah Family Camp
$96,192 $2,225
FUNDRAISING $43,997
FUNDRAISING $64,744
Revenue
Expenses
In 2017, there was a 17% growth in revenue due to both sold out edot (divisions) for the fourth consecutive summer at Camp Ramah in the Poconos and income from grants, donations, and endowed funds. A capital five-year gift and monies raised during the 2016 Annual Chai Campaign produced a dramatic 60% increase in fundraising revenue from the previous year.
$321,773 was allocated in aid to Ramah Day Camp, Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Tikvah Family Camp constituents in 2017. In addition, $20,000 was allocated to Ramah Day Camp for Sha’ar: Philadelphia, a Hebrew Immersion program, $286,646 went toward construction and improvements at Camp Ramah in the Poconos.
“ Thank you very much for the scholarship for me to go to Camp Ramah in the Poconos this summer. I made so many new memories and friends from both sessions. I went on Etgar (challenge ropes course) for the first time ever—I was so nervous. I also swam across the entire lake for the first time ever. I learned about Israel, Shabbat, Mitzvot, Kashrut, Tefillin, Judaism, and much more. I am very grateful for your generosity.” 13-YEAR-OLD CAMPER
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 11
MORESHET RAMAH LEGACY SOCIETY Leaving a legacy is an important part of one’s lifework. As the Talmud teaches us, in the autumn of our lives we have the responsibility to plant the seeds for the generations that will follow in our footsteps. 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. Anonymous (20) Nona L. Abrams Deborah Albert Florence Albert Susan Ansin Susan Ansul Ina Asher Steven A. Asher z”l Amanda Balakirsky Samantha Balakirsky Talia Balakirsky Julie Berger William J. Chertok z”l Matt Closter Arielle Davis Rachel L. Devor Cheryl G. Dorsch z”l Rabbi Daniel Dorsch Jay A. Dorsch Rabbi Joshua Dorsch Matthew Dorsch
Carol G. Einhorn Jules Einhorn Deborah-Jo Essrog Glen Feinberg Beth Gansky Alice Matsas Garten Morris Garten Rela Mintz Geffen Emily Goldberg Michael Goldberg Sandra Goldberg Akiva Goldstein David Goldstein Pearl Graub Goldstein Seth Goldstein Harold Grinspoon David I. Haas Donna Haas Phyllis Haas Judith Hess Roger Hess
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Melissa Kleiman Jason Kreisman Sara Kreisman Benjamin Landsburg Joshua Landsburg Michael Landsburg Robin Sue Landsburg William Landsburg Zachary Landsburg Jonathan Levin Sharon Levin Leslie Molder Rebekah Monson Uri Monson David Oppenheimer Mindy Oppenheimer Mary Relles Nathan Relles Jonathan Rothschild Lori Rothschild Deena Scoblionko
Mark Scoblionko Sion Segal Eliana Seltzer Rabbi Joel Seltzer Laura Smith Beth Ann Spector Rabbi Jay Stein Karen Stesis Louis Stesis Max Sugarman Michelle Sugarman Ali Sussman Lee Sussman Diane Wachs Michael C. Wachs Jody Wernick Rabbi Steven Wernick Joan Wohl Milton Wohl z”l Rabbi Todd Zeff
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
Natalie & Ted Miller Memorial Fund
Arthur Poley Memorial Fund for Outdoor Living
Abram & Elizabeth Piwosky Scholar-in-Residence Fund
Bob Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Albert & Sarah Lewis Scholarship Fund
Canady Music Fund
Rabbi David A. Goldstein Scholarship Fund
Carol & Isaac Auerbach Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Yaakov & Devorah Rosenberg Scholarship Fund
Cheryl Magen Jewish Education Fund
Rose & Sydney Steiner Scholarship Fund
Debbie Levin Lusana Scholarship Fund
Rabbi Arthur Morris Ruberg Scholarship Fund
Edith & Albert Karp Scholarship Fund
Seymour & Sue Fox Resource Center Fund
Ervin B. Miller Scholarship Fund
Seymour H. Simon Scholarship Fund
Florence Rodgers Scholarship Fund
Sonya & Ernest Simon Scholarship Fund
Gerson Epstein Sports Fund
Stern Maintenance Fund
Hanna S. Cohn Memorial Scholarship Fund
Steven D. Josselson Tikvah Staff Training Fund
Ivy Elinoff Marwil Scholarship Fund
Ursula & Arnold Kahn Scholarship Fund
Julius & Ray Charlestein Scholarship Fund Leah Soffa Memorial Scholarship Fund Levin-Schloss Memorial Scholarship Fund Milton & Joan Wohl Scholarship Fund Morris & Miriam Ockman Scholarship Fund
For information related to establishing or contributing to endowed funds or joining the Moreshet Ramah Legacy Society, please contact Missy Stein, Development Director, at missys@ramahpoconos.org or 215-885-8556.
Morton & Malvina Charlestein Scholarship Fund Morton J. Dannenhirsch-Beshunsky Scholarship Fund Morton & Elise Rose Scholarship Fund
1970s
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 13
“ So many things have changed at Machaneh Ramah since I attended 30 years ago: a ropes course and gaga pit have been built, the pool is heated (heated!!), the youngest edah is now called, ‘Notzitzim,’ and dietary needs are accommodated in unbelievable ways. But despite these visible changes, there are enduring aspects that remain the same; the ruach on Friday night, Judaism woven seamlessly into the daily routine, and practicing spirituality among friends in one of the most special places I know.” JANET GROSS SMITH, ALUMNA 1982-87
1960s
DONORS October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017
$200,000+ Mary and Nathan Relles*
$50,000+
Rabbi Adam Feldman and Sara Bucholtz* Nancy Rothbard and Brian Bushee* Susan and Robert DeLong*
Judy z”l and David Wachs*
Debra and Harris Devor*
$20,000+
Deborah-Jo Essrog and Jay A. Dorsch*
Anonymous
Judy Groner and Ronald Eisenberg*
Lynne and Leonard Barrack*
Elements Production, LLC
Arthur and Ella Feldman*
Jo Ann Chalal and Bruce Engleman* Dana and Mark Fallick*
Neil Lubarsky* Shelley and Bruce Menkowitz* Roe and Don Miller*
$10,000+
Debbie Albert and Glen Feinberg*
Heather Bogdanoff Baker and Felix Baker*
Deborah Winokur and Hanan Fishman*
Hannah S. and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Foundation
Beth Gansky*
Phyllis and Stephen Port* Amy and Ben Relles*
Rabbi Gary and Laya Charlestein*
Alice Matsas Garten and Morris Garten*
Terri Hartman and Bruce Goldberg*
Michelle and Marc Gary*
Alexandra and Josh Romirowsky*
Pearl Graub Goldstein and David Goldstein*
Mildred B. Gershen*
Jill and Brian Rosen*
Amy and Seth Gillston*
Melissa and Doug Sayer*
Rick and Micaela Gold*
Sue and Eric Schwartzman*
Amy J. Goldberg*
Rabbi Joel and Eliana Seltzer*
Marlene and Jonathon Graub*
Elie and Avra Gordis
Susie and Kenny Shear*
Donna and David Haas*
Laura Sklar and Daniel Goldstein*
Rabbi Joshua and Ilana Skoff*
Dina and Daniel Relles*
Heidi, Jeff, Ariel and Avi Gordon*
Richard and Kathy Soloff*
Ali and Lee Sussman*
Elana Rivel and Greg Halperin*
Adena and Andrew Sternthal*
Lucinda and Andrew Sussman*
Judith and Roger Hess*
Charla and Mark Sussman*
Diane and Michael C. Wachs*
Meredith and Jonathan Hoffman*
Lauren and Matt Tanzer*
Rabbi Michael and Fran Katz*
Miriam and Jim Tehrani*
Leah Rosen and Peter Konwerski*
Jen and Marty Wachs*
Joanne and Jonathan Adar*
Rachel and Charles Korman*
Lisa and Michael Wachs*
Beth Etra and Jonathan Adler*
Phyllis and Ted Kosloff*
Juliet Spitzer and Phil Wachs*
Flossie Albert*
Heather and Mark Kramer*
Amy and Phil Warmflash*
Tami and David Astorino*
Amy and David Kritz*
Joan Wohl*
Rachel Gross and H.P. Baker*
Sarah Kay Lacks and Matthew Lacks*
Rabbi Eric and Dava Yanoff*
Andrea and Scott Bernstein* Julia Sivitz and Matthew Bieber*
Emily and Michael Landsburg*
Rabbi Micah Peltz and Rachel Zivic*
The Bramson Family*
Robin Sue and Bill Landsburg*
Violet and Richard Zeitlin*
Julie and Michael Lippmann*
Caroline and Robert Zuritsky*
$5,000-$9,999
$1,800-$4,999
*2016 Annual Chai Campaign Chai Society Members
Edward Miller* Eve Coulson and Nelson Obus*
Reuben and Diane Romirowsky*
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 15
$500-$1,799
Meryl Sussman and Bruce Lipton
Robyn and Steven Blum
Ursina Teitelbaum and Benjamin Abella
Rabbi Nehama Benmosche and Terry Lubin
Cheryl Booker-Carter
Nona Abrams
Lauren and Jeremy Menkowitz
Linda and Gerald Brenner
Rachael and Joshua Abrams
Andrea Lieber and Ted Merwin
Rebecca and Perry Bridger
Caren Barnet and Steve Abramson
Microbac Laboratories, Inc.
Jonathan Brody
Suzanne and James Aisenberg
Irwin and Deborah Mortman
Allison and Jamie Arking
Debbie and Richard Perlman
Rabbi Arie Hasit and Sara Tova Brody
Wendy and Bruce Armon
Marla and Larry Schimmel
Marian and Edward Bromberg
Sara and Bruce Berger
Lois and Lee Schwartz
Erik Bronstein
Kathy and Marty Birn
Sonya and Ernest Simon
Eric Braverman and Neil Brown
Harriet and Mark Chertok
Jennifer and Evan Stein
Debra Stein and Issac Brumer
Debbie and Norman Einhorn
Walter Troffkin
Joan and Harvey Bucholtz
Amy and Steven Erlbaum
Gabi Wachs
Anne and Steven Fassler
Judith and Allen Weinstock
Ellen Podolnick and Steven Bushinsky
Michael and Ellen Feingold
Shira Goodman and Alan Woronoff
Harriet and Craig Caplan
Talia Feldman
Samantha and Brett Braterman
Capra Enterprises, LLC
Sarah Ferst
$100-$499
Sharri Horowitz and Michael Carrier
Debbie Aron and Joel Fish
Paul Aaron
Sheila and Ed Chacker
Jennifer and Stewart Flink
Rachel and Avi Abel
Miriam Chaloff
Judith and Leonard Galler
Seyna and Larry Abel
Lorraine and Andrew Cherashore
Judy and David Gilberg
Fran Adar
Sarah Chopnick
Joyce and Bruce Afran
Julie Berger and Matt Closter
Howard Altman
Arthur Cohen
Ariel and Gabe Amzallag
Heather and Howard Cohen
Marcia and Larry Arem
Rona Rosen and Mark Cohen
Tirsit Asfaw
Rachel and Seth Cohen
Ina Asher
Sarah Waxman and Jacob Cohen
Kathleen and Daniel Bailey
Emily Cook
Judith Baliman
Marla and Ross Cook
Vivian and Andrew Barnett
Barbara Medoff-Cooper and Marc Cooper
1970s
Aleeza Wachs and Benj Gilman Michal Wachs and Daniel Gold Cindi and Yakir Hasit Mark and Ruth Joffe Gregg Kanter Idit and Jordan Kendall Doree Sitkoff and Greg Kidorf Rabbi Aaron and Helene Krupnick Debbie and Stan Lacks Eva and Lawrence Levitt Melanie and Adam Lewin
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Viktoria Kristiansson and Harvey Bartle
Nicole and Mitchell Cwanger
Susan and Arnold Baskies
Ellen and Dan Dean
Risa and Michael Baskies
Jillian and Jack Dembowitz
Randee and Harry Baumohl
Rachel Devor
Ann and Roger Behar
Deborah Kuhn and Lee Dobkin
Elizabeth and Jeff Berger
Mara and Jonathan Dorff
Estee and Craig Bergmann
Rabbi Daniel and Amy Dorsch
Rabbi Ellen and Steven Bernhardt
Donna and Gary Drizin
Nina and Saul Blecker
Rachel and Josh Dunaief
Samantha Blum
Holly Mauskopf and Steve Dwek
Rachel and Mike Blum
Judith and Joel Eisner Stephanie Elgart
Francine and Howard Elgart
Sarah and Richard Gratz
Dena and Avi Lebovic
Jennifer and Lee Emdur
Eileen and Richard Graub
Miriam Lefkowitz
Rachel Epstein
Toby Rosenthal and Ted Greenberg
Donna and Jack Levin
Family Eye Care of Wharton, P.A.
Jeffery Grimley
Sharon and Jonathan Levin
Sara Lippmann Feig and Robert Feig
Sheila and Jay Grossman
Carole-Ann and Brahm Levine
Lori and Matthew Fein
Helene Gumerman
David Feinberg
Marci and Bob Hackel
Lisa and Ron Feingold
Jill and Geoffrey Hammel
Cherise Solomon-Feld and Randy Feld
Rachel and Lee Handis
Sandy and Jack Gruenberg
Liz and Joel Feldman
Rabbis Moriah and Shawn SimonHazani
Marcy and David Fish
Jane Henderson
Victoria and Nate Fisher
Joseph Hoenig
Donna and Rick Forman
Dawn and Jerome Hogan
Nomi and Jack Forman
Rachel Hollander
Allen Freedman
Natanya and Jason Levitz
Dana Jacobs-Kosmin
Carly and Jonathan Friedman
Nancy and Neil Lewis
Michelle and Michael Jaffee
Randy Friedman
Paula and Mitchell Jayson
Rabbi Sharon Brous and David Light
Renee and Brian Friedman
JH Paper Company
Thelma Linder
Sheila and Alan Friedman
Alan and Gail Josselson
Barbara Lissy
Susan and Paul Friedman
Kenneth and Lauren Kanfer
Jacqueline and Robert Lobell
Hindy Poupko and Seth Galena
Sara Kaplan
Barbara and Stephen London
Rabbi Chaim and Kelly Galfand
Jennifer and Fred Karpf
Rabbi Alan and Edy Lucas
David and Beth Galinsky
Marsha and Darin Katz
Cheryl Magen
Joe Gallagher
Danielle and Alan Kaufman
Sarah and Jonathan Magen
Debra and Avi Galler
Rhena and Steve Kelsen
Ashley and Paul Markowich
Rela Mintz Geffen
Aliza Romirowsky and Sam Kerbel
Andrea and Louis Marmon
Laurence Gillston
Rebecca and Ben Kirshner
Lauren and Jeff Gladstone
Robert Kitchenoff
Mindy Shapiro and Alan Mendelsohn
Melanie and Steven Glass
Rabbi Rachel Kobrin
June Bell and Neil Mendelson
Ilana and Danny Glazer
Adina and Ari Konikoff
Deena and Dan Messinger
Iris and Jonathan Gold
Jennifer Korff
Deborah Miller
Casey and Kenny Gold
Phyllis and Ted Kosloff
Jackie and Robert Mintz
Ella and Benjy Goldberg
Shari and Dan Kramer
Annie and Ed Monsky
Sandra and Michael Goldberg
Sara and Jason Kreisman
Rachel and Jonathan Goldman
Elisheva Krupnick
Deena Fox Neuwirth and Michael Neuwirth
Katy and Neil Goldman
Dana and Jeremy Lacks
Akiva Goldstein
Josh Landsburg
David Goldstein
Zachary Landsburg
Rabbi Nason and Carole Goldstein
Eric Langer
Rachel Schwartz and Craig Goldstein
Faye Laveson
Abbe and Mark Goldstein
Jennifer and Michael Laytin
1964
Rabbi Ari Lucas and Talya Oberfield Robert Odell Lauren and Josh Okon Ellen Oland Jamie and Harold Orel Monica Palenzuela and Martin Pollak
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2017 | 17
Jessica and David Shklar
Rabbi Jeffrey and Judy Wohlberg
Gladys Shubin
Judy Chertok and Adam Wolpaw
Labron Sieber
Meg Jacobs and Julian Zelizer
Janine Justin Silberberg
Carla and Joel Zighelboim
Phillip Silverman
Suzanne and Adam Zimbler
Judy and Josh Singer Allison and Michael Singer
Daniella Gold and Jonathan Zimmerman
Ramona Sitko
Helanie Dubner and Steven Zlotnick
Anita and Stuart Skolnick
Alan Zucker
Rabbi Randy Brown and Arianne Slack
Debra and Mark Zweben
Melissa Present Liz and Jack Rabin
Juli and Glenn Sloves
Leza and Mark Rake
Stacey and Robert Soloff
Susan and Sean Reiter
James Spinola
Melissa Renny
Debbie and Michael Srulevich
Haleh and Jeff Resnick
Missy Stein
Jamie and Jesse Richman
Susan and Ben Stein
Riva and Howard Rittberg
Betsy and Lewis Sternthal
Av Rivel
Karen and Louis Stesis
Riverside Capital, LLC
Susan and Richard Stone
Abigail and Shai Romirowsky
Michelle Sugarman
Diane Rose
Rhonda and Steve Sugarman
Bonnie and Howard Rosen
Mindy and Randy Tammara
Debbie and Scott Rosen
Jessica and Zeke Tayler
Gail and Bob Rosenthal
Rabbi Howard and Naomi Tilman
Lori and Jonathan Rothschild
Zahava and Eli Velder
Marci and Aaron Ruderman
Karen and Eliot Vogel
Danielle Klapper and Ronen Rybowski
Sarah and Jeff Vogel
1955
Suzanne and Michael Saltzberg Steve Saraf Sally Bergwerk and Larry Schloss Rabbi Aaron and Jane-Rachel Schonbrun Leah and David Schutzman Robyn Bennett and Marc Schwartz Rabbi Moshe and Aviva Schwartz Deena and Mark Scoblionko Howard Seiden Ellen Seidman and David Smokler Susan and Bob Seltzer Stacy and Matthew Seltzer Maya Tsarfati and Ron Shapiro Scott Schectman
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Adina and Phil Wagman Valerie Wahl Jodi and Daniel Wahlberg Joshua Wall Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller P.C. Jennifer Warrick Sarah and Stuart Warsetsky Jo-Ann and Howard Waxman Stefanie and Avi Weiner Shira and Matthew Weinstein Loretta and Jay Weisberg Gail and Marty Weiss Marcy and Wayne Weitz Matthew Werthman
Thank you for investing in Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Ramah Day Camp, and our Tikvah programs where life-long connections, Conservative Judaism, inclusion, and a love of Israel grow.
Board of Directors
Year-Round Staff
Past Presidents
Michael C. Wachs President
Rabbi Joel Seltzer Executive Director
Abe Birenbaum z”l
Debbie Albert Senior Vice President
Michelle Sugarman Associate Director
Rudolph Fried z”l
Jon Adler Treasurer
Bruce I. Lipton Director of Finance & Operations
S. David Rosenzweig z”l
David Goldstein Vice President
Missy Stein Development Director
Ervin B. Miller z”l
Judith Hess Vice President
Michele Hasit Communications Director
Edward B. Josephs
Nathan Relles Vice President
Laura Finkelstein Program Director
Josh Romirowsky Secretary
Elana Rivel Director, Ramah Day Camp
Lee Sussman Immediate Past President
Eileen Graub Assistant Director, Ramah Day Camp
Jonathan Adar Julie Berger Nanci Bramson Norman Einhorn Bruce Engleman Mark Fallick Beth Gansky Alice Matsas Garten Rick Gold David I. Haas Terri Hartman Matthew Lacks Rabbi Micah Peltz Debbie Perlman Jill Rosen Richard Soloff Matt Tanzer Michal Wachs
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Debbie Lacks Registrar Marla Schimmel Bookkeeper Francesca Feldman Development Assistant Deb Srulevich Office Manager Orlee Krass Director, Tikvah Programs Dr. Rachel Abel Director, Camper Care Benjy Goldberg Assistant Director of Operations and Director of Retreats Adena Sternthal Director, Tikvah Family Camp
David Niesenbaum z”l
Isadore Marder z”l
Alvin Gershen z”l
Morton Wachs z”l Charles H. Laveson z”l Michael Lippmann Kenneth Shear Jules Einhorn Susan Birenbaum Stone David I. Haas William Landsburg David Goldstein Lee Sussman
We express deep gratitude to former members of our staff and board who contributed greatly to Ramah’s success in 2016 and 2017.
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www.ramahdaycamp.org
www.ramahpoconos.org
215-885-8556
Philadelphia, PA 19103
2100 Arch Street