Creating life-long Jewish Connections one happy camper at a time CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 1
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ַמ ה ־ ט ּ ֹ ָ בּו א ֹ ָהלֶיך
2 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Dear Friends, Rabbi Tarfon, in Pirkei Avot teaches us:
Other capital improvements included physical expansions
מנָּה ֶּ מ ִ בּטֵל ָ ִ וְלֹא ַאתָ ּה בֶן חֹורִ ין ל,מּלָאכָה לִגְמֹור ְ לֹא ָעלֶיך ָ ַה
of our ropes course and our organic garden at Ramah Day
“It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task— but neither are you at liberty to desist from it!”
a more successful summer in teaching and using Hebrew,
As we reflect on 2015 and the holy and meaningful work in our organization, this statement certainly rings true. Much was done to improve the experience of our over 800 campers and 300 staff members at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, comprised of our overnight camp, Ramah Day Camp and our Tikvah programs including Tikvah Family Camp.
Camp. Enhanced programming at all of our camps made for making Jewish art, and increasing our sports offerings. As President and Executive Director, we were impressed by the dedication of our leadership and full-time staff this year as we doubled-down on our commitment to building inclusive camp environments. Meeting the needs of our special needs campers and their families through Tikvah at Ramah Day Camp, Tikvah Family Camp, and opening this coming summer at our overnight camp, the Tikvah
More than $325,000 were raised in our 5775 Annual Chai Campaign nearly tripling the previous year. Combined with the interest generated by our endowments, we were able to allocate $361,195 in scholarships to all three of our programs. Significant physical enhancements at our overnight camp, highlighted by the Guest House and Staff Housing renovation projects, were made possible by donor
Residential Program, we are blessed to be among the builders of a more inclusive world for all. So while much work has been done, and much success has been achieved—we are far from done in our mission to create life-long Jewish connections, one happy camper at a time. Thank you for your generous and sustaining support.
gifts totaling close to $700,000. L’shalom,
Lee Sussman, President
Rabbi Joel Seltzer, Executive Director
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 3
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $614,613 in building improvements were made during 2015. Thanks to the generosity of Mary and Nathan Relles, the renovation of both the Guest House and Staff Housing were completed. In addition, alumni from Gesher 2000 and the families of Michael Levin z”l and Andy Schloss z”l donated funds in their memories to construct a new Gesher porch and refurbish the flooring in all four bunks. The monies raised during the 5775 Annual Chai Campaign allowed for more capital improvements at both of our facilities. At Ramah Day Camp, a new high ropes course was added as well as new kitchen equipment. New waterfront equipment and renovated bathrooms in public areas enhanced the facilities at Camp Ramah in the Poconos overnight camp. Waterfront equipment purchased for the overnight camp included: nn SUFGANIAH (AQUAGLIDE BRAVO)—Pulled by our SeaDoo Challenger 200 power boat, the Bravo is a fully reinforced commercialgrade towable for up to 8 riders. nn 7 SUP’S—STAND UP PADDLE BOARDS—A favorite bunk activity; stand up paddle boarders maintain an upright stance on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water.
4 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
STRATEGIC PLAN We continue to move forward with our organization’s three-year strategic plan having completed year one in 2015. The plan outlines some key objectives for Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Ramah Day Camp. Completion of a comprehensive Development Plan
tasking them as Ramah representatives, specifically
Establishing a task force to evaluate Overnight and
for the organization
targeting those alumni who have lost contact with
Day Camp staffing numbers and ratios
IN PROGRESS
Ramah Renewal of a long-term lease for Ramah Day Camp COMPLETED
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
Studying financial incentives for current Day Camp Solicitation training for Members of the Board of
families choosing Overnight Camp for the first time
Directors
IN PROGRESS
IN PROGRESS
Conducting general improvements to existing camp buildings, including; painting, landscaping, replacing
Hiring a Development Assistant
COMPLETED
floors and roofs of bunks and buildings to be done at a rate of 25% per year
IN PROGRESS
100% participation by Members of the Board of
including adding a theater specialty track, as well as, Establishing a task force on session length, with
adding daily programming options on both land and
recommendations to be implemented for the 2016
water
season
COMPLETED
Completion of the Edah Captain Program; identifying
IN PROGRESS
COMPLETED
Directors in financially contributing to Ramah events and fundraisers
Freshening programming at the Overnight Camp;
Renovating the Guest House
COMPLETED
Evaluating staff housing options, needs, costs and timing, including, a possible impact from the
Exploring options for a new Mercaz, including plans
residential Tikvah program
for a 2018 capital campaign
COMPLETED
IN PROGRESS
alumni from different edot throughout the years and
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 5
RAMAH DAY CAMP Since 1996, we have provided a fun and enriching Jewish day camp experience to children in
COMMUNITY GARDEN
pre-K to 7th grade and their
300 campers and staff participated in the care of
families in the Philadelphia area.
the entirely organic RAMAH DAY CAMP COMMUNITY
Our campers enjoy sports, swimming, performing arts,
GARDEN. Yielding an average of 1300 lbs. of produce,
outdoor adventure, and more.
the half-acre garden was in need of capital
In summer 2015, our programming was enhanced with artist-
improvements.
in-residence Ellen Allard, an early childhood music specialist,
A $10,000 grant from the Jewish Federation of
who taught Kidding Around Yoga and Yoga Yeladim to our
Greater Philadelphia’s Real Estate Division (JFRE)
younger campers. In addition, the return of The Bible Players,
enabled us to even out the ground, enclose the
a two-man improv team acting out stories from the Torah,
footprint of the garden with a more effective deer
was a big hit.
fence, and edge the beds. The creation of new pathways, construction of two pergola entrances and the relocation of crops for optimal growth were
ARTS FESTIVAL A highlight of summer 2015 was our incredible camp-wide performing arts festival. Music, rikkud (dance), and drama were combined to show off the performing arts abilities of our campers. Our youngest chanichim (campers) sang and danced while our oldest had larger speaking roles and worked on the stage crew. Families were invited and a wonderful time was had by all!
6 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
also made possible by the JFRE grant. (Pictured below) The garden served as a ‘kibbutz’ on the Yom Yisrael ‘visit’ to Israel where campers gathered eggs from the chicken coop.
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...
...נֶי ָך תּם לְ ָב ָ ְ ש ׁ ּנ ַנ ִ ְו
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 7
I never went to camp but our four sons went and now we have the next generation. Our grandchildren, Arielle, Sean, and Mikayla, not only are all alumni of Camp Ramah in the Poconos, but have also worked on staff. Our grandchildren, Adiel, Ziva, and Liam, are still campers and even my children continue to return as staff members. Ramah has been the single most positive influence on all of our lives.
Debbie Davis RAMAH PARENT/GRANDPARENT SINCE 1972 AND STILL COUNTING
(Pictured right) Sisters Tamar and Hana, third generation Ramah Poconos campers 8 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
CAMP RAMAH IN THE POCONOS For the first time in over a decade, Camp Ramah in the Poconos was nearly filled to capacity, serving 549 campers throughout the course of summer 2015. Capital improvements made during the off-season to sports fields, bunks, and the waterfront brightened the facility. Proceeds from the 5775 Annual Chai Campaign and the SJCCBA Staff Programming Endowment were used to add new
2015 HIGHLIGHTS Alumnus Ben Relles, Director of Original Comedy Programming at YouTube, and his team of filmmakers worked with campers to create ORIGINAL,
CAMPER-SCRIPTED AND DIRECTED VIDEOS. Check them out on our vimeo page!
programmatic events. Campers and staff laughed and learned with Joel Chasnoff as he taught drama workshops and shared his personal experience serving in the Israel Defense Forces as
In a post-season survey, 88% of our campers
a lone soldier.
ranked their Judaic Studies experience as
Hebrew was alive and well at Camp Ramah in the Poconos this summer. Meah Millim, ‘100 words’, a new program designed to encourage both chanichim (campers) and tzevet (staff) to speak Hebrew, awarded individuals who used Hebrew words in nearly every sentence with a t-shirt inscribed with, “”אני מדבר מאה מילים (I speak 100 words).
excellent or good. MAKING CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM
RELEVANT AND ACCESSIBLE, the talented team of educators assembled by Dr. Andrea Lieber, our Rosh Chinuch (Educational Director), continued to offer meaningful topics for campers of all ages.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 9
TIKVAH PROGRAMS 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 seven years, the 5-day program has grown and was at capacity this summer with 15 families in attendance. Ten of the families had attended previously.
TIKVAH AT RAMAH DAY CAMP enables campers with developmental disabilities and/or social learning disorders to follow the regular camp schedule with support and accommodations as needed. Tikvah campers are in a typical bunk with support provided by a camper care team that includes a full time Tikvah coordinator, speech and language therapists, and their Rosh Edah (unit head).
2015 HIGHLIGHTS A highlight of 2015 Tikvah Family Camp was an EVENING OF
ENTERTAINMENT for campers, siblings, parents and staff with illusionist, Sam Sandler, who is hearing impaired. A magical time was had by one and all. 2015 concluded with the commencement of construction of the NEW TIKVAH RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM BUNKS at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. The 3600 sq. ft. living space and the additional 3600 sq. ft. programmatic space beneath it are made possible by 3 donor gifts totaling $450,000. Thank you to the Davidoff, Forman and Susskind families for their generosity.
THE TIKVAH RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM at Camp Ramah in the Poconos began 2015 with the hiring of Tikvah Director Orlee Krass thanks to the support of gifts from both
WHAT IS A CHAVER?
the George, Joan and Jack Shuster Foundation and the
Each child with special needs is paired with a chaver, or
Ruderman Foundation. Due to open in summer 2016, the
friend, who acts as his/her buddy throughout Tikvah Family
program will offer campers ages 12-17 with a wide range of
Camp. Parents and siblings, in addition to taking part in all
disabilities, including developmental, intellectual, autism
that camp has to offer (boating, swimming, ropes course
spectrum disorders, and neurological impairments, the
etc.), are encouraged to partake in a social event each night
complete scope of Ramah activities.
while their camper’s chaver serves as a babysitter.
10 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
(Pictured right) Fireman Max and his chaver, Shana.
ABOUT FIREMAN MAX Last summer, I headed to Tikvah Family Camp with Max for five days. I figured we’d have fun; I had no idea how meaningful our time there would be. It was full of firsts for Max. One of his favorite activities: Walking up to the mic when announcements were made after mealtime and telling the crowd, “I want to be a fireman when I grow up!” Being in a setting where he felt completely comfortable, Max was game to try new stuff, including kickball games and the Saturday night family talent show. At Max’s request, the MC had asked people not to clap at the end of our performance. While Max took his big bow, everyone held up their hands and wiggled their fingers to show their appreciation. Max didn’t mind the applause he got on the last day at the Paper Plate Awards, however. This is what I long for Max to have in everyday life: People who get him. Kids who include him. An entire world that’s welcoming to him. We found it at Camp Ramah.
Ellen TIKVAH FAMILY CAMP PARENT Adapted from a post that originally appeared on the blog Love That Max CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 11
My favorite memories of Camp Ramah are: Listening to music while getting ready for Shabbat, running from bunk to bunk borrowing clothing, hoping I would get a Shabbat Shalom kiss from the boy I had a crush on, play practice, and watching my sister in the Hebrew version of ‘South Pacific.’
Janet Levine Steinman CAMPER 1977-80
520
233
234.25
2014
2015
Full Camper Equivalent*
290
311
2014
2015
Total Served
Day Camp ENROLLMENT
350
2014
$5 M $4.5 M
$4.5 M $4 M
381.5
2015
Full Camper Equivalent*
2014
2015
Total Served
Overnight Camp ENROLLMENT
*1 First Session Camper + 1 Second Session Camper = 1 Full Camper Equivalent
12 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
549
2014
2015
Organizational
Revenue
2014
2015
Organizational
Expenses
FINANCIALS
October 1, 2014
  September 30, 2015
2014
2015
Revenue $4,530,490
Revenue $5,019,049
Highlights
Highlights
Tuition and Fees
$3,896,358
Tuition and Fees
$4,171,277
Donations $295,235
Donations $616,701
Family Capital Improvement Contribution
Family Capital Improvement Contribution
$56,700
$72,600
Other $282,197
Other $158,471
Expenses $4,057,975
Expenses $4,509,845
Highlights
Highlights
Programs and Operations
$3,718,277
Scholarships Given: Camp Ramah in the Poconos Ramah Day Camp Tikvah Family Camp
Programs and Operations
$4,128,277
Scholarships Given: $211,341 $87,315 $1,250
Fundraising $39,792
Camp Ramah in the Poconos
$268,385
Ramah Day Camp
$90,660
Tikvah Family Camp
$2,150
Fundraising $20,373
REVENUE In 2015, there was an 11% growth in revenue
SCHOLARSHIP EXPENSES Due to the increase in revenue,
due to an increase in the number of campers at all three
our ability to give out scholarships to Ramah families in
camp programs including sold out edot (divisions) for
need surpassed the number of subsidies given last year.
the second consecutive summer at the overnight camp.
In fact, $361,195 in aid was distributed in 2015 to Ramah
In addition, 17% of Camp Ramah’s total revenue was a
Day Camp, Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Tikvah
result of successful year-round fundraising efforts, a
Family Camp constituents. That is a 20% expansion over
34% gain from the previous year.
the amount of scholarships dollars distributed in 2014.
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 13
LEGACY SOCIETY For 65 years, Camp Ramah in the Poconos has been central to the lives of our campers, families, alumni, and staff. Ramah is the place that people often refer to as their second home–eagerly counting down the days for ten months until their return each summer.
Thank you to the Members of our
LEGACY SOCIETY:
Anonymous (21)
David I. Haas
Sharon P. Levin
Eliana Katz Seltzer
Nona Levin Abrams
Donna G. Haas
Jonathan L. Levin
Rabbi Joel Seltzer
Deborah L. Albert
Judith Hess
Leslie Molder
Rabbi Jay Stein
Susan Ansul
Jason A. Kreisman
Rebekah A.Z. Monson
Karen Stesis
Steven A. Asher z”l
Sara Seltzer Kreisman
Uri Monson
Louis G. Stesis
Amanda Balakirsky
Brooke F. Laken
David Oppenheimer
Max Sugarman
Samantha Balakirsky
Benjamin A. Landsburg
Mindy Oppenheimer
Talia Balakirsky
Joshua Landsburg
Mary Relles
Melissa Sugarman Kleiman
William J. Chertok z”l
Michael Landsburg
Nathan Relles
The Legacy Society recognizes
Arielle Davis
Robin Sue Landsburg
Jon Rothschild
friends who have made arrangements
Rachel Devor
William Landsburg
Lori Rothschild
to leave a Legacy Gift to Camp to
Amy B. Dorsch
Zach Landsburg
Sion Segal
perpetuate their generosity beyond
Cheryl G. Dorsch z”lw
a lifetime and serve as an inspiration
Rabbi Daniel Dorsch
for others to do the same. A Legacy
Jay A. Dorsch
Gift will live on long into the future
Rabbi Joshua Dorsch
helping Camp to grow and flourish
Matthew Dorsch
while fostering future generations of
Carol G. Einhorn
Ramahniks.
Jules C. Einhorn
Join us in becoming a member of your
Glen Feinberg
Legacy Society by contacting our
Rela Mintz Geffen
Development Director, Missy Stein,
Emily Goldberg
at missys@ramahpoconos.org or
Michael A. Goldberg
215-885-8556.
Deborah-Jo Essrog
Sandra A. Goldberg Akiva F. Goldstein David Goldstein Harold Grinspoon
14 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Michelle Sugarman Alison Sussman Lee Sussman Aliza Zeff Rabbi Todd Zeff
DONORS
October 1, 2014
$200,000+
Pearl Graub Goldstein and David Goldstein
Richard and Donna Forman
Leon and Symma Miller Memorial Fund
September 30, 2015
Harriet and Philip Freidenreich
Roe and Don Miller
Beth Gansky
Eve Coulson and Nelson Obus
Alice Matsas Garten and Morris Garten
Rabbi Micah Peltz and Rachel Zivic
Mary and Nathan Relles
Mid-Atlantic Region – Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs
$100,000+
National Ramah Commission
Ruderman Foundation
$1,000-$9,999
The Woronoff Family (Alan, Shira, Jason, and Brandon)
$20,000+
Anonymous
Heidi, Jeff, Ariel, and Avi Gordon
Joanne and Jonathan Adar
Marlene and Jonathon Graub
Beth Etra and Jonathan Adler
Ilene and Harry Grossman
Flossie Albert
Donna and David Haas
Debbie Albert and Glen Feinberg
Judith and Roger Hess
Tami and David Astorino
Meredith and Jonathan Hoffman
Caroline and Scott Austin
Miriam Hoffman and Louis Capecci
Andrea and Scott Bernstein
Lynn and Ivan Horn
Norma and David Blecker
William Janes
Jerome and Judith Caplan
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Anonymous Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Real Estate Division Gesher 2000, Family and Friends of Michael Levin z”l and Andy Schloss z”l Family of Elise Rose z”l Judy and David Wachs Joan Wohl in memory of Milton Wohl z”l
Harriet and Mark Chertok
$10,000+
Bianca Conlin Debra and Harris Devor
Har Zion Temple Heather Bogdanoff Baker and Felix Baker Lynne and Leonard Barrack Hannah S. and Samuel A. Cohn Memorial Foundation Ella and Arthur Feldman Terri Hartman and Bruce Goldberg
Deborah-Jo Essrog and Jay Dorsch Jo Ann Chalal Engleman and Bruce Engleman Dana and Mark Fallick Rabbi Adam Feldman and Sara Bucholtz Deborah Winokur and Hanan Fishman
Amy J. Goldberg Florene and Ronald Goldner Laura Sklar and Daniel Goldstein
Rabbi Michael and Fran Katz Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg LLP
Marty Pollak Amy and Ben Relles Dina and Daniel Relles Alexandra and Joshua Romirowsky Leah Rosen and Peter Konwerski Melissa and Doug Sayer Sally and Larry Schloss Susan and Eric Schwartzman Deena and Mark Scoblionko Rabbi Joel and Eliana Seltzer Susan Sherr-Seitz and Brett Seitz George, Joan, and Jack Shuster Foundation Rabbi Joshua and Ilana Skoff Kathy and Richard Soloff Ali and Lee Sussman and Family Charla and Mark Sussman Sima and Stephen Sussman Stevens International
Rachel and Charles and Korman
Lauren and Matt Tanzer
Amy and David Kritz
Temple Adath Jeshurun
Joseph Levine and Sons Funeral Home
Sarah and Jeff Vogel
Julie and Michael Lippman Allison and Seth Lyons
Every person whose heart so moves them…
Diane and Michael Wachs and Family Martin Wachs The Warmflash Family
ָכּל־אִיׁש אֲשֶ ׁר י ִדְ ּבֶּנּו לִּבֹו CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 15
Rabbi Lisa Malik and Adi Wyner
Donna and Jack Levin
I’m currently growing up in a school with only a handful of Jewish people, so going to Ramah, where everyone is Jewish, really makes me feel connected with the people around me. I seriously am not exaggerating when I say that this was the best year of them all so far, and I hope to feel that way about Ramah as I go back for many years in the future!
Rabbi Eric and Dava, Aiden, Ezra, and Avi Yanoff
Melanie and Adam Lewin
Cindi and Yakir Hasit
Iris Abel
11 year old camper
Jeffrey and Sharon Herbst
Rachel Abel
Ruthie and Mark Joffe
Seyna and Larry Abel
Rhena and Steve Kelsen
Linda and Leonard Abrams
Heather and Mark Kramer
Nona L. Abrams
Debra and Stanton Lacks
Joyce and Bruce Afran
Matthew, Sarah, Zehava, and Ophira Lacks
Rabbi Robert L. Alpert
Robin and Greg Zappin
$500-$999
Meryl S. Sussman and Bruce Lipton Kay and Fred Lokoff Rachel and David Ludwig
The Abella Family
Barbra and Bart Mellits
Rachael, Josh, Sam, and Ben Abrams
Mindy Shapiro and Alan Mendelsohn
Fran Adar
Devora and Stephanie Rohr
Carol and David Apothaker
Jill and Brian Rosen
Keira Chism and David Axelrod
Michal Raucher and Yoni Shear
Andrea Fagen and Scott Bernstein
Sonya and Ernest Simon
Rachel and Mike Blum
Law Offices of Howard Solomon
The Bramson Family
Beth Ann Spector
Ruth and Robert Bramson
Adena and Andrew Sternthal
Cantor Jen Cohen
Temple Beth Hillel - Beth El Men’s Club
Carol and Jules Einhorn Anne and Steven Fassler Marcy, David, and Emily Fish Judith and Leonard Galler Rachel Schwartz and Craig Goldstein Rachel Gross and H.P. Baker Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?
Bryna Shuchat-Landes and Joshua Landes Robin Sue and Bill Landsburg 16 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Sara Lippman Feig and Robert Feig
Juliet Spitzer and Philip Wachs Jo-Ann and Howard Waxman Violet and Richard Zeitlin Helaine and Steven Zlotnick
$100-$499
Linda and Cary Aminoff Ariel and Gabe Amzallag Hannah Angert Harriet Ansul
Allison and Jamie Arking
Congregation Beth Judah
Lynne Garbose
Naamah and Koby Imir
Caron Gremont and Ken Baer
Congregation Tifereth Israel Mens Club
Aaron S. Gaynor
Susan and Daniel Isenberg
Anita Tayabas and Irwin Gerduk
Laurie Izes
Germantown Jewish Centre
Jamie and Larry Jakubowitz
Judy and David Gilberg
Nancy Josephs
Lauren and Jeffrey Gladstone
Liz Steele and Matt Kanoff
Ilana and Danny Glazer
Sara Kaplan
Ethan C. Goldberg
Hannah and Daniel Karsch
Michael and Sandra Goldberg
Rabbi Eytan Kenter
Katy and Neil Goldman
Aliza Romirowsky and Samuel Kerbel
Debbie and Norman Einhorn
Rachel, Jonathan, Max and Asher Goldman
Ali Khan
Howard and Francine Elgart
Rabbi Nason and Carole Goldstein
Stephanie Elgart
Julie and Joshua Goldstein
Jerry and Roz Elkins
Michele and Curt Golkow
Holly Engelman
Avra and Elie Gordis
Rachel Engelman and Eric Merin
Andrea and Richard Gottlieb
Rachel Epstein
Erik Granoff
Vicki and Gary Erlbaum
Sarah, Ricky, Julia, and Rena Gratz
Wendy Espeland
Aaron Greenberg
Dana and Mark Fallick
Aviva Grinnell
Craig and Denise Feder
Gayle and Fred Grinnell
Abby Finkelstein
Sheila and Jay Grossman
Miriam Fischer
Mervin and Harriet Hartman
Brian Flanagan
Sara Tova Brody and Arie Hasit
Jack and Nomi Forman
Michele Hasit and Adam Waxman
Naomi Gingold and Zev Forman
Jerome and Ronnie Hellman
Allan Freedman
Rhonda and Steven Hellman
Alexia Chororos
Sheila and Alan Friedman
Sheryl Hershinger
Julie Berger and Matt Closter
Lisa Friedman and Ronnie Feingold
Lisa and Steven Himmelfarb
Rabbi Annie Lewis and Rabbi Yosef Goldman
Clifford Cohen
Josh Gajer and Lonni Romirowsky Gajer
Rachel Hollander
Paulette Light and Jeffrey Rake
Joan and Burt Horn
Michael London
Merle and Allan Horowitz
Rabbi Ari Lucas, Talya Oberfield, Gideon, and Shalev
Julie and Gregg Bannett Nancy Baron-Baer and Stephen Baer Allison and Aryeh Batalion Randee and Harry Baumohl Dana Ben-Avi Susan Benezra Phyllis and Marc Beresin Sara and Bruce Berger Elaine and Marc Berman Kay and Eric Beser Joseph Besser Rachael Besser Julia Sivitz and Matthew Bieber Kathy and Marty Birn Debra Blank Cindy Goldfarb Blum Ira Blum Samantha and Brett Braterman Joan and Harvey Bucholtz Steven and Ellen Bushinsky Sharri Horowitz and Michael Carrier Kimberly Center Rabbi Gary and Laya Charlestein Judy Chertok and Adam Wolpaw The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Deborah Seltzer Cohen Robyn and Adam Cohen Sherrie and Jeffrey Cohen
Emily Cook William Corrigan Jules Cwanger and Family Nicole and Mitchell Cwanger Diane and John Dalsimer Rachael and David Don Rachel and Josh Dunaief Edwards Life Science
Kelly Creed Galfand and Rabbi Chaim Galfand Deborah and Avi Galler
Jay Horrow
Stacy and Lee Kirsch Adena Kirstein Danielle Klapper Selma Kohn Adina and Ari Konikoff Jake Kriger Ellie Krupnick Rachel and Fred Kurz Josh Landsburg Carole Langsam Faye Laveson Dugan Lawrence Jennifer and Michael Laytin Sharon and Jonathan Levin Victoria Levin and Joel Fein Abby and David Levinson Natanya and Jason Levitz
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 17
M & H Promotions
Karen Pinsky and Sam Romirowsky
Lois and Phil Silverman
Stefanie and Avi Weiner
Cheryl and Barry Magen
Abigail and Shai Romirowsky
Felice Lepar and Joe Silverstein
Eileen and Michael Weingram
Jordyn and Jonathan Makar
Diane and Reuben Romirowsky
Anita and Stuart Skolnick
Shira and Matthew Weinstein
Vivian Mamelak and Alain Demers
Lauren and Peter Rose
Juli and Glen Sloves
Judith and Allen Weinstock
Lisa and Randy Maniloff
Rona Rosen and Mark Cohen
Florence Solomon
Shira and Cobi Weissbach
Margot Marans
Lorna and Murray Rosenberg
Lynne and Thomas Spiegel
Marcy and Wayne Weitz
Larry and Elise McAfoos
Franny and Harold Rosenbluth
Phyllis Spiegel
Diane Werner
Ellen Mellman
Karen and Leonard Rosenfeld
Martin Spiro
Lauren and Jeremy Menkowitz
Amy Rosenthal
Sharon Spivack
Rabbi Adam, Shira, Tamar, and Hana Wohlberg
Ivy and David Mermelstein
Beth Rosenthal
Debbie and Michael Srulevich
Rebecca Metter
Jillian and Evan Rosenthal
Ben Stein
Leslie and Michael Molder
Lori and Jon Rothschild
Cindy and Jeff Stein
Rosemary Monagan
Brandi and Jed Rubin
Debbie Stein and Isaac Brumer
Annie and Ed Monsky
Jen and Ron Safier
Ed Stein
Moskow Dental Associates
Karen Sallen
Missy Tick Stein
Robin Moskow
Nicole Schaffer
The Stesis Family
Carole and Stanton Moss
Carole and Larry Schaffzin
Susan and Richard Stone
Matthew Murphy
Marla and Larry Schimmel
Michelle Sugarman
Ohev Shalom Mens’ Club
Rabbi Aaron and Jane-Rachel Schonbrun
Rhonda and Steve Sugarman
Lauren and Joshua Okon Mindy and David Oppenheimer Debbie and Richard Perlman Patrick Perrino Ruth Perry David Platt Lawrence Raia Arlene and Carl Ravitch Stefanie and Neil Ravitz Jordan Reed Debra Remstein Haleh Rabizadeh and Jeff Resnick Elana Rivel and Greg Halperin Mark Roberts Roz and Frank Romanoski 18 | CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Erica Schwartz Sue Ansul and Sion Segal Brenda Hansen and David Seide Mark Seigel Richard Seitchick Shari and David Seltzer Susie and Ken Shear Ronnie Sheftel Ruth Sheftel Alberta P. Sherman Roseanne and Zvi Shmulevich Rhonda Shulman Daniel Silver Benjamin Silverman
Kinney Zalesne Sherry and Jack Zigon JL Zrebiec Alan Zucker Abbe and Aaron Zuckerberg Caroline and Robert Zuritsky Debra and Mark Zweben Howard and Robin Zwick
Stephanie Sussan Jim Tannenbaum Hinda and Daniel Tanzer Alex Tarsiewicz Rabbi Howard and Naomi Tilman Brianna and David Tomar Ronit and Howard Treatman Elizabeth Trump
Michal Wachs
Todah Rabbah! Thank you!
Rachel A. Wachs
Your support enables us
Barbara and Eric Victor Lisa and Michael Wachs
Jodi and Daniel Wahlberg Sarah and Stuart Warsetsky Sarah Waxman and Jacob Cohen
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
Julie Berger
YEAR-ROUND STAFF
PAST PRESIDENTS
Rabbi Joel Seltzer
Abe Birenbaum z”l
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bruce Engleman
Michelle Sugarman
Mark Fallick
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
David Niesenbaum z”l Rudolph Fried z”l Isadore Marder z”l
TREASURER
Beth Gansky
Jay Dorsch
Rick Gold
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
S. David Rosenzweig z”l
VICE PRESIDENT
Shira Goodman
Missy Stein
Ervin B. Miller z”l
Adam Lewin
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Alvin Gershen z”l
Judith Hess VICE PRESIDENT
Martin Wachs
Bruce I. Lipton
Michele Hasit
Rabbi Micah Peltz
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Edward B. Josephs Morton Wachs
VICE PRESIDENT
Nathan Relles
Debbie Albert
Josh Romirowsky
DIRECTOR, RAMAH DAY CAMP
Charles H. Laveson z”l
SECRETARY
Jill Rosen
Eileen Graub
Michael Lippman
Doug Sayer
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,
Kenneth Shear
David Goldstein IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Rachael Abrams Jonathan Adar Jon Adler David Axelrod
Elana Rivel
RAMAH DAY CAMP
Sue Sherr-Seitz
Sheryl Hershinger
Jules Einhorn
OFFICE MANAGER
Susan Birenbaum Stone
Matt Tanzer
Marla Schimmel
David I. Haas
Rabbi Eric Yanoff
BOOKKEEPER
William Landsburg
Deb Srulevich
David Goldstein
Richard Soloff
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Orlee Krass DIRECTOR, TIKVAH PROGRAMS
Adena Sternthal DIRECTOR, TIKVAH FAMILY CAMP
We express deep gratitude to former members of our staff and board who contributed greatly to Ramah’s success in 2014 and 2015.
TZEDAKAH outweighs all of
the other commandments
CAMP RAMAH ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 19
2100 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-885-8556 www.ramahpoconos.org www.ramahdaycamp.org
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