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From Jacob Cytryn, Director Some of us, members of the Ramah community – Ramahniks – get our Ramah identity from parents, grandparents, or siblings long before we ever step off a bus onto the packed dirt of the parking lot, feel the Kikar’s grass beneath our feet, learn what it means to “meltz,” and feel the vibrations of the entire camp singing the Himnon in our hearts and souls. Others learn what it means to be Ramahniks organically, by living through these experiences and many others, coming up through the system, dreaming about and then realizing what it means to be Nivonim. Yet without a third category of Ramahniks, we could never accomplish what we do every year - those who become Ramahniks as adults. These parents and grandparents of campers, spouses and friends of lifelong Ramahniks, financial supporters and donators of time and energy, lay leaders par excellence often begin their journeys hesitantly, attempting to assess and evaluate what this place is all about. On the recruiting trail, we meet first-time parents nudged to consider sending a child to Ramah Wisconsin for the first time. They are often motivated by their own life choices and vision for their children; for the deep and enduring quality of the work we do and the brand we have built; relying on the advice and opinion of a Rabbi or educator, lay ambassador or friend, spouse or sibling. They ask questions of curiosity and, occasionally, bafflement: Daily minyan is going to be enjoyable for my eleven-year-old ball of energy? Jewish Studies and Hebrew lessons during the summer? A Broadway musical, you say, in Hebrew? Most often, those initial questions transform radically by the time the next year comes around, if not years down the road when the zeal of the converted has truly taken root in our new Ramahniks. After a first summer the questions change dramatically: We have just received our first Bat Mitzvah invitation from a camp friend – how many times should we plan on sending him to in Kansas City, Omaha, and the Twin Cities? How can I help support the growth and independence my daughter showed when she returned from camp – and can I replicate it? And, most powerfully: How do you do it? This fall, energized by a record enrollment pace and wonderful excitement generated by another successful summer, we ask for your help in allowing us to continue to build on our impact. That help can come in a variety of ways, but none is more powerful than exposing one more child, one more family, to Ramah to pass through the process of becoming Ramahniks. To help you do so, we share here some gems from a project that emerged from our Nivonim counselors this summer. They communicated with the parents of their campers asking them the million dollar question: “What do you hope your children have learned from their time here [at Ramah], what values have they internalized, and how have they grown?” We received dozens of wonderful responses, many of which were woven into a moving letter read to the Nivonim campers during
Nivonim 2014 on their way to Friday night services by the lake
their last Shabbat at camp. These responses, for which we only have room for a scant few, captures, in a nutshell, the powerful impact camp has not only on our campers but on their parents, and should serve as inspiration for current Ramahniks and as a powerful tool in helping grow that community. You have made great friendships with Jewish kids … you have learned so much about Israel, Jewish values, Hebrew, friendship, compassion for those less fortunate in addition to self confidence and taking on leadership roles. You have come away with a Jewish soul. For us, Ramah means learning how to be a good Jew …. Ramah has given all this to you so you can be an active participant in the course of Jewish history. That’s a big deal. Camp … is mainly an emotional experience. The lasting imprint it leaves on you is one of Belonging. … [C]amp creates an environment where our kids belong, regardless of their varying personalities, families and life experience. It has been a great joy to watch you grow into a caring, passionate young individual. We feel that who you are and who you are becoming has been heavily influenced by your experiences at Ramah. The camaraderie, inclusion, and friendship that you’ve lived with at Ramah has helped you build the self-confidence that has enabled you to navigate life’s trials, aggravations, sorrows and joys and will continue to do so.
Stay in touch with Camp Ramah via our blog and youtube channel at www.ramahwisconsin.com. To receive our weekly e-newsletter, HaMirpeset Shelanu, send an email to arosen@ramahwisconsin.com.
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From Rabbi David Soloff, CEO
As I travel the country meeting our alumni and when I spend Shabbat in camp with a reunion group, most folks start the conversation with memories of their camper and staff years at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. Many even recite a few lines or sing a favorite song from their Nivonim play. Then they ask one or more of these questions: “What’s new at camp?” “Is there new construction?” “How many campers attended last summer?” When I take camp visitors on a tour, alumni marvel at the “new” facilities. They are quite surprised to cross under Buckatabon Road to hike to the high ropes course. They are amazed at the ambiance and lake views in the new Chadar Ochel dining hall complex. As they observe the life on the kikar, the shira after meals, and share conversations with campers and staff, they comment, “the camp facilities have been upgraded to a wow!” They also tell me that the spirit of the camp experience hasn’t changed at all and very often say, “I wish I could return as a camper today!” I explain that indeed this is the Camp Ramah in Wisconsin you remember, but today it is also an expanded brand we call Ramah Wisconsin. To which most people respond, “What’s the difference?” I explain that the term Ramah Wisconsin includes all our programs - Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, the Chicago-area Ramah Day Camp, post-season Family Camp, and our year-round alumni and community initiatives. From the late 1940’s through the late 1990’s, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin worked its magic through the overnight camp in Conover. In the summer of 1999 we added the Chicago area Ramah Day Camp and more recently we started a new program of alumni and community initiatives. Back in the 1980’s our program consisted of an overnight camp population of 375 campers and 150 staff members. Today our programs include the overnight camp population of 500 campers and over 200 staff, our day camp with over 270 campers and 70 staff, a four-night family camp with 115 participants, family programming at the day camp engaging over 50 families, and alumni events throughout the year across the Midwest and beyond. In this past year Ramah Wisconsin programs engaged over 1,500 campers, alumni and families! Alumni are major players in the development of Ramah programs as donors, as thought leaders, and as young families who get involved way before their children are old enough to attend the overnight camp. I want to share a few examples of alumni engagement and demonstrate how the ladder of Ramah Wisconsin programming extends across generations. This summer I was privileged to be present when Dr. Michael Steuer (Nivo 1976) dedicated one of our new dining rooms in honor of the Steuer Family and in memory of his grandparents, Rabbi Philip L. and Shoshanah Lipis, seminal leaders in supporting Ramah in the early years. Michael was joined at the dedication by his mother Leah Lipis Steuer, who was a camper in the 1950’s, and two of his daughters, Erika (Nivo 2009) and Sarah (Nivo 2012), who served on staff this summer. Nivonim 2014, the aidah that ate in that dining room this summer, was present for the dedication. Also joining us were past president Mort Steinberg and his wife Miriam, both Ramah alumni. Mort shared stories of Rabbi Philip and Shoshanah, who encouraged Mort’s parents to send him and his brother Joe to Ramah. At the dedication, Michael talked about his own experience as a camper and
staff member and then challenged today’s Nivonim to make the most of their last summer as campers. It was a very special multigenerational gathering that powerfully demonstrated the impact of the Ramah experience. In June, I met a group of young families at the bus leaving for Conover. Their children were spending part of the summer at Ramah Day Camp and part at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in one of the shorter programs we offer for entering 4th, 5th and 6th graders. In July, I was at camp to welcome 85 entering 3rd graders for the three-night Ruach Ramah program. These campers came from the Twin Cities, Chicago and Kansas City. It was terrific to see these young children taking their next Ramah steps. The heart of the Camp Ramah in Wisconsin experience is still the full season program for entering 7th-11th graders, but we have added opportunities for several hundred elementary age campers to join us on the kikar for shorter sessions. We have also added programs to provide additional inclusion opportunities for children with learning, social and communication difficulties. Also this summer I joined groups of young families in Chicago, Kansas City and the Twin Cities at picnics and get-togethers to connect and reconnect. It is energizing to meet the next generation who are enthusiastically looking to Ramah to provide opportunities for themselves and their families. Programming continues throughout the year, with alumni Shabbat dinners scheduled for this fall and plans underway for a winter Tikvah Shabbaton. In the coming months we will begin work on the next strategic plan for Ramah Wisconsin, a process that will be chaired by our vice president, Jonathan Sherman (Nivo 1974). Like the previous plans that guided the development of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin into Ramah Wisconsin, this plan will guide our next stage of growth. I invite you to help shape the future of Ramah Wisconsin: please offer your ideas for programming and site development for our camps, introduce us to your friends and family to let us share the Ramah Wisconsin story, let us know your thoughts for alumni programs, and share your resources to support our mission to build Jewish lives through fun and friendship. My email address is dsoloff@ramahwisconsin.com. Yes, there is life after Nivonim. The Ramah Wisconsin experience is a journey that lasts a lifetime.
Mort Steinberg, Rabbi David Soloff, Jacob Cytryn, Erika Steuer, Leah Steuer, Dr. Michael Steuer, Sarah Steuer, Emma Siegel, Arnie Harris
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From Arnie Harris, President
As I enter my fourth and final year as president, I’m reflecting on the impact that my involvement with camp has had on my own life: the people that I have had the opportunity to spend time with, the relationships that I have formed, and the extended time that I spend up at camp in the summer. It has truly been a blessing for me and my family. Two inspiring individuals that I have had the opportunity to get to know are Harvey Miller and his foundation director, Beth Versten. They both care deeply about the Jewish people and are experts at striking the proper balance between helping a non-profit like Ramah and challenging us to be the best that we can be. As we announced earlier this year, the Ramah Wisconsin community has been given a phenomenal opportunity to strengthen Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp by The Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation. The Foundation is matching 1:1 up to $1 million raised between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. Since we launched this Koach Campaign in January, many alumni and friends have responded generously and we have already reached the half-way point! As of September 30, 2014, donations totaling $500,000 have been contributed by camper parents, grandparents, alumni and members of the greater community who recognize the value of the Ramah experience. These donations are reducing the debt of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp, freeing up funds to expand scholarships and programming in the 2015 season and beyond. Pledges of $2,500 are being matched dollar for dollar, and these pledges can be made by an individual, a family, an aidah, a staff group, etc. This summer, 131 staff members made a group gift totaling nearly $4,500! Together we are making Ramah stronger! Since January 1, 2014, the total debt has been reduced from $2.18 million to $1.18 million! The Koach Campaign continues and is running parallel to our Annual Campaign, which focuses on providing much-needed funds for
Summer 2014 visit to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. from left: Rabbi David Soloff, Linda Hoffenberg, Arnie Harris, Harvey Miller, Dr. Jeff Kopin, Beth Versten, Sam Caplan, Jacob Cytryn, Benji Bearman.
scholarships and operations. Todah Rabbah for your commitment and your support – together we are helping Ramah Wisconsin build Jewish lives through extraordinary camp experiences. You can use the enclosed remittance envelope or donate at www.ramahwisconsin.com to add your own strength (koach) to Ramah Wisconsin!
The Sioux City/Minneapolis - and now Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Detroit and Chicago - Sherman family is pleased to come together to support the Koach Campaign. Camp Ramah in Wisconsin has been integral to our family for three generations. It is where our Jewish identities were cemented; where our strongest friendships were established and where our marriage started. No other single institution has had a similar impact on building a strong Jewish foundation for our family. Supporting and reaping the benefits of Ramah Wisconsin is a Sherman family tradition. While we are in a hiatus from having campers in Conover, Julie and I, our sons Philip along with his wife Leah and daughter Elsie, Jeremy, Ian and Caleb joining with my parents, James and Estelle Sherman and my brothers, Jeffrey and Shraga are proud to be able to support Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in this way! May Camp continue to go from strength to strength! David Sherman (Nivonim 1974)
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Camp Ramah in Wisconsin – where fun and friendship Highlights of the 2014 Season
Ruach Ramah – A grand total of 85 entering 3rd graders from around the Midwest joined us for a fun-filled 4-day taste of the Ramah experience.
Yud Gimmel Project – We are so grateful to campers who generously supported Ramah in honor of their Bat or Bar Mitzvah celebration. From left: Sarah Hunter, Galia Newberger, Sophie Kaufman, Anna Resnick. Not pictured: Daniel Sacks.
Tikvah and Machon Chaverim – For many campers, this buddy program was a highlight of the summer. One Machon camper shared, “The bond I made with my chaver had an impact on both of us; we both learned new skills. It’s an experience that I will continue to remember.” Kochavim, Garinim and Halutzim – Nearly 200 campers participated in one or more 2-week or 4-week sessions for entering 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
Shira and Music – Our talented staff and campers infused the 2014 season with beautiful music. Campers had a blast at energized Israeli song sessions, musical tefillot, campfire singing and the Zimriyah Song Festival.
Visit by Former NBA Players – Thanks to alumnus Arnie Fielkow (Nivo 1972), who heads the National Basketball Retired Players Association, our campers had an amazing opportunity to play knockout with Kenny Battle and Jeff Sanders. Kenny and Jeff also spent time with campers talking about their experiences in the NBA and why it is important to them to “give back” to the community.
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build Jewish lives!
Covenant Foundation Support for the Performing Arts – A new grant helped enhance our cutting-edge performing arts program, specifically the Nivonim English Play, Bogrim and Machon presentations based on Jewish texts and the Northwoods Ramah Theater Company (pictured).
Nature Programming – Rosh Teva Nick Bruscato took nature programming to a new level with an expanded garden, water-testing, bog exploration and close encounters with the flora and fauna of the Northwoods.
Shavuah Bogrim – Our 9th graders learned new skills with talented professionals in a week-long intensive workshop in wilderness exploration, video, international cuisine, comic drawing or improvisation.
Derech Eretz Awards – As part of programming supported by the Asaf Leibovich Memorial Endowment, one camper from each aidah was recognized for “raising the profile of kindness, respect and warmth in camp and all around mensch-like behavior.”
Lake Buckatabon – Our beautiful waterfront was busy all summer long with swim lessons, lifeguard training, early morning polar bear swims, island swims as well as sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Visit by Israeli Consul General to the Midwest – Israel was in our hearts and minds throughout the summer, and a visit by Roey Gilad was timely and meaningful to our Israeli Mishlachat and to the entire camp population. He is pictured here dancing with our staff during an Israel Fair planned by the Mishlachat.
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Donor Honor Roll * represents in kind gifts **represents donation of Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts
Chief Executive Officer’s Circle Gifts of $500,000 and above The Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation
Director’s Circle Gifts of $100,000 and above Nina and Arnie Harris Zell Family Foundation
President’s Circle Gifts of $50,000 and above Dr. Rebecca and Daniel Blumenthal The Crown Family Harold Grinspoon Foundation David Kabiller The Kopin Family Susan and Marc Sacks Karen and Hal Sider Dr. Michael Steuer Rick Storch
Rosh Aidah Gifts of $25,000 and above Patti and Alan Caplan/Shalom Memorial Park The Covenant Foundation Jack & Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP* Dr. Margaret and Alan Silberman Karyn and William Silverstein Melissa and Marc Spellman Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg Deborah and Adam Winick
Northwoods Gifts of $10,000 and above Anonymous (2) Estate of David B. Berger Eve and Richard Biller Foundation for Jewish Camp Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon Kathryn and Scott Happ Gayle and David Harris Neera and Michael Kaufman Sara and Joshua Leslie Dr. Rebecca Schorsch and Dr. Scott Moses Barrie and Steve Orloff Mindy and Dan Ribnick Jill and Michael Rose Cyndi and Jamie Rosenthal Amy and Mark Rotenberg Tamar Newberger and Andy Schapiro Leslie and Howard Schultz Marci and Keith Shapiro / Greenberg Traurig Lori Stark and Dr. David Shapiro Silverman Family Foundation Emily and Rabbi David Soloff Esta Stecher W.J. Minkus Charitable Trust Idyth and Jay Zimbler
Agam Gifts of $5,000 and above Anne Opila and Todd Abraham Mark Altschul Susan and Joseph Ament/Lawrence Glick/Harry and Bessye Rosenberg Charitable Trust Julie Strauss and Joel Brown Ellen and Yehuda Cohen F. Bruce Cohen Rita Cortes Cortes Family Foundation Dr. Nehama Dresner Beverly and Richard Fink Kim and Stuart Frankenthal Dr. Leslie and Bernard Goldblatt Marcia Cohodes and David Goldsteen
We gratefully acknowledge these gifts to the Annual Campaign for the period October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014 and pledges to the Koach Campaign through December 31, 2014. Todah Rabbah for your generous support of both these campaigns, which provide critical support for scholarships, innovative programming and state-of-the-art facilities serving over 1,000 campers and staff each summer.
David Harris Heilicher Foundation Laurie and Andrew Hochberg Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago Sophie Kaufman** Stephanie and Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh Ally and Jordan Kirshenbaum Mesirow Financial Charlotte and Michael Newberger Galia Newberger** Elyse Rabinowitz and Jim Porter Kim and Daniel Price Lori and Dr. Richard Rabinowitz Anna Resnick** Harriet and Joseph Resnick Ben and Jill Rubin/Strauss Family Foundation The Ruderman Family Foundation Daniel Sacks** Sarfatty Associates Ltd.* Erica and Rabbi Michael Schwab Greg Shapps/Shapps Photography, LLC* Fran and Jonathan Sherman Eric M. Siegel Leslie and Bryan Sloane Jane and Joshua Sosland Rebecca and Richard Warner The Wexner Foundation
Northern Lights Gifts of $2,500 and above Anonymous Angela and Larry Adler Drs. Wendy and Howard Bach Faye and Benji Bearman Karen and Marshall Brill David Brown Karen and Ethan Budin Gabe Chasnoff/NTI Upstream* Yossi Cohen Deborah Shalowitz Cowans and Bruce Cowans Talia and Ari Derman Nancy and Maury Fertig Gail and Jeremy Fingerman Lisa and Todd Fishbein Clara Rubenstein and Ronald Friedman Sheila and Larry Gerber Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer Karen and Jay Goodgold Ellen and Robert Gordman Linda and Michael Hoffenberg Ann and Mike Hofkin JBS Foundation Jeff Kahn Dr. Lena and David Kushnir Lake Forest Bank & Trust Co Debra and Arnold Landis Elyse and Dr. Ron Less Nancy Miller-Levin and Edward Levin Meredith and Benjamin Lewis Naomi Newman and Jason Litwack Liat and Ron Meisler Rabbi Amy Eilberg and Dr. Louis Newman Sharon and Leon Oberlander Cindy and David Pogrund Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz Aviva and David Rubin Robin Newberger and Steven Sacks Robert Sager Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz Michelle and Jim Seidenberg Naomi and Jerry Senser Jorie and Andrew Sigesmund Cathy and Dr. Ron Silver Tammy and Michael Sugar Roberta and Leonard Tenner Brenda and Max Wasserman Michael Zaransky
Buckatabon Gifts of $1,800 and above Teresa and Paul Finer Barb and Andy Fishman Barbara and Daniel Fox Patti and Michael Frazin Diane and Shai Halivni Alison and Isaac Judd Marlene Kaplan* Rhonda and Mordechay Katz Rochelle and Dr. Steven Katz Karen and Michael Kesner Ari Klein Bryna and Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Ernest and Ina Rabinowicz Fund Louise and Jerry Ribnick Paulie and Rabbi Carnie Rose Drs. Geraldine Keyes and Michael Safran Rubin Singer Ilana Hoffer Skoff and Rabbi Joshua Skoff Stephanie and Michael Smerling Tami and Reuben Warshawsky Arnee and Walter Winshall Judy and Rabbi Carl Wolkin
Kikar Gifts of $1,000 and above Anonymous Carolyn Abramson Dr. Phyllis Gorin and Rabbi Morris Allen Yaffa Cohen-Appelbaum and Mark Appelbaum Lisa and Micah Arbisser Rita and Edward Balk The Steven L. Baum Family Karen and Dr. David Benson Sonia and Ted Bloch Tracy and Jonathan Blue Jen and Greg Braun Amelia Burgess Debra Goldstein and Dr. David Cohen Debby and Gary Cortes Dr. Ada Beth and Dr. Charles Cutler Amy and Rabbi Eric Cytryn Tamar and Jacob Cytryn Meredith and Jason Dubner Karen and David Ebroon Karen Lobl and David Eisenberg Terri and Solomon Eisenberg Jennifer and David Elyashar Dr. Sandra Sheinin and Dr. Alex Feller Howard Frankenthal Thomas Galuhn Sarina and Robert Gerson Tobi and Ken Gold Nami and David Goldenberg Terri Krivosha and Rabbi Hayim Herring Judy and Dr. Mark Hoffman Sarah Hunter** Chaviva and Ralph Jacobson Zachary Kafitz Lynnsie and Dr. David Kantor Faye Kroshinsky and Bennett Kaplan Dr. Hanna Bloomfield and Dr. Robert Karasov Marilyn Karasov Dr. Robbie Kavitt Barbara and Richard Kavitt Madalyn and Robert Less Gigi Cohen and Michael Levin Joseph M. Levine Foundation Joellen and Robert Lidov Leslie and Michael Litwack Debbie and Gil Mann Julie Rabinowitz and Gary Marx Carol and Dr. Robert Minkus Barbara and Jonathan Minkus Phyllis and Fred Nathan Sylvia Neil Dr. Susan Feigenbaum and Dr. Jay Pepose Amy and Scot Perlman
page 7 We are grateful to nearly 50 synagogues, communal funds, local Jewish federations and foundations for their ongoing partnership and scholarship support. View a complete list online at: www.ramahwisconsin.com
Vicki and Gary Phillips Lisa and Mark Ratner Marilyn Green and David Rebnord Jaynie Schultz and Ronald Romaner Dr. Carol Rosenberg and Dr. Gordon Derman Rose and David Ross Fred Rothschild Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff Miriam and Michael Rudolph Phyllis Shalowitz Kim and Greg Shapps Julie and David Sherman Rabbi Zachary Silver Katy and Joshua Silvers Skilken Family Foundation Janice and Richard Small Sarah Small Sheila and Michael Small Emily and Adam Steinberg Liba and Dr. Tom Stillman Lisa and Steven Tenzer Phyllis and Otto Waldmann Betty Winer Linda and Al Winick Jonathan Zimbler
Friends Gifts of $500 and above Kara Behr Nancy Bellew Sarah and Sam Caplan Debra and Dr. David Dobkin Karen and David Ecanow Deborah Swichkow and Ray Ellis Gerry Engelhart/Porath Print Source* Jessica Ettinger Judith and Marshall Flapan Betsy and Scott Forester Clara Rubinstein and Ronald Friedman Liz and David Geifman Dr. Julie and Dr. Michael Gideon Laurie and Joel Goldsmith Laura Rabinowicz and Robert Goodman Leslie and Dr. Paul Gotlieb Dr. Ranna Rozenfeld and Shane Greenstein Beth and Jordan Grey Jodi Gruber Seth Gruen Natalie and Brian Gurin Stacey Gordon and Dr. Neil Guterman Ruth and Mark Harris Lorie Chaiten and Harold Hirshman Doreen Frankel and Jake Hurwitz Sharon Liebhaber and Rabbi Alan Iser Jan Auslander Kanas and Aaron Kanas Rachel Katz Yoni Katz Judy and Jerry Kaufman Dr. Michael Klein Vivian and Sheldon Kopin Rachel Kraft Amy Elfenbaum and Scott Kramer Cindy Reich and Rabbi Harold Kravitz Frances and Herman Kroshinsky Leslie Family Foundation Shary and Dr. Marc Levitt The Herbert and Jacqueline Lippitz Charitable Foundation Illana and Adam Margolis Edward Marks Hedva and Dr. Moshe Matalon Scott Mayer Elisa Rotman and Rabbi Aaron Melman Rhonda Cass-Miller and Paul Miller Barbara and Donald Newman Jonathan Oberlander Sharona and Dr. David Palmer Ellen Sue and Dr. Jon Parker Amy and Scot Perlman
Marcie and Brad Pickard Randee and Robert Romanoff David Rosenberg Betty and Dr. Irving Rozenfeld Kimberly and Dr. Ari Rubenfeld Rabbi Susan Tendler and Ross Sadoff Arona and George Sarfatty Sally and Dr. Ismar Schorsch Shoafim 2014 Tzedakah Project Dr. Sarah and Andrew Shulkind Elizabeth Silver-Schack and Larry Silver Cheryl and Larry Sklar Susan Agate and Michael Slutsky Debbie and Rabbi David Small Ruth Spectre Mae and Mark Spitz Abigail and Shai Tambor Diane and Loren Weil Hollis and David Wein Gail and Dr. Robert Wilensky Jennifer and Michael Zukerman
Ramahnik Gifts up to $500 Anonymous (5) Sandra Aaron Larry Aaronson Julia and Dr. Donald Aaronson Rachel and Dr. Andrew Abeles Leah Abrahams Doris and Irving Abrahamson Helen Abramovitz Beatrice Muchman and Lawrence Abrams Deanna and Brett Abrams Joseph Abramson Tammi and Jeffrey Adkins Rochelle Adler Elaine and Jerry Adler Jennifer Levine and Jeff Aeder William Aizanman Elisabeth Albert Adina Allen Avi Allen Sharon Benmaman and John Allen Leora Allen Sherry Holland and Thomas Allison Gilda Allswang Max Alper Kerri and Craig Alper Elizabeth Lippow and Keith Alperin Samantha and Grant Alperstein Susan Altfeld Rachel Ambrose Jean and Larry Appel Kaynan Appelbaum Julia Applefeld Sari Applefeld Brandi and Dan Argentar Rachel and Yaakov Ariel Stephen Arnovitz Miriam Aronin Amy and Jeff Aronow Sara Arrow Adi and Gal Atia Alison Awerbuch Gerald Axelbaum Shoshana Axler Barbara Bach Naomi Hoffman and Dr. Loren Bach Rebecca and Wade Bacon Beth Solomon and Scott Bakal Debbie and Mark Balk Stacey Ban Dr. Jennifer and Sam Banayan Rose Bank Shelli Bank Roger Barak Devorah Lissek and Dr. Joshua Barash Olivia Harris Barkoff
Amie and Jonathan Barrish Etta and Michael Barry Adam Baruch Ulrich Baumesiter Chloe Bayhack Andrea and Larry Becker Etan Bednarsh Sheryl and Robert Bellick Yael and Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell Daniel Bender Rebecca and Joshua Ben-Gideon Hilary and Michael Benjamin Rochelle Benjamin Elizabeth and Barry Bennett Abraham Benson-Goldberg Mollie Berenbom Or Berger Amy Berger Gloria and David Berger Janna and Keith Berk Sonia Berk Seth Berkman Becky and Shie Berkman Yael Mirelman and Pere Berkowitz Emilie and Scott Berman Dr. Micha A. Berman Ruth and Sydney Bernard Dina Berne Roberta and Charles Bernstein Barbara Bernstein Hope and Marvin Bernstein Aryeh Bernstein Henry Bernstein Jean Best Robyn Weinstein and Edward Bettenhausen Fredda and Rabbi Mark Bisman Sarah Blaney Michelle and Sanford Blechman Norma and David Blecker Robert Bloch Julie and Andrew Block Abby and Lawrence Block Marilyn Blonsky Chava Alpert and Michael Bloom Francine Bloom Theodore S. Bloom Carrie and Richard Bloomfield Eliot Blum Deanne Blume Randi Blume Heidi Blumenthal Annie Blumfield Melinda Bonk David Bonowitz Anne and Marvin Bonowitz Dr. Alan Boroditsky Deena and Steve Borzak Marci and Martin Boyer Elizabeth and Tom Boyle Teri and Harvey Brandvein Rabbi Aaron Braun Eileen G. Leiderman and Ben L. Brener Alyssa Brill Joan and William Brodsky Elizabeth Brodsky Tammy and David Brody Carrie and Adam Broms Ross Broms Marilyn and Tim Broms Nancy and Aaron Brower Ilisa and Michael Brown Ari Brown Nicholas G. Bruscato Zachary Bryant Susan and Colman Buchbinder Sarah and Allan Budweg Debra and Jonathan Bundt Jean and Dr. Robert Bundt Carol and Scott Burg Natalie Cabell
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Donor Honor Roll * represents in kind gifts **represents donation of Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts
Marvin Caesar Lorraine Caesar Dr. Ellen Cannon Paula and Dr. Jeffrey Cantor Joyce and Ted Cardozo Jane and Prof. Dennis Carlton Dina and Joey Carr Victoria Chabot Shayna Cherry Haley Schaffer and Martin Chester Michelle Chizever Mirra Klausner and Todd Clauer Bruce Claver Rabbi Burton Cohen Judith and Elliott Cohen Pamela Cohen Zlil Cohen Amy Cole Rachel and Michael Coleman Tim Comar Conference Of Consulting Actuaries Congegation B’nai Amoona Sisterhood Rachel and Ron Cooper Natalie Cooper Jamie Cooper Sara and Steve Coven Rachel Daniels Gruber and Bruce Gruber Esther Goldberg-Davis and Rabbi Alexander Davis Beatrice Davis Leah Deitcher Samantha and Thomas DeKoven Michael Denoma Luke Denten Sheila and Stewart Derechin Dr. Benjamin Derman Yael Derman Rachel Deutsch Roseanne Diamond Jeffrey Diamond David Dodelson Susie and Rabbi Paul Drazen Caroline Dreifuss Ruth Dresner Aaron Drexler Evelyn Edidin Ariel Efergan Rami Eilian Myron Einisman Natalie Eisen Denise and David Eisenberg Miriam R. Eisenberg Michael Eisenwasser Fern and Dr. Michael Ellison Dena and Gary Elovitz Rochelle and Dr. Arthur Elstein Elana Elstein Deborah Engel Talia Engelhart Jennifer and Yonathan Epelbaum Betsy and Alan Epstein Joseph Eskin Lena Eskin Marcie and Richard Eskin Kitty Calhoon and David Ettinger Laurie Baskin and Steven Fadem Barbara Fedor Sarah and Erwin Feiertag Beth Kohl and Gary Feinerman Laurie and Joel Feinstein Ari E. Feldman Jill and Freddie Feldman Sharon Wainshilbaum and Dr. Herbert Fertig Davida and Samuel Fiegura Donna and Marty Field Jesse and Rabbi Jeremy Fine Karen Fine Aaron Fineberg Jeremy Fineberg Robert Fineberg Ellie Fineman
Jodi Finer Judith Finkelstein-Taff Roberta Fischer Talia Fishbein Michael Fishman Margarat Flanagan Jennifer and Stewart Flink Joshua Flink Lilli Flink Evelyn and Harvey Flom Benjy Forester Richard and Karen Fox Hannah Fraint Dr. Avram Fraint Wendy and Benjamin Frank Brandon Frank Yael and Phillip Frankel Gretchen Frankenthal Donna and Ronnie Fredman Rabbi Zachary Fredman Sara Estrin and Ben Freedland Laura and Rabbi Alex Freedman Leslie and Gary Freeman Marcy and Robert Freeman Stacy and Joel Friedland Suzanne and David Friedland Judith and Allon Friedman Rebecca Krasner and Rabbi Abe Friedman Jamie and Jordan Friedman Nina and Mitchell Friedman Susan Kay and Samuel Frumkin Gail and Steve Gales Yaela Garr Rhonda Garvis Linda and Jeremy Gaynor Moses Gaynor Chaet Geleerd Beth and Gordon Gendler Talya and Josh Gepner Miriam and Sherman Gerber Lonnie Gerol Diane and Hal Gershowitz Marlene and Herb Gerson Abigail Gewirtz Sheila and Vern Gideon Dr. Betsy Gidwitz Nitza Gilad Iliana and Scott Gilman Steven Ginsburg Isaac Glassman Anna Glassman-Kaufman Ari Gleicher Josh Gleicher Ariel Gliksberg Esta and Gerald Gold Marion Gold Sarah Gold Gideon Goldberg Aviva Goldblatt Leora Goldblatt Sharon and Dr. Harris Goldenberg Bonnie and Dr. Gary Goldish Michelle and Steve Goldish Debbie Goldman Jessica Goldman Susan Goldsmith Andrea and Michael Goldstein Linda Goldstein Daniel Goldwin Ariel and Bryan Goltzman Sharon and Eric Goodman Edith and Max Goodman Dr. Michael R. Goodman Ariel Goodman Jeremy Goodman Ruth Goodman Allison and Jay Gordman Esther and Rabbi Nathan Gordon June and Alvin Gordon Maor Gordon-Guterman
Dana and Dr. H. Joel Gorfinkel Evan Gorstein Rachael Gotlieb Amy Gottesfeld Kenneth Graboys Sari Grad Jonah Grant Laura and Dr. Menachem Graupe Betsy and Pelleg Graupe Aimee Gray Lev Gray Elan Green Rani Halpern and Joel Green Shaina Hinton and Jonathan Green Sheri and Steven Greenbaum Ronna Bach and Michael Greenwald Helene Greenwald Karen and Steven Grey Evelyn Gross Pamela Gross Anna and Jacob Grossberg Darla and Dr. George Grossberg Naomi Less and Glen Grossman Susan and Jonathan Gutstein H & H Purchasing Elizabeth and Simon Halfin Avidan Halivni Wendy Goldberg and Daniel Halpern Maxine and Jacob Handelman Jonah Harris Shira Harris Barbara Harrison Maria and Louis Harrison Shannyn Hart Linda Heins Ben Heisler Elise Heisler Leslie and William Heller Billie and Simon Hellerstein Marcia and Paul Herman Julie and Jonathan Hersch Eunice and Bruce Hershman Ariana Hershon Stacey and Marc Herwitz Jennifer and Joshua Herz Lena Heyman Jennifer and Tom Hillman Joanne Hirschfield Lauren Cho-Hockley and Kevin Hockley Alex Treyger and Ilan Hoffenberg Dr. Sara and Jonathan Hoffenberg Lauren and Noam Hoffenberg Susan and Stephen Hoffenberg Melanie and Brian Hoffman Rebecca Hoffman Stacey and William Hoffman Holy Family Memorial Medical/Dental Staff Jo Kaucher and Marshall Hornick Danielle and Sheldon Hornick Teddy Horowitz Eliana Horwitz Elaine and Dennis Howard Daniel Howell Megan and James Hunter Terese and James Hunter Naomi Bank and Steven Hunter David Hurwich Risa Hurwich Debbie and Simon Igielnik Edgardo Imar Judith Isenberg Dr. Sherry Israel Dr. Bob Jacobs Cheryl Silver and Aaron Johnson Kathy R. Judd Lois and Mark Just Lizzie and Micah Kafitz Eve and Steve Kafitz Daniel Kahn Orlee and Jeffrey Kahn
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Noam Kantor Alvin Kaplan Jolie and Philip Kaplan Debbie Kaplan Geraldine Kaplan Golda Kaplan Shaina Kaplan Gita Karasov Ellen and Mark Kardon Stefanie and Robert Karon Ariel Katz Dalia Katz David Katz Eitan Katz Tamar Katz Debra Glassman and Bob Kaufman Julie Berman and Hal Kaufman Matthew Kavanaugh Peggy Marc Kaz and Sidney Kaz Dr. Ilana Dworin Kehl and Alex Kehl Jennifer and Michael Kelber Sandra and Jeff Kellman Elana Kennedy Kim Kerbis Betsy Kestenbaum Adam Kibort Miriam and Leroy Kieffer Dalia and Brian Kirschbaum David Kite Carla and Tibor Klausner Barbara and William Klineman Suzanne Knoll Brett Kopin Shosh Korrub Abby Kozberg Arlette and Robert Kramer Julie Krashin Judith Kravat Gabriel Kravitz Doris and Jerry Kravitz Elana M. Kravitz Sheri Krell Dr. Eliezer Krumbein Erik Kulleseid Judy and Marshall Kupchan Shuli and Noey Kupchan Sara and Richard Kushnir Ann Kushnir Ronald Lachman Sabrina LaFevers Marsha and Steven Lampert Rebecca Landis Adrienne and Dr. Gerald Lasin Phyllis and Jacob Lassner Adam Lautman Marcia Lawrence Eric Lawrence Judy and Ray Lazar Sally and Morton Leder Laurie and Richard Lederer Sharon Lederer Kathleen and Greg Lederer Elena and Jay Lefkowitz Dr. Deena Leonard Bella Lesch Debbie and Ian Lesch Brandon Less Fred Less Nick Leveris Dana Levin Sara Levin Lois and Samuel Levin Roberta and Stuart Levin Ruth and Jerry Levine Monte Levinson Steven Levit Sharon and Howard Levitan Esther Levitan Carol and Paul Levitch Sam Levitt
Miriam and Martin Levy Jacob Levy Julie and Jon Lewin Susan and Ken Lewis Shera and Michael Libraty Erica and Zachary Lindon Debbie and Gary Lindon Rebecca Linfield Devorah Zlochower and Rabbi Dov Linzer Natania Lipp Jane Lippow Stephanie and Jeremy Liss Michal and Hazzan Leon Lissek Jessica and Matthew Litwack Sara and Steven Loevy Kathryn Loewy Yael and Daniel Loren Sharon and Henry Lorsch Jessica Lubetsky Sandy and Hazzan Abraham Lubin Arielle Kaufman and Ohad Ludomirsky Ilyse Mackoff Paula and Dr. Albert Madansky Abby and Jonathan Maeir Justin Main Daniel Malina Fred Manaster Manitowoc Jewish Federation Mary Markis Yishai Markovitz Jennifer Markowitz Dani Marx Leehe Matalon Marjorie and Bret Maxwell Ruth Maxwell Michele and Seth Meisler Florence and Laurence Meyer Catherine Sinclair Beard and Joshua Meyer Sharon and Dan Meyer Amelia and Aaron Milbank Gutki and George Miliband Rebecca S. Millberg Debby and Rabbi Clifford Miller Eli Miller Frank Miller Minna Ziskind and Gabriel Miller Donna and Glen Miller Patricia Miller Rachel Miller Jacob Millner Jaclyn Millner Susan and Robert Millner Ilyssa and Rabbi David Minkus Danna Heilicher Mirviss and Joel Mirviss Sophie Mirviss Sarah and Gabi Mitchell Elise Ecanow and Avi Mlotek Rosalyn and Steven Mokhtarian Nathaniel Moldoff Joni Crounse and Richard Moline Rossella Monaci Jamie Keller-Morris and David Morris Ada Moses Helene Moses Jean Moses Nathaniel Moses Susan and Neil Moses-Zirkes Diane Lowenthal and Bradley Moskowitz Rebecca Nadis Bob Naiman Joshua Nason Ellen and Micah Nathan Daphna and Mitchell Neirick Allisa Newman Jodi and Gregg Newmark Daniel Olson Renee and Bernard Oppenheim Rachel Orbuch Stacy and Bruce Orloff Sherri Orloff
Ilana Ormond Eveline and Rabbi Herbert Panitch Tamar Rubin and Adam Parker Rachel and Gary Parnes Judy and Dr. Mark Paschen Judith and Stuart Passon Virginia Payne Sarah Peaceman Danielle and Jonathan Pearl Marla Peckler Roberta Pedotto Jacob Pellegrino Rachel Zivic and Rabbi Micah Peltz Elisa and Jim Pener Morissa Pepose Jill Peraud Hali Perlman Tova Perlman Beth Kissileff and Jonathan Perlman Gerri Persin Mira Philipson Marcie and Brad Pickard Rachel Pickus Tamar Fenton and David Pink Rita Plenner Brooke and Dr. Matthew Plofsky Emily Podgursky Ayala Podhoretz Hannah Berkowicz and Brian Pogrund Debra and Dr. Kenny Polin Julie Politi Gigi Pomerantz Dr. Miriam and Dr. Bruce Pomeranz Joshua Pomeranz Jacqueline and Dr. Manuel Porth Ari Porth Rebecca and Robert Portnoe Drs. Gloria and Kenneth Price Phyllis Projansky Alex Prombaum Keren and Rabbi Simcha Prombaum Rebekah Pure Julie Radner Jill and Lou Raizin Michelle and Michael Rane Pauline and Barney Ratner Jacob Rebnord Rick Recht Angela Reiser Esther Reiter Anat Reschke Amy Resnick Susan Harris and Elizabeth Reynolds Talia Ribnick Dan Lange and Geoff Rice Frances and Leonard Rich Dr. Fred Riddle Kerri and Stuart Ringel Kathryn Robertson Aliza Romirowsky Aaron Rose Sophie Rose Ann Lesley and Scott Rosen Jodi and Daniel Rosen Dina Shiner and Mark Rosen Nancy and Rabbi James Rosen Sandra and Tom Rosen Allison Rosen Frances and Stanley Rosen Rabbi Daniel A. Rosenberg Shirley Rosenberg Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg Karla and Steve Rosenblum Sharon and Jed Rosenfeld Richard Rosenfield Adrienne and Adam Rosenthal Jennifer Pehr and Jonathan A. Ross Ariella Rotenberg Dora Benbaruk and David Roytenberg Sydney Rozenfeld
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Donor Honor Roll * represents in kind gifts **represents donation of Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts
Leah and Bob Rubin Marilyn and Dr. Gary Rubin Tamara and Joel Rubin Karen and Russ Rubin Jaclyn Rubinoff Deanna and Dr. Perry Rudich Felice Borisy-Rudin and Nathan Rudin Cindy Lester Rudman and Jay Rudman Rebecca and Rabbi David Russo Sherri Ruza Yonaton Saadi Michael Sackett Steven Sacks Tammy and Naften Sadoff Beverly Saeks Rachel Salk Judith Levin and Gerald Salzman Kati and Dr. Charles Samet Joy Sandler Clifford Saper Adela and Raymond Sasson Leslie Sauer Diana Saunders Irene and Gary Savine Ruth U. Schack Jay Schapiro Norma Schapiro Jody and Barry Schatz Rabbi Ilene Melamed and Joel Schatz Mary and Leonard Schatz Carol and Mark Schatz Sharon Schatz Suzanne Schecter Dakota Schee Aliza and Ben Scheier Deborah and Randy Schepis Sandra Schloff Tirza Schmelzer-Covel and Albert Schmelzer Jeremiah Schmulewitz Dianne and Harry Schneider Sheryl and Wesley Schochet Louise and Steven Schoenberger Elana and Seth Schrank Edna Levy and Jacob Schreiber Debra and Joel Schreier Rochelle and Irving Schultz Alieza Schvimer Estherbeth Buchbinder and Jeffrey Schvimer Shawna and David Schwalb Marla and Allen Schwartz Allison Schwartz Daniel Schwartz Hillel Schwartz Marci Dickman and Ralph Schwartz Robin Schwartz Wendy and Ruven Schwartz Stanley Schwartz Leslie Schwartzman Elena and Eric Scott Margo Scott Renee Locketz Segal and David I. Segal Leah Segal Rabbi Allen Selis Sharon Sethna Irene and Samuel Shanes Melvin Shapiro Miriam Shapiro Mira Hart and Jacob Shapiro Tali Shapiro Cindy Sharon Loni Shelef Nadav Shelef Dr. Shelley and Jeremy Sherman Bonnie and Orrin Shifrin Meredith Weiss Shikora and Jonathan Shikora Fran and Jordan Shiner Naomi Shisler Nina Shragg Janet and Rabbi Michael Siegel Susan and Phillip Silberberg
Alison Silberman Gretchen Silver Cara Silverman Lauren and David Silverman Joshua Silverman Samantha Silverman Samantha and Yoni Silverman Claire Silverstein Julie Mednick-Simmons and Russell Simmons Chad Simon Cheryl Simon Dr. Claire Sufrin and Michael Simon Rachelle Simon Shulamith Simon Jackie and Stephen Sinykin Sophia Siskel Jared Skoff Renee Slade Faith Roessel and Matthew D. Slater Amy Slovis Elliot Slovis Miranda Smerling Avi Smoler Stephanie Snow Danya Snyder Devora Snyder Beth Snyderman Ronnie Jo Sokol Max Sosland Sam Sosland Barbara Spack Ari Spellman Alana Spellman Debra and Joel Spigel Rachel and Howard Spiro Nori and Robert Spiro Gloria and Sanford Spitzer Daniel Stamos Michelle Steiman Dr. Jen Grusby Steiman and Josh Steiman Miriam and Morton Steinberg Naomi and Richard Steinberg Melanie and Dan Steindler Dr. Robin Judd and Dr. Ken Steinman Sharon and David Stern Karen Engelhardt and Richard Stern Erika Steuer Sarah Steuer Cara Madansky and Mayer Stiebel Isaac Stone Barry Strauss Shaina and Brad Sugar Jodi and Bryan Sugar Tami and Brian Sunshine Elise and Marc Swatez Joshua Swatez Dr. Linda and Rabbi Sheldon Switkin Shelly Cohen Phillips and Dr. Ted Tapper Becca and Samuel Tatel Karin Klein and Joel Teibloom Barbara and Harvey Temkin Eli Temkin Cheryl Temkin Gail and Joel Tenner Rosetta and Stephen Teplitz Gabrielle Tessler Andrea and Michael Tierney Miriam Benson and Rabbi Jon J. Tilsen Rachel Treister Edith and Amos Turner Oxana Anisimov and George Tychalski Alyssa Unikel Lisa and Adam Vales Zahava Vales Joan and Dr. Joseph Vander Walde Ari Vandersluis Teresa and Irving Victor Dr. Janna and Bryan Villano Rosalie and Mark Villano Alicia Vinocur
Yonah Vogelman Georgia Wagner Brenna Wagner Jonathan Wallk Glenn Warshaw Daniel Warshawsky Joshua Warshawsky Leigh and David Waterman Maxima and Rabbi Burton Wax Sheila and William Weimer Frances Wein Avery Wein Audrey Weinberg Sarah and Daniel Weinberg Heidi and Eric Weinberg Lisa Weinberg Ira Weinberg Lisa and Michael Weiner Samuel Weiner Joan and Jerome Weinstein Dori and Gary Weinstein Lottie Weinstein Steven Weinstein Ari Weinstein Aliza and Stuart Weinstock Dr. Avrum Weinzweig Rita Mendelsohn and Bernard Weisberger Eileen and Larry Weiss Shira and Jacob Weissbach Rebecca and Steven Weller Rhoda Wertheimer Ardis Wexler Joan and Neil Willcocks Francine and Scott Wilson Sari and Mark Winick Amy Winiker Roberta and Rabbi Edmund Winter Lori and Glenn Winternitz Hilary Wiseman Kathryn and David Wisner David Witten Nicole and Jim Woldenberg Aaron Wolf Keren and Ilan Wolf Judith Wolf Mosheh Wolf Radyne and Dr. Steven Wolf Francis Wolff Ilana Wolfson Corinne and Stanley Wolfson Sara and Rabbi David Wolkenfeld Gary Wool Amy and Jonathan Yaffe Orr Yardeni Rachel and Rabbi Herbert Yoskowitz Ina and Joe Young Natalie Akiva-Zaafrani and Gadi Zaafrani Amy and David Zaretsky Dr. Vita Land and Harold Zarkowsky Bonnie and Marvin Zeff Gary Zelamsky Aaron Zell Jane and Ed Zeman Rachel Zeman Ruth and Albert Zimbler Heidi Zimmerman Maya Zinkow David Ziskind Deborah and Moshe Zwang
Every effort has been made to include all contributions and to verify the correct listing of donor names. If your name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact Linda Hoffenberg (info on page 16).
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Summer Camp, Life Skills and Confidence By Marcia Cohodes Blog post published July 29, 2014, on The Ruderman Family Foundation blog Zeh Lezeh
We have all heard that Jewish summer camp is one of the most valuable experiences a parent can give their child to ensure a strong Jewish foundation. If you think of it as a construction project, the earth underneath the foundation is the community and together, this community builds the foundation they share. As each child grows into an adult, the shared experience of community-building in a Jewish context continues to strengthen his or her Jewish foundation. But the Jewish child with disabilities who cannot have a summer camp experience is left with an unstable foundation or worse, no Jewish foundation. As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I live with the fear shared by all parents of children with disabilities: Who will be my child’s community when I am no longer here to provide it? At age 11, we began sending our son to overnight Jewish summer camp with his younger sister. As a condition of his acceptance, we contracted with the camp for a one-on-one aide who slept in the cabin with our son and shadowed him as he moved with the mainstream campers. Each year it became more apparent that our son lacked the social and life skills his cabinmates had developed, and lacking these skills in a mainstream environment, our son would not be perceived as a full participant in this community. Though we had resisted the model of separating campers with special needs from mainstream campers by cabin, at the urging of our rabbi, I contacted Ralph Schwartz, the director of Ramah Wisconsin’s Tikvah program, when our son was 14. In describing the program, Ralph explained that every year since his arrival, the Tikvah program had become more integrated with the greater Ramah community. To my surprise, he suggested we keep our son in his current camp for another 2 to 3 years, at which time he believed Ramah would be ready for him. After much discussion that included Ramah staff traveling from Chicago to our home in Minneapolis, our son left for his first summer as a Tikvah camper when he was 17. Tikvah campers are connected to Machon (campers entering 10th grade) from which a select group are chosen by staff to be paired with each Tikvah participant as their ‘chaver’ (friend). Four weeks later at visitor’s day, I observed that the
culture of the camp was one of acceptance, regardless of ability, with staff and campers embracing everyone in the Ramah community. With his chaver, our son participated in both typical camp activities and special programs for the Tikvah-Machon group. After two years, our son moved into the ‘Atzmayim’ (vocational) program where campers live in dormitory-style housing and focus on developing their social and life skills. Ramah staff trained our son for his job in town and also provided a job coach, ensuring he always felt like a productive member of a professional team. Five days a week, he had to prepare himself for his work day, beginning with prompt attendance at morning services, dressed for his job in town. As a guest last summer on a non-visitors day, I witnessed my son as a full participant in the rhythm of Ramah, comfortably engaging with campers and staff and taking responsibility for his personal care with a conscientious focus on his summer job at the local grocery store. I also saw my son embracing Torah study and discussion about a myriad of Jewish topics, which made him feel so proud to be part of this Jewish community. Now 21, our son is completing his final summer as a Tikvah/Atzmayim camper. Looking back, I can honestly say that each summer we witnessed significant social and emotional growth, along with life skills development; all of which has contributed greatly to his selfconfidence. Through these programs, our son was given a safe, nurturing Jewish environment in which to grow and develop on all levels. Through Ramah and its culture of acceptance, our son was able to experience community-building in a Jewish context and after five years, he leaves with a solid Jewish foundation. Marcia Cohodes became an advocate for children with special needs following her older son’s diagnosis of a cognitive disability on the autism spectrum at 19 months. Her incentive to take a leadership role was fueled by the desire to give her son an equal opportunity to participate in the Jewish community. Prior to retiring, Marcia was an investment banker in the municipal securities industry. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, David Goldsteen, and their three children.
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The Legacy of David B. and Sophia M. Berger
David B. and Sophia M. Berger were dedicated pioneers in the early years of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. David started his involvement with Ramah in the mid 1950’s and subsequently served as an active member of the Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Commission for several decades. Not only did David and Sophia support the camp as donors, they believed in the essential role that Camp Ramah could play in energizing and sustaining the vitality of the Conservative Movement. The David B. and Sophia M. Berger Israel Scholar-in Residence Endowment Fund, established by their children and friends in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1989, is a living legacy to their commitment to Ramah. David joined the Ramah Commission around the time that his oldest son, Bob, began his camp experience in cabin aleph in 1954. Bob thinks back to why his folks loved Camp Ramah so much: “I know from their very first visit to see me at camp that Dad was completely taken by the amazingly dramatic, ruach-filled Erev Shabbat proceedings, from services outdoors overlooking the lake, to the full-throated and enthusiastic 45 minutes of singing and fun in the Chadar Ochel after Erev Shabbat dinners, to the entire camp doing Israeli dances on the kikar for another 30-45 minutes to the accompaniment of their own singing. Son Ken added, “They were just so excited by the way in which Judaism was lived at camp, with the way in which Hebrew was spoken at camp, and with how much fun the campers seemed to be having… they loved camp because we loved camp so much!” David and Sophia Berger’s Ramah legacy continues to live on through their sons Bob, Ken and Dan, their eight grandchildren and now also a great-grandchild. All of them attended Camp Ramah as campers (the three east coast grandkids at Berkshires), nine of them participated in Israel Seminar (Bob with USY in 1959 before Ramah Seminars began); six worked as counselors, three were Roshei Aidot; and two worked as teachers, Educational Director and/or Scholar-in-Residence. This past summer, great-granddaughter Talya Berger (Ken’s oldest grandchild) attended Ramah Canada for the first time. In the opinion of the Bergers, Ramah’s success is predicated on the fun and friendships that are such a big part of the experience. Son Dan remembers most strongly “playing a dancing Cossack in “Fiddler on the Roof” in 1966 while a member of the “best” ever Yud-Gimmel cabin. But most importantly for me, Ramah Wisconsin was the stepping stone to Ramah Israel Seminar which in turn triggered my lifelong love for and activism on behalf of the State of Israel.” This individual family story distills the essence and success of Ramah and the lasting legacy of David B. and Sophia M. Berger at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. As Rabbi Ken says, “Ramah is an expression of Conservative Judaism at its best and it has had a tremendous impact on our family as well as on thousands of campers and staff members.”
David and Sophia Berger at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in 1954
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Legacy Society Members Anonymous (6) William Agress Dr. Phyllis Gorin and Rabbi Morris Allen Abby and Sheldon Badzin Faye and Benji Bearman Betty Benson(z”l) Miriam and Dan Berger Robert M. Berger Jean Best Marilyn Blonsky Cookie Feldman Bloom Karen and Marshall Brill F. Bruce Cohen Roberta (z”l) and Rabbi Burton Cohen Sarah Bierman and Rabbi Joshua Cohen Ellen and Yehuda Cohen Margaret and Lee Cohn Debbie and Gary Cortes Rita M. Cortes Deborah Shalowitz Cowans and Bruce Cowans Tamar and Jacob Cytryn Evan Dreifuss Dr. Arthur Elstein Jennifer and Stewart Flink Betsy and Scott Forester
Kim and Alan Frankel Kim and Stuart Frankenthal Charlotte Singer Gelfand Marvell Ginsburg (z”l) Leslie and Bernie Goldblatt Nami and David Goldenberg Laurie and Joel Goldsmith Marlene and Sam Gordon Mindy and Jeffrey Gordon Rabbi Yosi Gordon Harold Grinspoon Michal and Uzi HaLevy Evelyn Harris Nina and Arnie Harris Ruth and Mark Harris Linda and Michael Hoffenberg Sara and Jon Hoffenberg Vivian and Ralph Jacobson Shanna Baumgarten Jadwin Camille and Rabbi Rob Kahn Orlee and Jeffrey Kahn Beth and Dr. Jeff Kopin Gabriel Kopin Rabbi Myer Kripke (z”l) Dr. Lena and David Kushnir Elyse and Dr. Ron Less
Madalyn and Robert Less Renee and George (z”l) Levine Leslie and Michael Litwack Aaron Magid Arthur and Lois Marc (z”l) Adam Margolis Edward and Roslyn (z”l) Marks Julie Rabinowitz and Gary Marx Judy Teibloom Mishkin and Larry Mishkin Dr. Rebecca Schorsch and Dr. Scott Moses Barbara and Donald Newman Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter Dana Yugend-Pepper and Larry Pepper Benjamin Philipson Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz Lisa and Mark Ratner Harriet and Joseph Resnick Mindy and Dan Ribnick Jaynie Schultz and Ron Romaner Ann Lesley and Scott Rosen Shari (z”l) and Dr. Herbert Rosen Jonathan Adam Ross Dena (z”l) and Fred Rothschild Betty and Dr. Irving Rozenfeld Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein Susan and Marc Sacks
Martha and Arthur Salkin Louise and Steven Schoenberger Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz Phyllis and Sidney (z”l) Shalowitz Lori Stark and Dr. David Shapiro Fran and Jonathan Sherman Karen and Hal Sider Dr. Margaret and Alan Silberman Sarah Small Sheila and Michael Small Emily and Rabbi David Soloff Melissa and Marc Spellman Adam Steinberg Miriam and Morton Steinberg Mayer Stiebel Rebecca and Rabbi Loren Sykes Anna Tarkoff Lisa and Steven Tenzer Phyllis Hofman Waldmann Joshua Warshawsky Tami and Reuben Warshawsky Richard D. Weiner David Wolkin
Declaration of Intent In the Jewish tradition of sharing our blessings, I/we take deep satisfaction in declaring my/our intent to help Camp Ramah in Wisconsin provide for the needs of future generations of Jewish children. I/We have made provision, or I/We will make provision to include Camp Ramah as beneficiary in: a bequest in my/our will
a deferred lifetime gift
through a trust fund and/or foundation
through a retirement fund
a life insurance gift
Please add my/our name(s) to the Ramah Wisconsin Legacy Society. Print your name as you would like to be listed in the Ramah Wisconsin Legacy Society I/We do not want to be listed. Name Address City
State
Phone
Signature
Date
Zip
Please fax to 312.606.7136 or mail to: Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, Legacy Society, 65 East Wacker Place # 1200, Chicago IL 60601 Please consult your attorney or tax advisor for professional guidance in this area. For additional information contact Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 312.606.9316 ext. 225 or LHoffenberg@ramahwisconsin.com
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Alumni and Community
Young alumni social event in Chicago
Kansas City pool party
Twin Cities family picnic
Alumni family picnic at Ramah Day Camp
Stay connected! “Like� Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp on Facebook, follow @ramahwisconsin on Instagram and check out the Alumni pages at www.ramahwisconsin.com
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Initiatives Ramah Sameach – Holiday themed programs for pre-schoolers and their families at Ramah Day Camp in Wheeling, Illinois. Ramah OpenDoor – Providing programs for new campers whose families have had little or no previous Jewish affiliation. Sponsored by The AVI CHAI Foundation and the Zell Family Foundation. Ramah Day Camp – Day Camp program for children entering K-6th grade. Ruach Ramah – A 4-day mini-session at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for entering 3rd graders. Camp Ramah in Wisconsin – Overnight Camp program for entering 4-11 graders. Nivonim 1989 – 25th reunion! Back Row: (from left) Halle Pollay, Shira Shavit, Steve Altschul, Efrat Dallal Stein, Mandy (Miller) Mohler, Naomi Less, Ross Sadoff, Jeff Small, Yossi Garr, Pelleg Graupe, Gerri (Fiterman) Persin Front Row: Rabbi David Soloff, Teri (Epstein) Bretz, Rachel (Greenman) Harow, Rachel (Drexler) Winer, Elisa (Knopoff) Pelts, Kim Kivens, Mark Silberman, Amy Abrams, Sara (Gaviser) Leslie, Betsy (Davis) Graupe, Tammy (Zeff) Brody, Keren (Kornblum) Wolf, Rachel (Megerman) Coleman
Tikvah and Atzmayim Vocational Programs – For special needs participants ages 11-22. Ramah Service Corps Fellows – Veteran staff members partnering with a synagogue for year-round Ramah programming and engagement. Ramah Israel Seminar – For high-school students entering 12th grade. Ramah College Network – A resource of the National Ramah Commission helps to facilitate these connections and friendships beyond the camp season, faster and more effectively, through more intentional networking and programming. Details at www.campramah.org. Staff Experience at Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin – College students and beyond. Family Camp at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin – A fabulous vacation for both children and adults with fun activities like sports, music, art and boating. Programming is geared to children under age 12.
Nivonim 2001 – 13th reunion! Back Row: (from left) Chad Levy, Michael Libraty, Steven Blitzstein, Neil Goldsmith, Ariel Gliksberg, Seth Gruen, David Rosenberg Front Row: Shera (Benkovitz) Libraty, Dana Fine, Sarah Saide, Rebecca Russo, Elana (Hoffman) Goldsmith Not Pictured: Danya Snyder, Roger Barak, Elan Mosbacher
Kikar Ba’Ir – Shabbat experiences and social events for young alumni and families in partnership with Reshet Ramah. More at reshetramah.org Alumni Reunions – Nivonim 2002 will return to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin this summer for its 13th reunion on June 26-28 and Nivonim 1990 will reunite for its 25th reunion on July 24-26. Summer visits to Ramah Day Camp in Wheeling, Illinois or Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in Conover – get a taste of the 2015 Ramah experience! Through these programs and activities, Ramah provides children and adults with transformative experiences of vibrant Jewish life driven by the joy of summer camp. How do YOU connect to the 2015 Ramah experience?
Family Camp 2014 – Following the camp season, we welcomed 25 families for five days filled with sports, arts, boating, music and a wonderful Ramah Shabbat.
For information on Family Camp, alumni and community initiatives and 2015 reunions, contact Robin Rubenstein at rrubenstein@ramahwisconsin.com or at 312-265-6653.
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From Lori Stark, Director One of the most precious opportunities Ramah Day Camp gives children is the time and space to play unencumbered in a safe, protected and supported environment. Children come to camp every day to play. The power of play and the lessons and skills learned during every encounter are phenomenal! Not only do Ramah campers benefit from the fantastic, creative, high level programming created and delivered by our dedicated staff, but our children play and interact with each other in the woods, in the gaga pit, on the field, around a campfire. I love to watch the way they create their own rules, develop an idea, figure out roles, and come up with multiple solutions. They negotiate, cooperate, enjoy, create, conquer, share, discover. While formal educators are busy trying to integrate the 21st Century 4 C’s of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication into curriculum, we’ve got it all happening under the canopy of trees in our Jewish camp community in Wheeling. Everything I ever needed to know I learned in the gaga pit! A summer at Ramah Day Camp is made up of huge moments of celebration, like our wonderful Zimriyah and Rikudiyah music and dance festivals, and the quiet one-on-one moments that make our camp so special. Even with an expanding enrollment - this year at over 270 campers! - Ramah Day Camp continues to be a warm, welcoming and nurturing summer home and vibrant Jewish community. At the end of the summer I meet with counselors and ask, “What did you enjoy most about working at Ramah Day Camp?” Most answers are about our fabulous campers; they love “getting to know the campers and seeing them so happy,” They find it meaningful to “watch the campers grow and form close relationships.” The staff also appreciates “being in a community of supportive staff members” and “the focus on Judaism, Hebrew, and forming a Jewish identity.” The 2014 season – our sweet sixteenth – was fabulous! Over 100 of our campers entering 3rd-6th grades also spent part of the summer at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin! We are already busy planning for next summer and look forward to welcoming new and veteran campers to the 2015 Ramah Day Camp community.
Ramah Day Camp is a warm and nurturing environment where kids come to make great friends, grow socially, learn Jewish values and most importantly - to have fun! Campers entering kindergarten through sixth grade enjoy sports, swimming, music, cookouts, arts & crafts and so much more! Chicago area campers entering grades 4, 5 and 6 can experience both Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in one summer at special rates! Kochavim offers entering 4th graders the opportunity to spend twelve action-packed days at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and the rest of the summer at Ramah Day Camp. Two sessions are available. Garinim (for entering 5th graders) and Halutzim (for entering 6th graders) offer four weeks at Ramah Day Camp and four weeks at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. For details call (312) 606-0444 or email info@ramahday.com.
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin 65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 1200, Chicago IL 60601 Rabbi David Soloff, Chief Executive Officer Jacob Cytryn, Director, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Yael Bendat-Appell, Assistant Director Lori Stark, Director, Ramah Day Camp Benji Bearman, Chief Operating Officer Sam Caplan, Chief Development Officer Arnie Harris, President For additional information contact: Linda Hoffenberg, Director of Institutional Advancement, (312) 606-9316 x 225, E-mail: LHoffenberg@ramahwisconsin.com www.ramahwisconsin.com www.ramahday.com