In mid-January of this year, my son Daniel and I traveled to Israel to participate in a national Ramah solidarity, volunteer, and service mission with Ramah parents and college students from across the United States. The mission was powerful, meaningful, and energizing. We picked oranges, cooked meals and ate with IDF soldiers near Gaza, and packed food boxes for Israeli families displaced from border communities after the October 7 terrorist attacks. We met with parents of young Israelis held hostage in Gaza. We wrapped our arms around IDF soldiers and Israeli families, told them that we too were heartbroken, that we loved them and loved Israel, and assured them that they were not alone. We ended the mission feeling more deeply connected to Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) and our shared fates than ever before, and with a profound understanding of the need for Jews to come together and support each other in community. The trip underscored Ramah's important role in these efforts.
Ramah’s mission to produce young Jews with strong Jewish identity and with hearts full of love for Israel and Zionism is more important now than ever before. Particularly given the current challenging environment for Jewish students at many universities, the power of Ramah to create strong, caring, embracing communities that produce proud, educated and confident young Jews who view themselves as the next generation of Jewish leaders for our communities is of critical importance.
As we begin the 2024 summer season for both Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, I am pleased to report very strong camper enrollment at both camps, new educational and program initiatives, and significant improvements and upgrades to camp facilities. After lengthy collaboration between our lay leaders and camp professionals, the Ramah Wisconsin Board of Directors recently completed and approved a new five year strategic plan for 2024-2029. We are excited about the potential for the Strategic Plan to enhance enrollment and make Ramah even more impactful for campers, staff and for our community.
This summer of 2024 is about major Israel initiatives and programming focused on connecting Israelis and American campers and staff even more closely. There are more Israelis at camp than ever before, including the absorption of over 60 campers from the Gaza envelope and throughout Israel. We have more Israeli staff, including mental health professionals. These additional costs, including the scholarships for our Israeli camper population and necessary security enhancements to meet the needs of securing diaspora Jewish establishments in today’s climate all result in a need for an additional $229,000 in costs related to our response to October 7th.
In this post-October 7th Jewish world, Ramah has a profoundly important role to play in healing broken Jewish souls, and strengthening resiliency and Jewish identity in campers, staff and in our community. I ask you now for both your own financial support and commitment to secure Ramah for many years in the future, and in particular to address the acute need of serving our Israeli brethren in Conover and Wheeling this summer. Thank you in advance for your support, generosity, and partnership together in our holy work .
I want to close this letter by saying thank you to Executive Director Jacob Cytryn, the full-time professional team and our summer staff, as well as to our lay leaders on both the camp Board and Vaad. I look forward to greeting many of you at visitors days at camp this coming July. Am Yisrael Chai.
Todah Rabbah!
Marc Sacks Board President
SUMMER 2024
PREVIEW
Joy, growth, connection, and inclusion are our core values at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin that drive everything we do.
They are present every day, as campers embrace challenges on the ropes courses, build new friendships within their cabins, splash in the lake, and dance their hearts out on the kikar. Each day at Ramah Wisconsin is one full of fun, friendships, and joyful Judaism and this summer will be no different. In Kayitz 2024 we will welcome over 570 campers who will embark on our upgraded and expanded ropes challenge course, play on our new basketball, tennis and pickleball courts (new in 2023), and benefit from our newly renovated health center.
Campwide events will continue to be a highlight of the summer, bringing together our camp community for plays, the Zimriyah (singing) and Rikudiah (dance) festivals, and the ever-popular talent show and Lip Sync contest. As is a highlight every summer, each week the entire camp will gather by the lake for Kabbalat Shabbat, a beautiful and spiritual experience each Friday evening.
Our dedicated staff comes to us from North America, Israel, and other worldwide Jewish communities. Each day they can be seen leading activities, forming connections with campers, and caring for each child in our community.
With the heartbreak and pain that has come with this year, we are even more committed to the supportive community that we build each summer. We will be welcoming more Israeli campers than we have had in previous summers in addition to our Israeli mishlachat counselors. We hope to be a place of comfort, support, and strength, for both campers and staff. In 2024 we know just how important another summer of joy, growth, connection, and inclusion will be at Ramah Wisconsin.
IFrom Jacob Cytryn, Executive Director
write as the sun is setting on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 76th birthday, feeling like my Jewish soul is being pulled in at least three directions. The news — of the war, of college campuses, from my family and friends in Israel — relentlessly pulls me down; I can remember no longer period of general darkness, with the light that remains off in the distance. My knowledge of Judaism, our history, and k’lal yisrael, the Jewish community concentrated in Israel and North America and scattered across the globe, inextricably pulls me forward towards a far-off bright future. The events of the last seven months, the bad and the better, the moments of promise and joy tempered by those of despair and hopelessness, have only solidified my belief in a bright, enduring, shared future, for the more than three-thousand-yearold Jewish people and its modern miracle, the State of Israel. And our planning for camp, in these final few weeks before we make our annual pilgrimage north to build a community from nothing, somewhat to my great surprise, pulls me up like the great bouquet of helium balloons in Pixar’s magical Up
In the midst of the greatest turmoil the Jewish people have faced since the 1940s, this has already been,
and promises to continue to be, an extraordinary year for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. The historical events swirling around us have helped shape and hone our message, and our community has already begun to respond to the call. We are embarking on an historic summer in Conover and Wheeling, one where we will welcome record numbers of Israeli campers (more than 60 between both camps at the moment, likely more than double our previous record) and a massive group of Israeli adults — nearly 80 between our two camps. At our overnight camp we will have our highest enrollment in over a decade; our total camper count between both camps is right at record highs. Our senior staff, engaging with stakeholders across the camp community, has invested hundreds of hours refining our core beliefs, unabashed and ecstatic embrace of the Zionist dream, the Jewish people, and the ongoing need to support and build up Israelis and the State of Israel. We have turned a corner in the staffing challenges that plagued us the last few summers, bringing full complements of counselors, specialists, medical personnel, support staff, coaches, artists, Rabbis, teachers, social workers, psychologists, and more to
2024 Strategic Plan Sneak Peek
To achieve our vision and maximize impact, over the course of the next five years, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp will prioritize these four areas of focus:
Realize — Realize the full potential of Ramah Day Camp.
Differentiate — Differentiate Camp Ramah in Wisconsin such that we exist to provide summer camp experiences that inspire Jewish connections that last a lifetime.
Enable — Enable staff to have transformational professional experiences which impact themselves and our camps' communities.
Ensure — Ensure our future through alumni connections, community engagement, leadership investment and long-term financial security.
support our robust camper population and early career staff. We do this in a spiraling environment of added costs, with specific pressure on our budget from muchneeded investments in our Israel and other post-10/7 initiatives including scholarships for Israeli campers, enhanced security protocols, educational programming and curriculum development, travel, and staff salaries. We seek to raise at least $229,000 in needed additional funds, over and on top of our existing annual campaign to support operations and other targeted gifts for capital projects and our endowment. The short-term prognosis for our camps is nearly as bright as I believe the long-term prognosis is for our Jewish people.
I am not, however, buoyed only by our short-term outlook. Beginning in the fall and continuing throughout the winter, nearly 100 stakeholders from across our organization, professional and lay, engaged in a process to craft our 2024 Strategic Plan. The finished product is a magnificent testimony to the power of vision or, more specifically, of expansive hope in the shadow of crisis. Our 2020 plan, which was written during the spring and summer of 2020, was limited by the ongoing uncertainty of that first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In marked contrast, the weight of the world around us as we dreamed, brainstormed, honed, and defined this plan seems to have helped articulate big dreams. The plan, which I hope you’ll read in full, and which we’ll roll out over the coming years alongside an ambitious
REALIZE Key Initiatives
A. Resolve Current Facility Deficiencies
B. Infuse More Fun in Camp
C. Meet Inclusion Needs for More Campers
D. Grow Enrollment
E. Enhance Joyful Jewish Experiences
F. Maintain Security of Camp Community
DIFFERENTIATE
Key Initiatives
A. Infuse More Fun in Camp
B. Meet Inclusion Needs for More Campers
C. Grow Enrollment
D. Maintain Security of Camp Community
campaign to propel us where we need to go, rests on four pillars: REALIZE the full potential of Ramah Day Camp; DIFFERENTIATE Camp Ramah in Wisconsin such that we exist to provide summer camp experiences that inspire Jewish connections that last a lifetime; ENABLE staff to have transformational professional experiences which impact themselves and our camps’ communities; and ENSURE our future through alumni connections, community engagement, leadership investment, and long-term financial security. This is one example where the magic, not the devil, is in the details, built through a deliberative and generative iterative process by our core lay leaders, including the Strategic Plan Committee chaired by President Marc Sacks.
In our camp anthem (ןונמה / himnon), Moshe Greenberg ל” ז imagined Ramah Wisconsin, writing in the summer of 1949, as a beautiful pearl (הראפת תנינפ / p’ninat tifarah) nestled among a ring of mountains. Nearly 80 years after our founding, in an historical moment that pulls us back to the one Greenberg and his contemporaries had just traversed, we are still that pearl, a gleaming beacon of hope for the future. As we look forward one year, towards Yom Ha’atzmaut 5775, may the positive energy around our camps help orient us and the 1000+ Jews who will feel the direct impacts of our camps this summer, towards a new hope, a new vibrancy, a new promise of our collective future.
ENABLE
Key Initiatives
A. Articulate and Implement Ideal Staffing Models for Today's World
B. Enhance Summer Staff Experience
C. Modernize Summer Staff Training
D. Invest in Year-Round Professionals
ENSURE
Key Initiatives
A. Engage More Alumni
B. Explore and Develop Strategic Partnerships
C. Strengthen Board Impact & Pipeline
D. Solidify Endowment for Growth
RAMAH SUPPORTS ISRAEL
From our year-round and summer team members, to our Board and Va’ad (committee) members, to our alumni and campers, many Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Ramahniks have spent time in Israel over the last year. For many of them, visiting Israel right now is about reconnecting with our extended family there, from the thousands of individuals with ties to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp, to many deep personal friendships, and flesh-and-blood relatives as well. They represent us as they check-in with Israelis, bring our unique Ramah flavor to the country, and bear witness to the sadness, pain, and resilience of the Jewish nation.
“I am grateful to have spent a few days meeting our shlichim (Israeli staff) for this upcoming summer. Getting to know our wonderful group of counselors, hearing their stories, and sharing with them all about camp was a powerful experience and made us all more excited and energized for this summer and the meaningful work we will be doing together.”
– Adina Beiner, Assistant Director
Jacob Cytryn, Executive Director: It is so important to be here, to show up, to offer hugs. To appreciate the shared identity of Jews throughout the world, to summon the essential empathy to embrace and support Israelis who are experiencing this horrible period of time differently and more acutely than I am. To reckon, also, with all that I don’t share with many of the people I meet; the facts of our day-to-day lives inherently dictate divergent outlooks, if only slightly so, on numerous topics at the forefront of all of our minds. To be here right now is to attend a slowly unfolding and heavier-than-wished but no less heartwarming family reunion.
Over sixty members of our Ramah Wisconsin family gathered at Ramah Israel's headquarters for a reunion in January. The room was filled with campers and staff from multiple generations, with heavy representation from our Israeli staff of the last three summers. There were many hugs, lots of smiles, pretty classic terrible Israeli pizza, and much laughter. It was invigorating to sit with folks and catch up and to reflect on the power of Jewish peoplehood, the deeply intertwined communities of American and Israeli Jews today, and the enduring power of folks' connections to a campus in northern Wisconsin that sits empty more than forty weeks a year.
Support the 2024 Israel Needs Fund
20 American staff members from Camp Ramah in Wisconsin visited Israel in May! Through National Ramah Commission partnerships with Birthright Israel Onward and the Shalom Hartman Institute, participants spent their (early!) mornings volunteering on farms and afternoons in think-tank style learning sessions. They visited the Nova site and Kikar Chatufim (Hostage Square) to bear witness to some of the horrors of Oct 7 and their ongoing impacts. Over 30 mishlachat (Israeli staff) members also joined various events, allowing Americans and Israelis to make connections and foster a shared understanding in advance of working together for kayitz (summer) 2024!
There is an acute need for supplemental funding for post-October 7th related expenses including the absorption of Israel campers from the Gaza envelope and beyond, increased Israeli staff in camp including Hebrewspeaking mental health professionals, Israel educational curriculum, and enhanced security spending to meet the needs of securing diaspora Jewish establishments in 2024. In total we are looking to secure $229,390 of additional funding.
Please consider a donation to the Israel Needs Fund, supporting the following unbudgeted needs:
1
Israeli Campers
In the summer of 2024, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp will accommodate close to 80 Israeli campers! Vast majority first-timers. Israeli campers require significant scholarship support.
+$94,650
May the reality created by our founding generation be mirrored in our own: in a darker, even less certain historical moment they birthed the idea for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in the aftermath of the Holocaust, boldly charting an optimistic path to a bountiful Jewish future at one of the darkest moments in Jewish history. That bold choice, opening our camp in 1947, has surely surpassed their wildest dreams. May our children and grandchildren someday look back on our choices, at this dark and uncertain moment, similarly.
2 4 3
Israeli Staff
A hallmark of a Ramah summer is a robust Mishlachat or Israeli staff delegation. In addition to our usual complement of counselors we have significantly bolstered the number of adult professionals with a specific focus on Hebrew-speaking Israeli mental health professionals to assist our Israeli campers and staff and a larger team of Israeli educators.
Israel Education
Israel Education is at the heart of our camps. The current context has spurred us to engage additional experts in Israel education from both the US and Israel and develop new and timely curricular materials for both our campers and college-aged staff.
Security Investments
Partnering with a variety of local and national support agencies, we take security seriously each summer. This year, like many other Jewish organizations, we have taken significant steps to enhance and deepen our security infrastructure.
+$35,200
+$21,000
+$78,540
Donor Recognition
Director’s Circle
$100,000 and above
2023 Alumni Impact Campaign –Nivo 1994-2016
Anonymous
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Sheri and Steve Greenbaum
Matthew Zell Family Foundation
President’s Circle
$50,000 and above
Crown Family
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Nina and Arnie* Harris ◊
Susan and Marc* Sacks ◊
Mimi Sager Yoskowitz and Marc Yoskowitz
Rosh Eidah
$25,000 and above
The Beck Family Charitable Foundation
Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.
Foundation for Jewish Camp
Chaviva Jacobson ◊
Mindy and Daniel Ribnick ◊
Lisa and Adam Vales
Jack & Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund
Rosh Anaf
$18,000 and above
JoEllen and Robert Lidov
National Ramah Commission
Northwoods
$10,000 and above
Anonymous
Allen & Janet Agron Camp Ramah
Scholarship Endowment of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Dr. Wendy and Dr. Howard Bach ◊
Mary and Alan Becker
Julie Strauss and Joel* Brown ◊
Sara and Dr. Mark* Drexler ◊
Ashlyn* and Daniel Gorlin
Ann and Mike Hofkin
Tamar Green and Benjamin* Hofkin ◊
Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Vered Hankin and Jeremy Kaufman
Dr. Lena and David* Kushnir ◊
Naomi and Jason* Litwack
Jodie and Mark* Silberman ◊
The Topal Family
Agam
$5,000 and above
Anonymous
Gladys and Yehuda Azulay
Heidi and Ben* Azulay
Rebecca* and Wade Bacon
Dr. Erica and Dr. Jeffrey Drazen
The Drazen Family in Memory of Rabbi Paul S. Drazen
Beverly Fink
Sheila and Larry Gerber
Sarina and Robert Gerson
Brooke and Isaac Glassman
Michele Bresler and Barry Goldberg
Daniel Hofkin
Alison and Isaac Judd
Ron Lavin
Wilfred J. Minkus Charitable Trust
Susan and Bob Mednick
Shira and Jonathan Oberlander
Emily and Adam* Steinberg ◊
Miriam and Morton* Steinberg ◊
Hindy and Scott Tankenoff
Idyth and Jay Zimbler
Bet Am
$3,600 and above
Anonymous
Rachel and Dr. Andrew Abeles
Patricia Caplan
Karen* and David Ebroon ◊
Dr. Betsy Gidwitz
October 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024
Nami* and David Goldenberg ◊
Suzy and Dr. David Hakimian
Leeatt Rothschild and Micky Hervitz
Leslie and Michael Litwack ◊
Northern Lights
$2,500 and above
Accurate Metal Fabricating, LLC
Bobbi and Robert Aronson
Lili Chester
Tamar and Jacob Cytryn ◊
Esther Goldberg-Davis and Rabbi Alexander Davis
Andrew Glick
Lorie Chaiten and Harold Hirshman
Marilyn Karasov
Sara Eisen and Matthew Levine
Dr. Susan Feigenbaum and Dr. Jay Pepose
Vicki and Gary Phillips
Keren and Rabbi Simcha Prombaum
Emily and Rabbi David Soloff ◊
Sarah and Zachary Spellman
Buckatabon
$1,800 and above
Sarah Abrams
Shira and Mike Altman
Meredith Grossman Anders and Darren Anders
Madeleine and David Arnow
Tammy and Rabbi Noah Arnow
Dr. Deborah and Rabbi Charles Dobrusin ◊
Judy Groner and Ronald Eisenberg
Dr. Arthur Elstein ◊
Barb and Andy Fishman ◊
Dr. Ranna Rozenfeld and Dr. Shane Greenstein
Mr. Matthew Kalin
Ally and Jordan* Kirshenbaum
Meredith and Eric Kirshenbaum
Amy Elfenbaum and Scott Kramer
Gigi Cohen and Michael Levin
Bonnie and Dr. Lee Malmed
Barbara and Jonathan Minkus
Michael Newberger*
Ms. Rena and Dr. Richard Panush
Dr. Adrienne and Adam Rosenthal
Miriam and Michael Rudolph
Danielle* and Jay Sandler
Arona and George Sarfatty ◊
Louise and Steven* Schoenberger ◊
Elana and Seth Schrank
Michelle and James Seidenberg
Elizabeth Silver-Schack and Prof. Larry Silver
Melissa and Marc Spellman ◊
Shira Steinberg ◊
Dr. Robin Judd and Dr. Kenny Steinman
Cheryl and Steven Topal
Adina Allen and Rabbi Josh Warshawsky ◊
David Witten
Mimi Sager Yoskowitz and Marc Yoskowitz
Lisa Schuman and Jonathan Zimbler
Kikar
$1,000 and above
Anne Opila and Dr. Todd Abraham
Sarah Gold and Avi Allen*
Laura Elkayam and Rabbi Ezra Balser
Dr. Adam and Talia Baruch
Robert Berger ◊
Ilisa and Michael Brown
Phyllis and Rabbi Barry Cytron ◊
Amichai Davis
Shosh Korrub and Dr. Daniel Derman ◊
Dr. Nehama Dresner
Greg Durkin
Laurel Van Allen and Zach Frankel
Alice and Dr. David Friedgood
Dr. Alexis Braverman and Charlie Gandelman
Talya and Joshua Gepner
Elana* and Neil Goldsmith
We are very grateful for the support of over 1,300 donations so far in fiscal year 2024! You can view a complete list of donors in the online edition at ramahwisconsin.com.
Shaina Hinton and Jonathan Green
Rachel and Jonathan Greenberg
Jodi and Adam Gruber
Dr. Maya Feldman and Jonah Harris*
Yonina Eisenberg Havivi and Nadav Havivi
Judy and Dr. Mark Hoffman
Dr. I. Cori Baill and Dr. Daniel Jacobs
Lindsay and Zach Kafitz
Allie Rakos and Jeff Kahn
Dr. Hanna Bloomfield and Dr. Robert Karasov
Sarah and Michael Kashani
Debra Glassman and Bob Kaufman
Briana and Gabriel Kopin ◊
Dr. Cindy Reich and Rabbi Harold Kravitz
Dr. Susan Goldsmith and Ira Lichtenstein
Rabbi Vicki Lieberman
Jane Lippow
Nivo 1988 Reunion Fund
Sharon and Leon Oberlander
Rachel Goldberg and Bryan Quigley
Mary Ann and Joel Rich ◊
Randee and Robert Romanoff
Dr. Leelach Rothschild
Kimberly and Dr. Ari Rubenfeld
Rachel and Alan Russo
Carol Ann* and Michael Schwartz ◊
Renee Locketz Segal and David Segal
Fran and Jonathan* Sherman ◊
Talia and Rabbi Moshe Smolkin
Mayer Stiebel* ◊
Mr. Alan Tannenbaum
Mariel Gold and Aaron Wolf
Robin and Dr. Cliff Wolf
Rachel Adelman and Gary Zaidenweber
Friends
$180 and above
Anonymous
Josh Aaronson
Juliana and Howard Abrams
Adina and Adam Aft
Susan and Joseph Ament
Jean and Laurence Appel
Lisa and Micah Arbisser
Naomi Hoffman and Dr. Loren Bach
Trudy and Dr. Harvey Barash
Zachary Becker
Beermann Law
Alison and Josh Berdass
Cheryl and Rabbi Ken Berger
Arden Goldstein and Levi Bergovoy
Zach Berkman
Abby Bettenhausen
Tamar Dolgen and Sergio Bicas
Rinat and Jamie Billow
Fredda and Rabbi Mark Bisman
Amy Rubinoff and Ricky Bortz
Karen and Marshall* Brill ◊
Stephanie Brill
Sharon Brodkey
Carrie and Adam Broms
Steven Bryan
Carol and Scott Burg
Joni and Alexander Burgess
Paula (Lifchez) Cantor and Dr. Jeffrey Cantor
Nanci and Ben Caplan
Dennis and Jane Carlton
Sara Frailich and Christopher Castino
Ayelet and Yinam Cohen
Yaffa Cohen-Appelbaum
Aaron Cohn
Ellen and Ira Cole
Babette Levy and Mark Daskin ◊
Rebecca and Corey Derdiger
Dr. Becky Levine and Dr. Benji Derman
Talia and Ari Derman ◊
Debra and Dr. David Dobkin ◊
Samantha and Shai Dobrusin
Kal Dolgin
Katherine and Matthew Doscher
Miriam and Evan Dreifuss ◊
Jaclyn Millner and Gregory Duhl
Dr. Risa Siegel and Dr. Siatta Dunbar
Debbi and Dr. Aaron Dworin
Michelle and Jordan Edelman
Dr. Jane and Dr. Drore Eisen
Dan Eisenberg
Rebecca Barak and Yuval Eisenberg
Debra and Daniel Eisenstein
Tanya Schlam and Dr. Jordan Ellenberg
Dena and Gary Elovitz
Marlene and Larry Engelhart
Miriam and Gerry Engelhart
Shari and Ahiad Erlich
Marilyn Ernsteen
Marcie and Richard Eskin
Rabbi Shani Abramowitz and Joseph Eskin
Jessica Ettinger
Leora and Dan Falkin
Dr. Eve and Brad* Feinberg
Judy and Steven Feinberg
Jane Feinberg-Kaplan
Heather and Rabbi Jeremy Fineberg
Ellie and Marc Fineman
Judy Finkelstein-Taff
Ellie Fishman
Shelby Cooper and Michael Fishman
Judith and Marshall Flapan
Jennifer and Stewart Flink ◊
Emily Schwartz and Rabbi Benjy Forester
Jodi and Dr. Avram Fraint
Ila Frankel
Jenna Lewis and Jeremy Frankenthal
Malka and Michael Frazin
Sonya Frazin
Laura and Rabbi Alex Freedman
Aaron Freeman
Diana and David Freeman
Jacqueline Wolff Friedman and Michael Friedman
Jill and Mitchell Friedman
Jack Fuchsman
Miranda Smerling and Jason Gaines
Jen and Yossi Garr
Minda and Rabbi Ronald Garr
Steven Gershone
Jennifer and Gabriel Gershowitz
Michelle Harris Gilats
Scott Gilman
Tihela Feit and Josh Gleicher
Rebekah and Stephen Goldberg
Shira and Robert Goldberg
Shira Goldstein
Rona Malakoff and Ethan Goller
Joseph Goodman
Erin and Jon Gordon
Shoshana and Matt Gordon
Rani Halpern and Joel Green
Meka Greenwald
Karen and Steven Grey
Lauren Grossman
Orlee Tatarka* and Yehuda Gruenberg
Molly Gruesner
Ross Guberman
Tammy Halevy
Inna and Daniel Halperin
Paula and Dr. Aaron Hamvas
Andrea Goldstein and Michael Hayes
Miriam and Joey Heller
Anna Grossberg and Jacob Hodes
Dr. Sara* and Jon Hoffenberg ◊
Lauren and Noam Hoffenberg
Daniela and Jon Hoffman
Stacey and Bill Hoffman
Naomi Bank and Steven Hunter
Abby Grad and Yoni Israelson
Dr. Becky and Max Jacobson
Jennifer Johnson
Lois and Mark Just
Eve and Steve Kafitz
Lizzie and Micah* Kafitz ◊
Pearl and Joel Kagan
Lina Garcia and Zachary Kagin
Dr. Michele and Dr. Nelson Kanter
Faye Kroshinsky and Bennett Kaplan
Lauren and Scott Kaplan
Ariel Goodman and Isaac Katz
Ariel Katz
Donor Recognition
Joel Mullin and Sheri Katz
Lucy and Dr. Eitan Katz
Rabbi Amanda Russell and David Katz
Sinar and Dr. Allen Katz
Matthew Kavanaugh
Dr. Robert Kavitt
Dr. Ilana and Alex Kehl
Jessica and Joel Ketner
Dr. Dalia and Brian Kirschbaum
Dr. Michael Klein
Rabbi Sofia Zway and Rabbi Brett Kopin
Dr. Risa Hurwich and Michael Kopinsky
Melanie Kovacs
Daniel Kressel
Samuel Lachterman
Adam Leibowitz
Dr. Elizabeth and William Levin
Melissa Levin
Sandra and Dr. Mark Levin
Sarah Levin
Jacob Levine
Dr. Arielle and Dr. Victor Levitan
Raquel Levitt
Jacob Levy
Bernard Lichtenstein
Emet Lieberman
Rebecca Minkus Lieberman and Dr. David Lieberman
Debbie and Gary Lindon
Erica and Zachary Lindon
Abigail and Justin Main
Beate and Stefan Majetschak
Fred Manaster
Scott Mayer
Dr. Rachel* and Taylor McDowell
Alexandra Fidler Metzl and Joshua Metzl
Nataly Arber and Dr. Jonah Meyerhoff
Gretchen and David Miller
Yaela and Moshe Miller
Annie Berger and Jacob Millner
Ilyssa and Rabbi David Minkus
Debbie Kaplan and Michael Mnookin
Rebecca Linfield and Leon Moskatel
Diane Lowenthal and Bradley Moskowitz
Natalie Eisen and Zach Newburgh
Barbara and Donald* Newman ◊
Marissa Oberlander
Allen Oleisky
Joshua Olstein
Avram Pachter
Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter ◊
Ellen Sue and Dr. Jon Parker
Tamar Rubin and Adam Parker ◊
Rachel and Ari Parritz
Gary Pazdernik ◊
Karen and Dr. Alan Peaceman
Lauren Israel and Hershel Perlmutter
Eliana Weiner and Dr. Ben Philipson ◊
Lynn and Dr. Louis Philipson
Erica and Donnie Phillips
Rachel Pickus
Ronen Pink
Dr. Lilli Flink and Ariel Platt
Hannah and Brian Pogrund
Hannah Porter and Marshall Pollack
Elana Abraham and Josh Pomeranz
Dr. Bezalel Porten
Alexis and Kenneth Poss
Adi and Alex Prombaum
Yari and Kevin Rahmanim
Anne-Monique and Edward Rapoport
Marilyn Green and Dave Rebnord
David Ribnick
Rachel and Seva Rodnyansky
Lindsey and Jason Rose
Ann Lesley and Scott Rosen ◊
Sandi and Dan Rosenbaum
Alexandra and Jeremy Rosenberg
Marissa and Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg
Sandra and Michael Rosenstein
Jennifer Pehr and Jonathan Ross ◊
October 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024
Rose and David Ross
Mathew Rotenberg
Michael Roth
Jill Korey and Jon Rozenfeld
Robin and Rabbi Steven Rubenstein ◊
Aviva and David Rubin
Tracey Rubinoff
Madeline and Roni Rubinstein
Adam and Joseph Shemaria Rudolph
Donna and Ari Rudolph
Rebecca and Rabbi David Russo
Susan and Marc* Sacks ◊
Tess Glassman-Kaufman and Joshua Sacks
Rabbi Susan Tendler and Ross Sadoff
Rabbi Sarit Horwitz and Rabbi Abe Schachter-Gampel
Pamela and Cary Schack
Hannah Minkus and Joe Schaedler
Stacey and Neal Schneider
Ann* and Adam Schneiderman
Rabbi Anina Dassa and Judah Schvimer
Marci Dickman and Ralph Schwartz
Margalit and Nathaniel Segal
Lauren and Marty Segelbaum
Lindsay Seidenberg
Naomi Polinsky and Adam Seidenberg*
Laurie and Mitchell Serber
Elli Smerling and Andy Sevi
Jeremy Shanas
Dr. Miranda Hart and Jacob Shapiro
Sarah and Jeremy Sherman
Orrin Shifrin
Aly Sider
Jorie and Andrew Sigesmund
Samantha and Yoni Silverman
Rachelle Simon
Heidi and Matthew Simons
Faith Roessel and Matthew Slater
Emily and Dr. Jeremy Slosberg
Susan Agate and Michael Slutsky
Sheila and Michael Small ◊
Rachel and Jonathan Snitzer
Danya Snyder
Devora and Shimron Snyder-Shefer
Samara and Adam Soiref
Dr. Audra Kaplan Spellberg and Alan Spellberg
Alana Spellman
Ari Spellman
Abi Goldstein and Dr. Danny Stamos
Avi Stein
Shani Bocian and Josh Steinberg
Jesse Steinman
Keren and Jeremy Stonehill
Rachel Katz and Geoff Storchan
Amanda Sugar
Meryl and James Sullivan
Alison and Reuven Szleifer
Roberta and Leonard Tenner
Matt Tepperman
Kari Chester and Noah Trueger
Tracy and Dustin Truesdell
Lauren Rosenthal Turon
Margaret Ungerman
Sonia and Ron Ungerman
Elizabeth and Ira Ury
Joan and Dr. Joseph Vander Walde
Abby and Vitaly Vorobeychik
Linda Wagner-Weiner
Phyllis Waldmann* ◊
Glenn Warshaw
Tami and Reuben Warshawsky ◊
Leigh and David Waterman
Amanda and Sean Weil
Lisa and Michael Weiner
Sam Weiner
Dori and Gary Weinstein
Rita and Josh Weintraub
Danielle and Dan Weiss
Dr. Jody Zalkin-Weis and Philipp Weisskopf
Dr. Mary and Dr. Louis White
Ruth Igielnik and Ben Wieder
Barbara Gressel and Gary Wigoda
The Williamsburg Group, Ltd
Betty Winer
Every effort was made to correctly list donor names. If your gift was omitted or listed incorrectly, please email us at magazine@ramahwisconsin.com.
Carly Winick
Lee Wolf
Radyne and Dr. Steven Wolf
Robin and Mark Wolff
Katie Dawson-Wynne and Matt Wynne
Rachel Zeman*
Rabbi Elka Abrahamson and Rabbi Martin Zinkow
Phillip Zisook
Corporate Matching Gifts
Apple
Autodesk
The Boeing Company
eBay
Fiserv
Google Hillspire LLP
JP Morgan Chase
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
LinkedIn
Magid Glove and Safety
Microsoft
News Corp.
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Matching Gifts Program
Starbucks
UHG
UMB Bank
In Kind
Heidi and Ben Azulay
Dream Town Realty, Inc.
Diane and Isaiah Halivni
Judy and Thomas Merkel
Tesla
Tom, Dick and Harry Creative
Zelda’s Catering
Of Blessed Memory
We remember with gratitude the generosity of these donors who made legacy gifts in recent years. They will forever be remembered as devoted Ramah supporters who helped provide an outstanding camp experience for generations of young Jews.
Allen Agron
Betty Benson
David Berger
Rose Choffnes
Mimi and Ron Grossman
Micki and Uzi Halevy
Manuel Feldman
Stanford Goldberg
Evelyn Harris
Rabbi Myer Kripke
Gertrude Lederman
Wally Lelewski
George Levine
Edward Marks
Roselind and Sheldon Rabinowitz
Vivian Rice
Arthur Salkin
Leslie Schwartzman
Other Ways to Support Ramah
Create Your Legacy
Are you ready to invest in Ramah’s future?
Click on the QR code today to learn more about endowment and legacy giving, and view lists of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin’s named endowments and Legacy Society members. Your generosity today will make a world of difference to tomorrow’s campers.
To learn more, contact Sam Caplan, Chief Development Officer at 312-690-8332 or scaplan@ramahwisconsin.com
Create a Fundraising Campaign
Are you running a marathon? Marking a special birthday or anniversary? Celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Hundreds of children experience Ramah each summer because someone like YOU decided to help. It only takes a minute to set up a fundraising campaign. Decide what your personal fundraiser is about, pick a fun name, upload a photo, and just like that you’ll be ready to help kids get to camp next summer! Scan the qr code to learn more and start your fundraiser today!
Jacob Drumm (Shoafim camper 2024) recently started a fundraising campaign for his bar mitzvah!
RABBI BURTON I. COHEN
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin mourns the recent passing of Rabbi Burton Cohen z"l, camper during Ramah Wisconsin's inaugural Summer, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Director 1959-1974, and National Ramah Commission Director 1974-1989.
Rabbi Burton Irwin Cohen was beloved husband of 57 years to the late Roberta (nee Cheskis) whom he met at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in 1950; loving father of Yehuda (Ellen) Cohen (Nivo 1975 and Board of Directors), Ilana Cohen (Nivo 1983), and Ayala Cohen (John) Podhoretz (Nivo 1986 and Va'ad/Committee Member); cherished Saba of Joe Cohen (Nivo 2013), Shayna (Nivo 2020), Shiri (Nivo 2023), and Isaac Podhoretz (Nivo 2026).
He received the 1999 Lifetime Award for Achievement in the
Camp Ramah For Life
field of Jewish education from the Jewish Educators Assembly. In 1997, the National Ramah Commission presented Dr. Cohen with the Ramah Award for his outstanding contributions to the Ramah camping movement. He also received the National Community Service Award from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Rabbi Cohen on his time at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin: "I was fortunate to be a camper there in 1947, the initial summer. I say 'fortunate' in two senses: fortunate to be part of a landmark event in the history of Conservative Judaism; and fortunate because it was there that I made lifetime relationships and there that I would receive the impetus to embark on a career in Jewish education."
Following the recent passing of his father-in-law, Rabbi Burton Cohen, John Podhoretz recounts in Commentary Online the role Jewish camp played in Cohen’s life — and the role Cohen played in Jewish camp. “He was forever changed when, as a teenager, he went to the newly established Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. This was one of the great experiments of American Jewry, this summer sleepaway program and a few others across America. They took the camping movement — then all the rage among those determined to improve the social and physical health of urban youth and introduce them to the pleasures of fresh air and open climes — and added philosophical and practical Zionism to it. The kids in attendance not only observed dietary laws and learned about Jewish texts. There was also a real sense that they were being trained to be citizens of the new
Read Rabbi Cohen's reflections on his visit to camp in 2016.
Donate in Rabbi Cohen's memory to the Rabbi Burton I. Cohen Scholarship Fund at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin.
Jewish state, so much so that for a few years efforts were made to compel everyone to speak Hebrew at all times. That did not last, but Ramah has survived and thrived for 76 years and that original camp has spawned ten others across the country. It is one of the backbone institutions of American Zionism, and given the horrors of the past year, its continued existence has never seemed more urgent or more necessary… My father-in-law was one of those unsung stand-up guys who gave far more in his life than he ever got, a man of genuine modesty and gentle spirit, who never said a bad word about anyone — and yet with his own quiet tenacity helped to build and expand a lasting and vibrant institution that has done nothing but good when it comes to helping young people make the connection to Judaism’s astonishing past, its tumultuous present, and its vitally important future.”
AFrom Sarah Spellman, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations
s a Ramah Wisconsin lifer and future Ramah parent, I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to be the Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations. Camp Ramah in Wisconsin is where I formed lifelong friendships, met my Ramah sweetheart (who is now my amazing husband) and where my deep love for Judaism began. It was at camp where I became the best version of myself. It was where I learned how to be an independent thinker, to own my voice and stand tall for what I believe in. It was the place that allowed me and hundreds of other kids across the diaspora to learn that above all the best thing you can be in life is a mensch. Most notably, it was the place I felt a strong sense of pride, connection, strength and freedom in life as a Jew. Growing up in Minneapolis as a granddaughter of Cuban immigrants who fled Poland in WWII, my life was deeply assimilated in everyday American-Jewish life. My parents proudly raised my brother and me as Jews, but it was not until I attended camp that my Jewishness became the most cherished part of life. Because of this, I came home asking my parents to send me to Jewish Day School, to have Shabbat dinner every week and to live life more deeply engaged with our local Jewish community. It was what led me to my career as a Jewish professional and my lifelong devotion to Jewish peoplehood, continuity and Tikkun Olam. To this day, I still cannot thank my parents enough for the gift of camp. All of this is to say: Camp Ramah helped build the foundation of my soul and the moral compass that led me to who I am today.
Ramah Wisconsin has the best and most devoted Alumni Network. So many of you have stories like mine and feel so indebted to camp for the gifts that keep on giving. Whether it be the lifelong friendships, the morals and values that camp instilled, a love and passion for Judaism or a strong connection to the State of Israel, camp will always feel like a centerpiece of our lives. My role at camp is dedicated to all of you, bringing you back to the magic of
camp and making sure it is a place where our children and their children can experience the same Jewish joy in the Northwoods as we did. We are so excited to announce the first ever Alumni Camp this summer, August 9-11. Designed for alumni ages 21 and older, Alumni Camp 2024 will give you the unique opportunity to connect with friends, share the magic of camp with your spouse or partner, experience an amazing Kabbalat Shabbat as the sun sets on Lake Buckatabon, play sports on our brand new sports courts, create art in our updated arts center, dance and relax on the kikar, take a Shabbat walk and so much more.
Register Here
KOL HAKAVOD
to representatives from Nivonim 1994-2016 for raising over $170,000 for camper scholarships during the 2023 Alumni Impact Campaign!
Top 10 Teams
Nivo 2000 – $45,942
Nivo 1997 – $45,444
Nivo 1996 – $14,479
Nivo 2009 – $11,108
Nivo 2022 – $10,147
Nivo 2010 – $6,260
Nivo 2006 – $5,685
Nivo 2004 – $5,256
Nivo 1999 – $5,196
Nivo 1998 – $3,806
RAMAH CONNECT
Ramah Connect is your gateway to vintage camp photos and memories. It’s also great for professional networking across the vast Ramah Wisconsin alumni base and for reconnecting with old friends through the alumni directory. Join today to stay connected at ramahconnect.com or by downloading the Ramah Connect app.
Here’s an update from around the Ramah community.
ENGAGEMENTS BIRTHS
Tovah Lieberman (Nivo 2004) and Jeremy Drazner (Nivo 2008)
Rachel Zeman (Nivo 2010) and Charlie Felsenthal
Dani Segelbaum (Nivo 2010) and Scott Reibstein
Abby Kozberg (Nivo 2011) and Yoni Hirsch (Nivo 2011)
Samantha Silverman (Nivo 2011) and Justin Berkson
Shaina Kaplan (Nivo 2012) and Ari Jaffe
Marlee Gotlieb (Staff 2016) and Yoni Cohen (Ramah California)
MARRIAGES
Kara Behr (Nivo 2000) and Eric Breiner
Elana Cohen (Nivo 2006) and Alec Goldin
Becca Rich (Nivo 2008) and Mitch Connolly
Rabbi Anina Dassa (Staff 2023) and Judah Schvimer (Nivo 2009)
Adam Seidenberg (Nivo 2009) and Naomi Polinsky (Ramah Berkshires)
Abigail Gardener and Brandon Less (Nivo 2012)
Tehila Feit and Josh Gleicher (Nivo 2002) – Arlo Jack
Alexis Braverman and Charlie Gandelman (Nivo 2003) –
Nathan Simon
Dr. Yael Smiley and Gabriel Kravitz (Nivo 2003) – Asher Israel
Erin Frankel and Mathew Rotenberg (Nivo 2003) – Emma Charli
Alice and Ian Shaffer (Nivo 2004) –
Simon Davis
Emily and Dr. Jeremy Slosberg (Nivo 2004) – Henry
Tome (Allali) (Nivo 2005) and Matt Travers – Lia Mira
Debbie Sherman (Nivo 2005) and Oren Rasowsky – Ariel Benjamin
Emunah and Rabbi Adam Berman (Nivo 2006) – Nili Beatrice
Carly (Cooper) (Nivo 2006) and Aaron Wolff – Eliana Michal
Audrey (Gellman-Chomsky) (Nivo 2006) and Sahar Zada (Staff 2010) – Eddie Dan
Dr. Risa Hurwich (Nivo 2006) and Michael Kopinsky – Simon Ezra
Adina Allen (Nivo 2007) and Rabbi Josh Warshawsky (Nivo 2006) – Ziv Ari
Katie (Minkus) (Nivo 2007) and Zach Pellish – Coby Emmett
Rabbi Shani Abramowitz (Staff 2017-2019) and Joseph Eskin (Nivo 2007) – Tziporah Liba
Hayley Schwartzman (Nivo 2007) and Andrew Dolan – Amber June
Madeline (Shaffer) (Nivo 2007) and Jerry Shifrin – Grady Dylan
Tavor (Allali) (Nivo 2008) and Logan Bierman – Shir Adi
Rebekah (Hakimian) (Nivo 2008) and Stu Almeleh – Scarlett Kennedy
Jamie (Levin) (Nivo 2008) and Daniel Hochberg – Sophia Liora
Ari and Sam Botbol (Nivo 2010) –Libby Peggy
Ali Katz (Nivo 2010) and Alex Herod – Lily Rachel
Sarah and Scott Topal (Director of Operations) – Liam Micah
IN THE NEWS – CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Chaviva Jacobson (First Decade) for receiving an honorary doctorate degree from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Elisa (Spungen) (Nivo 1969) and Robert Bildner, Foundation for Jewish Camp founders on receiving the Hedley S. Dimock award from the American Camp Association for “extraordinary leadership, generous philanthropy, and significant impact on the field.”
Laura Senturia (Nivo 1990) on being named Washington Post’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.
Marc Yoskowitz (Nivo 1990) on being named CEO at Evozyne.
Rachel (Ruebner) Chernoff (Nivo 1994) on being selected as an Evolve Leadership Fellow for Hadassah.
Michael Kibort (Nivo 1999) for being promoted to Vice President, Retail Sportsbook at DraftKings Inc.
Our Sincere
CNBC host Sara Eisen (Nivo 2000) had a chance to interview Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jacob Millner (Nivo 2000) on becoming the new executive director of the Jack Miller Family Foundation and the Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund.
Karly Saeks (Tikvah 2000s) on becoming an aunt in 2023.
Gabe Rubin (Nivo 2009) on his new job as a columnist for Reuters reporting on business and economic policy in Washington.
Rabbi Jared Skoff (Staff 2010s) on his ordination and his new role as Assistant Rabbi at B’nai Amoona in St. Louis.
Condolences
To the family of Gerry Rosenberg (First Decade) who passed away in December 2023.
To the family of Dan Greenburg (First Decade) who passed away in December 2023.
To the family of Rabbi Burton Cohen (First Decade Alum, Former Director) who passed away in May 2024.
To the family of Fred Rothschild (Former Member of the Board of Trustees) who passed away in December 2023.
To the family of Loretta Becker (Staff 1970s-1980s) who passed away in February 2024.
To the family of Mirabella Love (Brooke Gardberg) (Nivo 1989) who passed away in April 2024.
To the family of Aliza Hakimian (Nivo 1992) who passed away in April 2024.
To the family of Susie Barezky (Nivo 1994) who passed away in February 2024
Please send life cycle updates and professional announcements to alumni@ramahwisconsin.com and check out alumni.ramahwisconsin.com for an alumni directory, update form, new baby onesie form and more.
REFLECTIONS ON RABBI GERRY ROSENBERG Z”L
“Until almost the very end, his memory of those old days, at Ramah in its first three decades, at Rodfei Zedek, in the Jewish society of the old south side of Chicago, etc., was astonishingly sharp, precise and entertaining. He was incredibly colorful, full of energy and joy, and was a highly influential ‘presence’ at the camp from the time of his first summer at camp in 1947 — Gerry began his long Ramah tenure in Ramah’s first season — through the next 2 decades when he progressed from camper to JC to assistant programmer and activities scheduler to Rosh Musika and Rosh Drama. During all those years, wherever there was drama, music or organized fun, Gerry was the sparkplug out in front leading it. He was bright, talented, cheerful, energetic, creative, kind and inspiring. (I think that is because of the influence of his then-rabbi, Rodfei Tzedek’s Ralph Simon, one of Ramah Wisconsin’s true ‘founders’). Gerry was accepted as a camper at the age of 8, which was at least 2 years younger than the required camp minimum for decades. There is a fascinating, and entertaining, and ‘typical Rosenberg,’ story about that. Gerry was the piano-player, part of the quartet that ‘invented.’ or first created, the ‘No Smoking’ song tradition at Ramah. I was privileged to be a camper at that event. It was remarkable, and huge fun, and the quartet who did it were creative, energetic, imaginative young leaders. Gerry met his wife, Renee Lifchez, at Ramah, and not surprisingly, Gerry and Renee’s children and grandchildren are also Wisconsin Ramahniks.”
– Bob Berger and Mike Newberger (First Decade Alumni)
The Ties That Bind: Alumni Reunions
By Aaron Weiner, Nivo 1988
I attended Camp Ramah in Wisconsin between 1984 and 1988. To this day, more than 35 years later, I still have fond memories from camp. What’s even more amazing is that our eidah (age division) has maintained extremely strong friendships over the years.
We all have busy lives, and we have all gone our separate ways. We have people from the East coast, Midwest and West coast. We even have eidah mates in Israel. What has helped us maintain these strong bonds for so many years has been our many incredible Ramah reunions.
It all started back at our 25th Ramah reunion, which was held at camp during the summer.
It had been so many years since I had seen my friends and camp, which made the whole experience so incredible. If Ramah contacts you and invites you for a reunion with your eidah, you need to go.
It was so much fun, but that was only the beginning.
A few years later, one of our fellow
campers, Tomer Rothschild, suggested something rather unusual: let’s all meet up at camp, but in the dead of winter. I mean, camp is amazing during the summer, but could it also be amazing during the winter?
To all my fellow Ramah alumni, I encourage you to reach out to your camp friends.
A group of us rented a house near camp and ventured up north for another reunion. It was incredible. Not only did we have a great time catching up with old friends, but we rented snowmobiles and traveled the area trails around camp. It was so amazing to see Ramah in the snow. It was even more fun speeding across a frozen Buckatabon Lake on snowmobiles and having pizza at Bauer’s Dam.
That reunion was so much fun that we did it again the following year.
This past year, we decided to try something new, something in a different location in the hope that
more people from our eidah would join us. So, back in January, we met up in Arizona, which was truly spectacular.
We went off-roading, pontoon boating, and mountain climbing. We had Shabbat dinner together, there was dancing, and we had a campfire with marshmallows and stories. We all became so much closer as a group and can’t wait to do it again in 2025 with the hope that more people can attend.
These gatherings have not only rekindled the incredible bonds we formed during our summers at camp but have also created new, lasting memories that we will cherish for years to come. The laughter, the stories, and the love we share during these reunions serve as a testament to the enduring power of the friendships we forged at Camp Ramah. Before the reunions, Camp Ramah was just a special time in our past. Since the reunions, it has become an important part of our present and future.
So, to all my fellow Ramah alumni, I encourage you to reach out to your camp friends. Plan a reunion and experience the magic of reconnecting with the people who helped shape some of the most formative years of your lives. Trust me, it will be an unforgettable journey that will only strengthen the already unbreakable ties you share with your camp family.
Visit Camp This Summer
OFFICIAL VISITOR DAYS
We are excited to welcome visitors to camp this summer and have lots of options for your visits!
Full Season Visitors Days (for 8-week campers)
• Sunday, July 14 – Monday, July 15, 2024 Open Camp Days (for 4-week campers)
• Sunday, June 30, 2024
• Sunday, July 28, 2024
DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITS
Overnight Visits — A stay in the camp guesthouse provides an opportunity to see the program in action on a typical day. Rates for overnight visits are $118 per adult per night. These fees include overnight lodging plus three meals a day in the camp dining hall.
NEW FOR 2024
The High Ropes Course is getting a major upgrade! We’re completely rebuilding the course with new elements that we think will be tons of fun, including auto-belay features.
New trail biking terrain park. Campers and staff love the new trail biking program that was introduced in 2022. This summer campers will have the chance to try out their skills on a new terrain park, first developed by a small group of Bogrim campers last summer and built out with some additional elements over the off-season.
Day Visits— You may visit camp from 10:30 a.m. –5:00 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays by making advance reservations using the day visitor form. If you will be in camp at lunch time (1:30 p.m.) you are welcome to join us for lunch in the guest dining hall free of charge.
VISITING TO SEE A PLAY
One of the highlights of the Camp Ramah season is the performance by each 7th-11th grade division of a Broadway musical in Hebrew. All campers participate in these productions by acting, singing, dancing, choreography, costumes or lighting design.
We welcome you to be a member of the audience for our camper musicals! Use the Visit Request Form on the left to register for your play visit.
2024 Musical Schedule
• July 10 – Shoafim (entering 8th grade) –Beauty and the Beast
• July 18 – Bogrim (entering 9th grade) – Matilda
• July 25 – Solelim (entering 7th grade) –Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
AN INTERVIEW WITH DEBORAH (BENSON) BEN ADERET, NIVO 1993
Deborah (Benson) Ben Aderet and her family built their beautiful family home in Kibbutz Zikim (inside the Gaza envelope) and have lived there for the last 8 years. On the morning of Oct 7th, their lives turned upside down. Early that morning, they had learned of a ground invasion, and they were instructed to be in their safe room until further notice. Living in Israel’s south, Deborah’s family was no stranger to being in their Mamaad (safe room) but after hearing hours of rockets, rounds of artillery and losing cellphone service, they had no idea of what they had lived through. 50 Hamas terrorists came up through the beach in Zikim and the IDF killed 41 of them. Unfortunately, between the IDF’s Zikim Training Base, Kibbutz Zikim and Zikim Beach, Hamas terrorists massacred many people in the beautiful place that Deborah, her husband Yossi and their two daughters call home. Deborah and her family were eventually evacuated with the entire surviving community of Kibbutz Zikim on Oct 8th to Jerusalem where they spent 2 weeks before coming to the United States.
Deborah Benson grew up in Highland Park, Illinois and is a very proud alumna of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin (Nivo 1993).
It is in her blood, as her grandfather served as president of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin from 1960-1979 — he even hired Rabbi Soloff! As an incredibly talented artist, Deborah taught surface pattern design as well as environmental consciousness in Israel. She came back to camp as a visiting artist for many years past her time as a camper and formal tzevet (staff) member. She feels deeply that her love for Judaism and her strong connection to Israel was learned and founded in the Northwoods. “It’s hard to put it into words — I don’t know what I would have done without the Camp Ramah experience and I hope my daughters can have this same experience someday. Ramah was the roots of my appreciation for Zionism and Judaism — it all started there,” she said.
Deborah’s art and work was well known around camp, including a scene of Jerusalem on one of the large structural poles of the former Omanut-Nagarut (Arts Center) building. For many summers she worked alongside former Rosh Omanut (head of art and crafts) Paul Palnik z”l who was a giant in Deborah’s life as a mentor, friend and teacher. She told me that to this day Omanut holds such a special place in her heart. If she
could have one more day as a camper, she said, “I would just go back and live in that present moment again. That was such a unique and formative time of my life and I knew how special it was.” Her advice for any young alumni who are just starting out in today’s world: “Embrace your Judaism, be proud of it and don’t be afraid to spread the truth.”
Among the many lessons she learned at camp, one that still impacts her today is: “Question everything and be curious. Meaning, you are allowed to be a proud supporter of Israel and also question everything. My love of Israel started at camp and Israel is home to me now; even after October 7th there is no other home for me. Even when things are extremely complicated. While physically I’m safe and comfortable here in the United States for the time being, I miss my people and the unity of Israel.”
Watch Deborah Ben Aderet’s full powerful and harrowing story of surviving the October 7th Massacre.
FROM WRITING SHABBAT-OGRAMS TO NEWS HEADLINES
Q & A WITH JACOB MAGID, NIVO 2010
Jacob is The Times of Israel's US Bureau Chief, covering developments in the United States as they relate to Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. From 2017 to 2020, he was based in Tel Aviv as ToI's West Bank correspondent. Jacob graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor's Degree in Arabic Studies and Political Science.
What years were you at camp? 2006-2010 as a camper, 2012 as a counselor, plus a two-week return from retirement in 2016
What is one (or more) of your favorite camp memories?
Hitting a three-pointer in the Solelim-Shoafim basketball game.
What was your favorite meal at camp?
French toast sticks. And the optional Shabbat morning breakfasts (or the raisin coffee cake).
Favorite spot in camp? The shetach.
Favorite camp activity?
Sha'at menucha; reffing Ligot games; drawing cards to see who showered first on Fridays; and picking up mail with a counselor.
How did camp contribute to where you are in your life now, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I know the Hebrew words to world-famous musicals whose English lyrics remain a mystery.
Professionally, every one of those Israel simulation Y'mei Meyuchad (weekly special themed days) ended up coming true, and I get to write about them at work.
What are some lessons you learned at camp that still impact you today?
It might’ve taken much of my JC (junior counselor) summer, but I learned the virtue of patience in dealing with campers that has been invaluable in my interpersonal reactions since.
If you could have one more day as a camper at camp, what would you do?
I’d go back to the pre-fruit bowl era when you could spend the entire Perek Zayin waiting in line at the chanutiah (canteen) for Reese's Pieces AND Gushers.
Any advice for our younger alumni who are just starting out?
There is life after Nivo!
Read Jacob’s columns at The Times of Israel
LIVING OUR CORE VALUES: INCLUSION
CDr. Audra Kaplan, Interim Director of Camp Wellness and Inclusion
reating an inclusive and supportive community is at the core of who we are — articulated as one of the four core values of Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and affirmed in the ways that we have created camps that are accessible, welcoming, and intentional for all campers. At Ramah Day Camp and Camp Ramah we continue to invest in the mental, emotional, social, spiritual, behavioral, and physical health of our community.
Universal Design
We apply the idea of universal design to guide our pre-camp planning and decision making. Universal design was originally developed for the design of products and buildings, and is now implemented regularly in schools and recreation. The goal of universal design is to build spaces and programming that are both accessible to individuals with disabilities and can be used by all. Some examples of universal design we use at camp include:
• Visual schedules and schedule stickers for water bottles
• Using visual and auditory cues like a “5 more minutes” sign
Intentional Spaces
• Redesigned accessible sports campus at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
• Sensory breaks in quiet spaces
Dina Greenberg, Ramah Day Camp Assistant Director
Supporting An Increasingly Diverse Camp Community
• Ramah Day Camp partnership with Keshet
• Shiluv inclusion program at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
• Camp wellness team of mental health professionals, educators, behavior therapists and medical staff.
Camp is a place for a child to grow from experience, learn from trial and error, find joy in trying new things, and connect to friends and Jewish community. By providing intentional structure and meaningful support for all campers, we are creating a community that can continue to flourish and thrive.
From Talia Derman, Director
As Israel and our Jewish world seem less than stable at the moment, I am grateful now more than ever for our camp community and the safe spaces for our campers and staff at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp. Like the many generations of Ramah leadership before us, we remain steadfast in our support of Israel and our Jewish educational programs. At Ramah Day Camp, we have 12 amazing shlichim (Israeli staff members) joining us from Israel to infuse their Zionism and Israeli culture into our camp. Our Sha’ar (Hebrew Immersion program) is the largest it’s ever been with 48 campers enrolled and all groups waitlisted. Finally, Daniel Weinberg will be taking on the role of Rosh Hinuch (Head of Jewish Education) at Ramah Day Camp this summer. He will ensure our curriculum is stellar and infuses in our campers a love of Judaism and Israel.
In addition to our continued focus on joyfully Jewish experiences, we have some other new experiences and programs this summer. We are installing a climbing tower on our campus that will allow our campers to build on their etgar (challenge) successes and continue to develop skills, cultivate teamwork and celebrate accomplishments. Additionally, we have some new specialty tracks and field trips for our older campers that we are excited to present including a trip to Bear Paw Adventure Park as well as a new specialty track for campers with a local magician teaching close up magic tricks they can share with family and friends. Lastly, we are excited to partner with Marla’s Lunch to
provide an opt-in tasty and healthy hot lunch program for our camper families. I am personally excited to take advantage of this for my own campers!
As we finish preparations for this summer, I am thrilled that Ramah Day Camp is a key pillar and focus of the 2024 Strategic Plan for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp. It’s wonderful to see our lay leaders and camper families gather behind the important mission of continuing to invest in our youngest Ramah campers to support the future of the movement. The future is bright as evidenced by our large pre-kindergarten and kindergarten numbers for this summer. To support this growth, we have hired additional staff members and we are excited to have the largest tzevet (staff) numbers Ramah Day Camp has ever had. Now more than ever, Jewish summer camp and specifically a Ramah experience is so important for high school and college-aged staff members to have a safe space to celebrate their Judaism. With that in mind, we look forward to a successful, meaningful summer for all of our campers and staff!
RAMAH DAY
CAMP EVENTS
98 W. Hintz Road, Wheeling, IL 60090
Open to all Ramahniks, alumni and friends
Family Fun Day
Sunday, July 21, 12 – 2 pm dairy lunch included
Family Swim Days
Sundays, June 30 and August 4 10 am –12 pm
CAMP RAMAH IN WISCONSIN EVENTS
Rabbi Sam Fraint z”l Championship Basketball Court Dedication
