Hanhallah 2020!
We are pleased to announce this our extraordinary hanhallah — our Rashei Edot (division heads) for our overnight camp in Palmer for kayitz (summer) 2020:
Program Staff-Member Sarah Monderer: Hi! I’m Sarah Monderer, but I go by Smond! I’m currently a senior at the College of Charleston and plan to graduate this May with majors in French and Political Science and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. After college, I hope to get a job working in social justice or human rights. School aside, I love playing ultimate frisbee, traveling, and doing crossword puzzles! I am so excited to return to camp this kayitz (summer). This will be my 13th summer at camp and my 5th on tzevet (staff). I am counting down the days until we’re all back at Camp Ramah! L’hitraot b’Palmer!
Rosh Kochavim Emma Gelb: Hey Kochavim!!! My name is Emma and I am beyond excited to be your Rosh Edah for kayitz 2020!!! I am currently finishing up my junior year at Lesley University where I study Early Childhood Education. I love dancing, playing guitar, pottery, animals, and of course Machane Ramah! Camp is my favorite place in the entire universe and I cannot wait to share the kayitz with all of you at the most magical place on earth!
Rosh Ilanot Adina Schwartz: Shalom Ilanot! My name is Adina Schwartz and I’m so excited to be your Rosh Edah for kayitz (summer) 2020! I am graduating in May from the University of Maryland with a degree psychology. I love Israeli dancing, knitting, and chocolate chip cookies. I was a madricha (counselor) in Ilanot for three summers and am so excited to be back in the best edah in the machane (camp)!
Rosh Solelim Shari Traiger: Hi! My name is Shari Traiger and I am SO excited to be Rosh Solelim for kayitz (summer) 2020! This will be my fourteenth summer at camp and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. During my time not at camp, I am a student at Umass Amherst, where I study biomedical engineering. However, this semester I am living in Boston, interning at a pharmaceutical company. I can not wait for the ruach (spirit/energy) filled weeks and the relaxing Shabbatot with all of you! Get ready for a kayitz of kef (fun) and excitement! L’hitraot b’Palmer!
Rosh Shoafim Vered Ornstein: Shalom, Shoafim 2020! My name is Vered and I am so excited to be your Rosh Edah this kayitz (summer). I was a chanicha (camper) at camp from 2007 all the way through Nivonim 2014, and I’ve spent the last four years working as a madricha (counselor) throughout camp. I’m currently a senior at the University at Albany getting my degree in English and Communications. In my free time, I love to write, play with makeup, and binge watch my favorite TV shows. This kayitz, I am most excited for medurot (campfires), enjoying the agam, and watching you all be incredible leaders of Tzad Aleph (A-Side). Can’t wait to see you soon!
Rosh Amitzim Sole Sloan: Hey Hey Amitzim! I am SO excited to be your Rosh Amitzim this kayitz (summer)! This will be my fifteenth kayitz at Machaneh Ramah, my fifth kayitz with Amitzim, and my second kayitz as Rosh Amitzim! I’m from Chevy Chase, Maryland, and I am currently studying abroad in Santiago, Chile! Next fall I will continue my studies at the University of Vermont where I will graduate with a degree in History and Feminist Studies. I like to play frisbee, dance, and hang out with my friends! I can’t wait to spend another fabulous kayitz with you all!
Rosh Magshimim Yoni Gelb: Hi! My name is Yoni Gelb and I’m beyond excited to be Rosh Magshimim for kayitz 2020! This will be my fifth year on staff, and my second as a Rosh Edah. Magshimim is an exciting time, as you get to experience the ruach of Tzad Bet for the first time, and I am excited to be a part of that again with all of you! I am currently finishing up my senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I study mechanical engineering, but I am always excited to return to my real home in Palmer, MA. In my free time, I enjoy coaching basketball, cooking, watching hockey, listening to music (especially Taylor Swift), and drinking Dunkin’ iced coffee. I can’t wait for all the fun that awaits us this kayitz! Lehitraot b’Palmer!!
Rosh Bogrim Tali Glickman: Shalom! My name is Tali Glickman and I am SO excited to be Rosh Bogrim for kayitz 2020! This will be my second year being Rosh Bogrim and my eighteenth at Camp Ramah in New England. I am so excited for an amazing kayitz filled with laughter, fun, a great machazemer (play/musical), a funyaking trip and amazing memories. I am currently a fourth year at Northeastern University studying Psychology and Human Services. I am currently on my second co-op (a cool 6-month working experience) at the Walden Street School working as a residential counselor in their therapeutic milieu. In my spare time I like to watch sports, read Harry Potter and immerse myself in cinematic experiences (HSM anyone???). It is going to be an amazing kayitz, I cannot wait!
Rosh Machon Emma Neusner: Hey Machon! I am so excited to be your Rosh Edah for kayitz 2020! This will be my sixteenth kayitz at camp, my fourth as a Rosh Edah, and my second as Rosh Machon! When I’m not at camp, I’m getting ready for camp! During the fall, winter, and spring, I work as Camp Ramah in New England’s Staff Hiring and Programming Coordinator. I love coffee, running, and dancing, and I can’t wait to have a great kayitz with you all!
Rosh Nivonim Andy Weissfeld: Hi Nivonim! I am so excited to be your Rosh Nivonim for kayitz 2020! I grew up in Pittsburgh PA and moved to Montgomery County, MD with my family almost six years ago. I spent this past year living in Jerusalem and studying at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where I am entering my third year of Rabbinical school. This will be my fifth kayitz on Hanhallah and my second as Rosh Nivonim. I enjoy exploring the character development that takes place in Jewish texts (like the Torah and the Talmud) and other media (such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and Avatar the Last Airbender). My hobbies also include include swimming, biking, running, and following the Pittsburgh sports teams. I am beyond excited to work with Nivonim 2020 to make this summer one to remember!