Ramah’s Impact on our Israeli Community
Shalom Ramah New England Community,
I want to share with you this powerful video that we made this summer at camp following the experience of four of our Israeli counselors. Please read the introduction and click on the video above.
One of my favorite lines from tefilot is “Ufros aleinu Sukkat Shlomecha – spread over us Your shelter of peace.” This prayer is said during the evening service when many feel most vulnerable. The “Sukkah” is a temporary dwelling and with the onset of Sukkot tonight, we will each head into our actual Sukkah hoping for peace. We long not only for the peace that comes with the end of war, but also for peace that leads to healing from the trauma we have collectively suffered since October 7th.
I have spent most of my adult life working for Camp Ramah and developing a deep connection to the Israeli campers and staff who have joined our community. Over the years there have been ups and downs, tragedy and triumph and dejection and hope. The Israelis who have come have wanted to share their love of Israel and their personal stories. We’ve debated, raised our voices, shared hugs, and shed tears together.
Camp is uniquely positioned to have an outsized impact in our current times. It is a place where personal connections flourish outside of the overwhelming noise of the outside world. It is a place where Jewish identity and pride can be nurtured and can grow free from anti-Semitism. It is a place where community cares for everyone and you belong.
This year, Camp Ramah’s impact on our Israeli campers and staff was even more profound than ever. The Iran war threatened to cancel our ability to have any Israelis at camp, but through incredible work, investment and just lucky enough timing, we were able to host 77 campers and 78 Israeli staff (at our overnight camp alone). Of these staff, 35 served as bunk counselors and built incredible relationships with their campers.
Sukkot is the holiday called “Z’man Simchateinu (the time of our joy)”. The fact that October 7 happened on Simchat Torah is not lost on us. Joy is commanded of us – which is strange. Yet our people has shown resilience through the years to celebrate even when we are in the midst of tragedy. I pray we can hold space to remember October 7th while also holding space to feel the joy of our community.
The power of camp is profound. Please watch this four minute video following the experiences of four of our young Israeli staff. We should feel pride that Ramah has this impact and remain committed to continue to be a strong and supportive community.
Chag Sameach!