Camp Ramah in the Berkshires facts for kids
| Founded | 1964 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rabbi Jerome (Jerry) Abrams |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | To provide camping, education, and boarding for campers under a religious structure. |
| Location | |
|
Director
|
Aytan Goodman |
|
Board President
|
Richard Friedman |
|
Business Director
|
Yoni Saposh |
| Affiliations | National Ramah Commission, Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Conservative Movement Judaism |
|
Revenue (2013)
|
$5,719,049 |
| Expenses (2013) | $5,176,329 |
|
Staff (2012)
|
394 |
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires is a popular overnight summer camp located in Wingdale, New York. It's one of many camps connected to the Conservative Movement of Judaism. This camp is part of the larger National Ramah Commission. It's also approved by the American Camp Association, which means it meets high standards for safety and quality.
The camp sits on a large piece of land, about 299 acres, in Dutchess County, New York. It's located near the Berkshire Mountains and right on Lake Ellis.
Contents
What Makes Ramah Special?
Camp Ramah is a camp with a focus on Jewish traditions and learning. It follows the rules of Shabbat (the Sabbath) and Kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). This means campers observe Shabbat and eat kosher food.
Hebrew Language at Camp
The Hebrew language is used a lot around camp. You'll hear Hebrew names for buildings and activities. This helps campers feel more connected to Jewish culture.
Daily Jewish Life
Campers attend daily prayer services. On certain days, like Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, they take part in the traditional Torah service. The camp also offers classes and programs to help campers learn more about their Jewish background. Many former campers and staff say their time at Ramah helped shape their Jewish identity.
Who Runs the Camp?
Camp Ramah in the Berkshires was founded in 1964 by Rabbi Jerome (Jerry) Abrams. He is now known as the Director Emeritus.
Camp Directors Over the Years
From 2003 to 2017, Rabbi Paul Resnick was the camp director. Currently, the director is Rabbi Ethan Linden. Other past directors include Rabbi David Mogilner, Rabbi Sheldon (Shelley) Dorph, David August, and Rabbi Burton Cohen, who led the camp in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Fun Programs and Age Groups
The camp hosts a special weekend every year for alumni (former campers and staff) who are 22 years old and older. This happens around Labor Day.
Camp Divisions (Edot)
Campers are divided into different age groups, which are called Edot in Hebrew. Each Eda has its own name:
- Cochavim ("Stars"): For campers entering 4th grade.
- Nitzanim ("Flower Buds"): For campers entering 5th grade.
- Shorashim ("Roots"): For campers entering 6th grade.
- Tzeirim ("Youths"): For campers entering 7th grade.
- Solelim ("Pavers"): For campers entering 8th grade.
- Bogrim ("Graduates"): For campers entering 9th grade.
- Machon ("Institute"): For campers entering 10th grade.
- Gesher ("Bridge"): For campers entering 11th grade.
