FROM THE DESK OF RABBI JOEL

A few months ago, I was introduced to a song written by the band HAIM, a trio of sisters; Estee, Danielle, and Alana Haim, based in Los Angeles. The song is called Hallelujah, and it comes as a ‘hidden track’ on the vinyl version of their album Women in Music Pt. III.

Now, it takes some guts to write a song called Hallelujah; what, with one of the greatest songs ever written having the same name (and no, I’m not talking about Psalms 146-150.)

This was a ‘love at first listen’ song. Simple finger picking on the guitar, a stunning lead vocal which blossoms into three-part harmony, and the lyrics, an ode to love, connection, and support.

After listening a few times, a dream emerged. Could this song be turned into a moment of gratitude at the Weinstein Training Conference for rising Madrichim? Last Friday morning, that dream came true for me.

As I led musical t’fillot, I introduced the song to the group. I quickly discovered there were many a HAIM fan in the room, but slowly we turned from the English lyrics of the song to the Hebrew words of the Psalm.

Why me? How’d I get this Hallelujah?

Kol HaNeshamah t’halel Yah, Hallelujah!

As we sang (and prayed) these words, I meant them. Both the English and the Hebrew.

Every breath I take should be dedicated to praising God for the good in my life and in the world. And with that gratitude comes humility – Why Me? How’d I get this Hallelujah?

Another beautiful moment brought into my life through the eternal gift of Machaneh Ramah.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joel

Newsletter Highlights

What's New at Poconos?
What's New at RDC?
Upcoming Events
Scholarship Application
Share Your Shabbat Photos!
Tikvah Family Camp
Enrollment & Waitlist Updates

What's New at Camp Ramah in the Poconos?

Last weekend, members of our year-round team and a group of returning madrichim (counselors) had the exciting opportunity to spend five days at Ramah California for the National Ramah Weinstein Leadership Institute. We met with representatives from across the entire Ramah Camping movement to share ideas, learn from year-round professionals, and celebrate a joyous Ramah Shabbat - each part of the weekend serving as a reminder of the impact of camp.

“Weinstein has been an eye opening experience! I have met people from other Ramah camps who feel the same connection to camp as I do. I didn't even know I needed camp right now until I came here and was surrounded by so many other people who also love Ramah." - Ziva Davis, madricha

"Being here and thinking about camp in the middle of winter reminds me of everything that is special about Poconos, and makes me appreciate the views, the traditions, and people even more. I am beyond energized and can't wait to get back there this summer!" - Alyse Wicentowski, madricha

We shared in previous newsletters that we are partnering with Aleinu and Sacred Spaces to take a critical look at our child safety practices and policies. Our Child Safety Committee meets regularly to identify areas for enhancement, including training and policy guidelines, that prioritize the health and safety of all campers and staff in our community. We are excited to share that this summer, we will partner with Drew Fidler LCSW-C, the Director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness. Drew will meet with our staff to provide training content on important child safety topics including building safe environments, establishing healthy boundaries and best practices in working safely with youth in the camp environment.

As we turn the calendar to 2023 and camp is just a few months away, we are preparing to release forms, updated policies, and announcements about the summer. Please remember to keep an eye out for emails and our monthly newsletters to stay up to date.

What's New at Ramah Day Camp?

We were thrilled to spend time with so many families this month! We met some new families and reconnected with current ones at Perelman's Open House and loved celebrating Hanukkah with families at our Open House and Sha'ar Reunion, and at the Old York Road Laser Light Hanukkah Show! Save the date for an all camp Rikkud Reunion on April 30th! Check out all of our upcoming events below.

We are excited to welcome longtime RDC-er, Phil Nathanson, to the year-round team as our part-time Director of Operations!

Phil joined the Ramah staff as a madrich (counselor) in 2006 and is excited to start planning his 10th summer at Ramah Day Camp. Phil studied Accounting and Theater at Case Western Reserve University, and has a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan. Outside of camp, Phil is a 6th grade Language Arts Teacher for the Southeast Delco School District and is the Youth Director for Temple Beth Hillel Beth El.

2023 Staff Members: Check out our upcoming staff training events here >>

Our scholarship application for Summer 2023 is live!

Access the application in your CampMinder account, under the Forms and Documents section. We will begin awarding gifts later this month.

For first time overnight campers, One Happy Camper offers grants of up to $1,000. Apply at OneHappyCamper.org!

Questions? Contact Debbie Lacks at debbiel@ramahpoconos.org.

Contribute to our Scholarship Fund today!

Last summer, one in three campers received scholarship support. Camp Ramah in the Poconos is committed to making camp as accessible as possible, so Jewish families can make Jewish choices from the start. Each summer, over $300,000 is awarded in scholarship aid; we need your continued support to continue to make camp accessible to all. Make a gift to support scholarships today!

DONATE TODAY!

Do you have camp Shabbat photos from the past to share with us?

We are creating a new siddur and need YOUR help! Select Shabbat pictures from over the decades will be featured in this unique siddur, used every Friday at Camp Ramah in the Poconos' Beit Knesset!

Share Your Photos HERE!