What a great day for the Faculty of Eisner and Crane Lake Camps! This morning, we were joined by more than 30 Rabbis, Cantors and Educators, wearing their camp shirts, for our annual Education Summit. Synagogue professionals from across the northeast gathered to vision and plan the educational components of Summer 2012.
What seemed to be most incredible was the support for camp! Some folks were new to camp, while others have been involved in camp for the duration of their careers and were campers at Jewish camps around the country. Faculty members proudly sported their camp t-shirts at the meeting in celebration of National Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day. As we went around the table, it was apparent that our movement, and the camps in particular, have had an incredible impact on our professional leadership. Nearly every person at the meeting has attended, served on faculty, or worked as a staff member at one or more URJ Camp.
The following are a couple of reflections from two faculty members about their camp experiences…
“Camp has always been such an integral part of my own Jewish development – from adolescence to my professional choices and decisions as a rabbi. Being able to give back to the Jewish camping community, in this informal but powerful Jewish setting, and watching young kids develop their own sense of Judaism in their lives, is one of the most inspiring and rewarding things I do throughout the entire year. Just like the campers, I countdown to my time at camp every year…. For the warm summer days where memories are made and lives are changed, forever.” –Rabbi Elizabeth Wood, Reform Temple of Forest Hills
“I grew up in the Soviet Union and the first Jewish camp I attended was as a member of staff. Every time I get to be at Jewish Camp, to experience the spirit, the camaraderie, the learning and friendship, my heart fills up with an incredible sense of pride and excitement.” – Rabbi Michael Farbman, Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven
We are so thankful for the constant support and enthusiasm from our rabbis, cantors and educators. And of course, we had a great time looking at everyone’s camp shirts!
An impressive list of those who joined us and the camps they have attended…
Rabbi Joel | Abraham | Eisner Camp, Kutz, Camp Harlam, Kadima (ULPJ) |
Rabbi Matt | Berger | Crane Lake Camp, OSRUI |
Lauren | Chizner | Greene Family Camp, Crane Lake Camp |
Rabbi Jeffrey | Clopper | Crane Lake Camp, Greene Family Camp, Kutz |
Cantor Lisa | Doob | OSRUI, B’nai Brith Montreal |
Rabbi Michael | Farbman | Eisner Camp, RSY Netzer, FSU Netzer |
Marissa | Frankel | Eisner Camp, Crane Lake Camp |
Rabbi David | Freedlund | Crane Lake Camp |
James | Gelsey | Eisner Camp, Coleman, Kutz |
Rabbi Jonathan | Hecht | Eisner Camp |
Rabbi Neil | Hirsch | Eisner Camp, Greene Family Camp |
Cantor Gail | Hirschenfang | Eisner Camp |
Cantor Brad | Hyman | Crane Lake Camp |
Greg | Kellner | Crane Lake Camp, Eisner Camp, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps |
Rabbi Beth | Klafter | Eisner Camp |
Cantor Martin | Levson | Crane Lake Camp, Eisner Camp, Greene Family Camp, Swig |
Rabbi David | Levy | OSRUI, Eisner Camp, Crane Lake Camp, Kutz |
Rabbi Seth | Limmer | Eisner Camp |
Rabbi Joel | Mosbacher | Eisner Camp |
Rabbi Susie | Moskowitz | Jacobs Camp, Eisner Camp |
Lisa | Rosenberg | Crane Lake Camp, Eisner Camp, Kutz |
Debby | Shriber | Crane Lake, Eisner Camp, Poyntelle |
Cantor Sheila | Singer | Crane Lake Camp |
Rabbi Josh | Strom | Harlam, OSRUI, Crane Lake Camp |
Stephen | Weitzman | Crane Lake Camp, Eisner Camp |
Ira | Wise | OSRUI, Eisner Camp |
Rabbi Elizabeth | Wood | Eisner Camp, GUCI, Camp Young Judaea |