We made our goal! On both opening days as well as first session closing day and visiting day, we collected over 300 cans to feed the hungry in our local community.

The Birkat Hamazon, the blessing we say after every meal at camp, states, Baruch Atah Adonai, Hazan et hakol– Blessed are you, Adonai, who feeds all. At camp we are lucky enough to eat healthful meals three times a day, with a delicious menu and fresh fruits and vegetables on our salad bars.  We also recognize that all are not able to eat as well as we are and we want to do our part to hazan et ha’kol— to feed everyone in our community.

For the past three summers, Crane Lake has been building a relationship with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.  Each session campers volunteer at the warehouse, which provides over 30 million pounds of food a year to agencies in 23 counties locally, and they work at the Food Bank’s farm which serves over 1,000 participating agencies with diverse, fresh produce. Our Jewish Teen Funders Network teen foundations have also participated in site visits at the Food Bank to consider them as a recipient of their philanthropic grant money. Through our continued relationship with the Food Bank, campers learn the importance of sustained support of a cause and a particular organization.

Now, each opening and closing day, we have asked that you join us in the mitzvah of feeding the hungry by bringing a can with you as you pack your suitcases for camp. It is an important reminder of our Jewish values to remember those less fortunate than us. We are proud of our commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, and thank you so much for helping us reach this year’s goal.

By Sarah Lauing, Director of Jewish Life