• Learning During a Pandemic

    on September 8, 2020

    by Aaron Gurvis, Assistant Director, Crane Lake Camp In September of 2000, I experienced my first transition from camp to school. I had just finished two weeks in K’tanim and was getting ready to start second grade. I remember how hard it was to leave camp that first summer, and how challenging it was transitioning […]


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  • Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof

    on June 5, 2020

    Dearest Crane Lake Families, In the last week, it has filled our hearts with hope and light to see our campers, staff, alumni, and faculty living their Jewish values by taking a stand against hatred and racism and standing up for the dignity and equality of all people. In the face of injustice, our community […]


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  • World Zionist Congress Elections 2020

    on February 4, 2020

    by Debby Shriber, Executive Director, URJ Northeast Camps & Youth I’m typing this as I get ready to travel to Israel to meet some of our new shlichim. As you know, each summer an incredible cohort of Israeli Shlichim enriches our summer experience by bringing Israel to life for our campers. The bonds that are […]


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    Dedicating our Outdoor Sanctuary

    on August 27, 2019

    by Melissa Buyer-Witman, Eisner & Crane Lake Faculty Dean On Friday, July 19th, our Alumni, faculty, board members, generous supporters, leaders in the movement along with campers, and staff all gathered together to dedicate and celebrate our recently revitalized outdoor sanctuary. Nothing could stifle the sense of community or gratitude we felt in coming together, […]


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    Maccabia 2019

    on August 27, 2019

    Chop, Tug, Hatchet, Rope Burn, Apache, Sing, and Banner. These are the elements that make up our Color War and Maccabia 2019 was one for the ages! Re-live the magic in this video.


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  • Jewish Value of the Week: Kehillah

    on August 15, 2019

    Rabbi Darcie Crystal of Hebrew Union College spoke beautifully on the Jewish Value of kehillah - community. Here is what she had to share at tefillah.


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  • “We Remember When . . .” Growing Up in West Stockbridge in the 1950’s

    on August 13, 2019

    A Series of Recollections by John Bormolini and Friends. This article was originally printed in West Stockbridge’s monthly newsletter, the Local Yokel. Reposted with permission. Until 1954, Crane Lake Camp (CLC), one of the many camps in the Berkshires, was owned and operated by George Kaplan. Then it was sold to Ed Ulanoff, his wife […]


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  • Moses the Mensch

    on August 12, 2019

    Second session’s play was Moses the Mensch, a dramatic presentation of the story of Moses.  We were transported to the time of the Torah with the excellent set and costumes. The cast had the audience in stitches with the comedic timing. What made this play even more special was that the author of the play, […]


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  • Devarim: The Importance of Repetition

    on August 10, 2019

    Chelsea talks about in riching the lives of all Crane Lake campers and counselors through our services and traditions at camp. How we may continue to grow each and every day and to be the kinds of caretakers who facilitate that growth in our campers and children.


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  • Savlanut– Patience: Because Nothing worth being, ever happened overnight.

    on August 8, 2019

    Read Cantor Brad's blog about patience and Jewish continuity at camp.


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