The Meaning of Community for Our Mishlachat

During the final Shabbat of the summer, several members of our Mishlachat – Israeli staff members – offered readings about their connections to camp, home, and community at such an uncertain time. We hope you will find as much meaning in their thoughtful...
Exploring Our Relationship With Israel

Exploring Our Relationship With Israel

By Shayna “Shosh” Dollinger Summer Education Director Rabbinic Student at Hebrew Union College Jewish summer camp is the perfect place to learn about, process, and reckon with what it means to be a diaspora Jew in relationship with the state, nation and...
Newman is Worth the Journey

Newman is Worth the Journey

By Rabbi Alex Kress Beth Shir Shalom, Santa Monica Session Gimmel Camp Faculty I grew up at URJ Camp Harlam in Pennsylvania. I started camp the summer before my Bar Mitzvah. Just before that giant milestone, I discovered a Judaism at camp that felt joyful, unbound,...
Skills Beyond Summer

Skills Beyond Summer

by Jordanna Flores, Mechina Director When I’m driving or just brushing my teeth, I have imaginary conversations with people—people I know, people I have never met. Yes, I know this is a product of my anxiety. (See what I did there? I imagined what you would say, and I...