At Camp Newman, Jewish learning isn’t confined to books or classrooms—it comes alive in the ways campers interact with one another and the world around them. One of the most powerful examples of this is the “Mitzvah Mensches” elective in Tzofim (12- and 13-year-olds). Named after and rooted in the idea of Torah Lishmah—learning for its own sake—this elective helps campers explore Jewish values through kind acts. While they learn about mitzvot like kavod habriyot (honoring others), Tikkun olam (repairing the world), and hakarat hatov (gratitude), they also live those values out in real time across camp.

Role Modeling is part of our CARE Philosophy

The Mitzvah Mensches are known around camp for their quiet acts of kindness. You might see them picking up trash that others have left behind, not because anyone told them to, but because they’ve internalized the value of taking care of shared sacred space. They write handwritten thank-you notes to the kitchen staff, who work long hours behind the scenes to keep everyone fed. They design and hang colorful posters to thank their counselors, reminding them how appreciated and impactful they are.These small acts ripple outward, modeling kindness and gratitude for their peers and younger campers. At camp, we are guided by our CARE Philosophy – where each and every person is seen and celebrated and we all take responsibility for creating and embodying a kehillah kedoshah, a holy community.

Impact Beyond the Summer

At Camp Newman, we imagine the world as it could be – more compassionate, more whole, more joyful – and create that world here on Porter Creek Road. Campers are discovering that they can bring more goodness into the world, leaving camp and the world better than when they arrived. It’s kindness for the sake of kindness. The Mitzvah Mensches show that Jewish learning isn’t just about what we know, but how we show up—with kindness and responsibility.