“Ramah Was There for Us.”

A recent letter from the parents of a child in one of our Tikvah programs captures the feelings of so many in the Ramah community this summer.

“Even without camp, Ramah was critical for our children, offering fun tefillot, choices of chugim, bunk and edah reunions, and great concerts. Even without camp, Ramah was there for us, and it added so much to a very challenging summer.” 

At the conclusion of a typical summer, we would be enthusiastically reporting statistics about our successful season: more than 12,000 campers and staff; 1,500 new families; 300 inspirational Israeli shlichim; $10 million in new donations; 15 new Ramah olim, etc.

With all of our camps closed, we could report data quantifying this summer’s losses. Instead, we want to concentrate on the incredible amount of engagement which did take place, notwithstanding the challenges of COVID-19.

When we first contemplated “virtual camp,” it was hard to be optimistic. We knew we could never replace the in-person smiles and the sense of togetherness that make so many feel at home at camp. Yet, looking back, we are inspired by the burst of creativity and innovation of our camp leaders; the generous spirit of participation from our campers and staff; and the incredible financial support of Ramah families, lay leaders, institutional partners, and donors who are providing the funds necessary for us to remain fiscally sound.

Could anyone ever have imagined that with all of our camps closed, more than 500 of our dedicated tzevet members would run virtual programming for over 3,800 campers—including more than 1,200 teens? Or, that our camps’ livestreaming on social media would reach 45,000 Ramah community members?

Or, that there would be more than 220,000 views of NRC and Ramah Israel movement-wide livestreams, including staff limmud, a concert and discussion on racial justice, an Eicha reading at the Kotel, and Kolot Ramah musical events?

Or, that our Tikvah directors and their staff would organize multiple programs each week, as well as run vocational training and social skills sessions for 44 young adults with disabilities from across our camps?

We are proud that in these challenging times, Ramah is more important than ever, to maintain and strengthen Jewish engagement. We pledge to continue to offer our communities inspiring ways to stay connected. We eagerly anticipate—with tremendous excitement—once again coming together in our camps and Israel programs, as soon as we can safely return. 

“Ramah was there for us.”

And always will be.

Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, Director, and Amy Skopp Cooper, Associate Director
National Ramah Commission, Inc. of The Jewish Theological Seminary