2024 Louis & Shoshanah Winer Institute for Rosh Edah Training
by Maya Klareich, National Ramah Program Director
This spring, the National Ramah Commission hosted two groups of rashei edot (division heads) for our annual Louis & Shoshanah Winer Institute for Rosh Edah Training—one from May 21–22 in Jerusalem and another from June 3–5 at Camp Ramah New England in Palmer, MA. Between the two groups, there were 34 rashei edot from 11 Ramah camps who gathered to learn, share best practices, and collaborate on ideas in preparation for their roles during kayitz 2024.
“Winer was a great opportunity to help me feel tangibly prepared for my first summer as a rosh edah.”
Over their time together, participants prepared to don the many “hats'' they “wear” as rashei edot, learned tactics to elevate their tefillot, structured their shavuah hachanah (staff week) sessions, and promised to hold each other accountable for practicing self-care throughout the kayitz. Amy Skopp Cooper, National Director, and Dr. Daniel Olson, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Research, led discussions on safe, healthy, and inclusive community-building.
Fourteen year-round Ramah professionals attended one or both gatherings, during which they led sessions, provided expertise, and mentored incoming rashei edot.
“I love coming to Winer because every year I not only get to meet new people who are doing the same job I am over the summer, but I also get to see new perspectives on challenges I’ve had in the past.”
Both groups of rashei edot were introduced to the new National Ramah Israel Curriculum and discussed approaches to Israel education. We highlighted the important role shlichim will play at camp this summer and got ourselves thinking about how we will provide welcoming and nurturing environments for them.
Every year, rashei edot leave Winer valuing the relationships they build with other participants across the Ramah movement. This year, the rashei edot were paired up and asked to spend a meal together, just getting to know one another. They bonded over a night of silly “minute-to-win-it” challenges while learning about the importance of bonding with their tzevet (staff) throughout the summer. Rashei edot also took turns sharing their “Ramah stories” with the group around the medura (bonfire)—an opportunity for everyone at Winer to hear what got each individual to the role of a rosh edah.
“Attending Winer not only helped me feel more prepared to be a rosh, but also gave me a meaningful experience with rashei edot from many different Ramah camps!”
Everyone brought their ruach (spirit), good nature, and passion for Ramah to our time together. We are confident that our rashei edot are returning to their respective machanot this kayitz prepared with practical skills to help them succeed from their first “bruchim habaim” (welcome) to their last “lehitraot” (see you later). We are so excited to see what is in store for these incredible rashei edot and to hear about the impact Winer has on their experiences!
Additional participant reflections:
“The programming we did at Winer has allowed me to feel prepared and confident about my role as a rosh.”
“Winer gave me the opportunity to connect with rashei edot and brainstorm ways that we can do our job to the best of our ability.”
“Winer gave me the tools and resources to help me feel more prepared to take on the challenging role of rosh edah.”
“While intense, Winer made me feel 1000% more prepared for the upcoming Kayitz and as a first-time rosh, it greatly impacted my success during the summer!”