ur Limmud experience began on our ride up to Stamford, Conn., where the conference took place at the Hilton. Unexpectedly, we had a very full car — we were six Jews, religious and secular, New Yorkers and Brits, a rabbi, a cantor and a musician, with three presenters, two reporters, several jokesters and lots of lively conversation, a taste of what was to come.
Read MoreJudaism has been a part of my life since I was born. My mother snuck Shabbatcandles into the hospital in preparation for my birth and I was born on Shabbos afternoon surrounded by my family and future friends, all welcoming Shabbat and my existence. As a child, I was raised primarily by my Jewish, African-American mother, Denise. I am honored to say that she converted to this amazing religion and that I am 100% Jewish.
Read MoreWhen the first Jewish summer camps were founded over a century ago, they offered youngsters respite from urban blight and disease, opportunities for friendship and independence and a taste of Jewish culture.
Read MoreFor Rabbi Joe Menashe, an effective camp experience doesn’t stop at summer’s end. The Executive Director of Camp Ramah in California, the national camp’s Western location; working to ensure the health of the established camp and cultivating camp programs to develop the next Jewish leaders is all in a day’s work.
Read MoreLast month, the Tikvah program for campers with disabilities at Camp Ramah in New England took a group of 12 young adults, graduates of the camper program, to Israel for a ten-day trip. This trip was not the first of its kind. In fact, every two years Ramah New England offers a Tikvah Israel trip, with many participants returning to Israel again and again for a chance to visit the Jewish homeland with their close friends from Ramah.
Read MoreAt the end of every summer, Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, GA turns into Camp Yofi, where children with autism and their families can enjoy a week of Jewish camping fun and relaxation.
Read MoreGoing away to an overnight camp for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience for some children.
Read MoreHeading back to school in the fall after a fun-filled summer at camp has always been a bit of a letdown for kids. Who hasn’t wished that school were more like summer camp and that teachers were more like camp counselors?
Read MoreAs we start the New Year, it’s important to look back on what was accomplished for inclusion of Jews with disabilities this past year. We planted the seeds for future progress. Most of the work focused on “setting the table” for inclusion: raising awareness, creating critical policies and standards, and developing and conducting training for professionals. Hopefully, 2014 will be the year of implementation. Meanwhile, here are the top plays and players of 2013.
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