In these early months in this incredible role as Executive Director of Camp Ramah in California, I am trying to get out of our offices to listen to as many Ramah constituents as possible.  While I am only beginning my listening tour, thus far it has been an incredible way to learn the depth of love, care and appreciation so many have for Ramah.  Even the critical feedback that I have received has been offered with love and a desire for Ramah to be all it can be.  While I have many more people to listen to and much more to learn, I'd like to share a phrase that one long-time Ramah supporter told me.  She  said that "Camp makes the Jew."  Study after study bears out the fact that camp over a number of years and especially coupled with years working as staff is the best determinant of Jewish identity as an adult.  While I accept and often espouse this, it got me thinking about why this is so.  What makes the camper experience so significant that it impacts adult choices and identification as much or more than any other factor?   Is it because kids, without parents, are more open to making Judaism their own?  Is it because of the beautiful natural setting?  Is it because of the madrichim (counselors) who share their passion for Judaism and love for Ramah with their chanichim (campers)?  Is it the friendships formed at camp that last a lifetime?  While the answer includes all of these factors, it is something far less tangible.  Amy L. Sales, a professor who has studied and written about the enduring impact of Jewish summer camping stated, "Each camp has a very strong and intentional culture, camp by camp. Camp's power to socialize young Jews--How do I be a Jew? How do I be a member of the Jewish community? -- depends on this culture," So what is the culture of Camp Ramah in California?  How does Camp Ramah "make the Jew?"

This is what I seek to learn during the rest of my listening tour and hope that by hearing a myriad of answers on this topic, I can begin to  recognize the complex equation that makes up this answer.  While this is still a project in process, I am convinced that this is bigger than all of us, but depends on each of us- current campers, parents, grandparents, camper alumni, staff alumni, rabbis and educators, community partners and more.  The culture of Camp Ramah is what we collectively make it.  I sincerely welcome and value your insights.  I love a good cup of decaf coffee and welcome an opportunity to sit, listen, and learn.  I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Joe

rabbijoe@ramah.org