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Nearly a century ago, the land connected with today’s Beaver Lake story was home to Camp Machanaim, founded near Monticello in 1929. Known as “The American Camp with the Jewish Spirit,” it welcomed boys and girls to enjoy the beauty of the Catskills while strengthening their Jewish identity.
Campers spent their summers swimming, boating, playing sports, exploring the woods, creating arts and crafts, and participating in dramatics. Shabbat, synagogue services and strict kashrut were also central parts of camp life.
Camp Machanaim had close connections with Yeshiva College, whose students and employees served as counselors and staff. Its name came from the biblical account of Jacob, who called a special place Machanaim—“God’s camp.”
Although much has changed since those summers of 1929–1938, the idea of creating a welcoming Jewish community surrounded by nature continues at Beaver Lake today.
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