To the Ramah mishpacha (family),


As some of you observed in person, online, and secondhand from friends, family, social media, and the news, the March for Israel in Washington, D.C. was a celebration of the sacred glue binding the Jewish people and our modern enterprise which is anchored in the State of Israel. We were all moved by the demonstration of our community's commitments to support Israel, identify and fight the resurgence of antisemitism, uphold the sanctity of all life, and celebrate sacred partnerships across political and religious lines.

 

In addition to thousands of Ramahnikim of all ages who attended and hundreds who helped organize and support delegations, we want to highlight three leaders from our camp who spoke at the events. 


Bali Lavine, beloved madricha from Santa Barbara, shared her experience at Tulane several weeks ago when pro-Hamas demonstrators turned violent and she inserted herself to save others.


Below we share her reflections - and click the video to hear her speak.

Reflections from Bali Lavine


Ramah instilled in me my strong Jewish identity and my love for Israel. Since October 7th, I have been the most outspoken pro-Israel voice at Tulane University and I have held numerous rallies and events to bring our community together. Through it all, my camp friends have supported me. Ramah has always been my home away from home and my summers in Ojai helped me become the proud Zionist I am today. I am beyond grateful to always have my Ramah kehillah (community) by my side.


Talia Bodner, another beloved madricha from Palo Alto, shared her stirring and poetic spoken words as a student at JTS-Columbia.


Below we share her reflections - and click the video to hear her speak.

Reflections from Talia Bodner


I have been reflecting on how Ramah helped plant the seeds and grow my love for Jewish studies. As a kid, camp made learning fun! And after seeing how many of my own chanichim (campers) tuned in on the live-stream or even flew to DC to be a part of such a historic moment, I have full faith that they not only have the capacity but also the enthusiasm to further explore their Jewish identities. I think camp is the perfect place for them to foster their connection to Jewish peoplehood, just like I did, and now could not be a better time for it. I hope that I can continue to be a part of Ramah’s role in shaping the Jewish leaders of the future!

And, our own Julie Platt, in her capacity as JFNA Board Chair, not only introduced the President of Israel, but through her leadership helped create and manifest this day for Israel and for our collective chizuk, nechama, and tikvah - strength, comfort, and hope.


Todah (thank you!) to all three inspiring leaders, each standing upon the shoulders of the many Ramah leaders who came before them, and each a shining dugma (role model) for the many generations of Ramahniks to come.

Above: Julie Platt addressing nearly 300,000 people gathered at the rally.


Right: A photo captures Julie Platt on the big screen, with the U.S. Capitol behind.

Tuesday was also Rosh Chodesh Kislev. It is the month in which we celebrate growing light overpowering the darkness. It is also, according to tradition, the month in which God established a covenant with Noah and all humanity, symbolized by a rainbow.


May we all make the month of Kislev full of acts small and large that create light amidst darkness, and make God’s promise to Noah manifest for Israel and all humanity.

Reflections from Allison & Effie Joelson, Ramah parents


While watching the beginning of the rally in Washington, both Ronni (age 15) and Anna (age 11) shared moments of excitement and pride as they saw their madrichot (counselors) Talia and Bali speaking! It was so powerful to hear each of them speak at this historic event and we were honored to be connected to them through the Ramah in California family! Thank you, as always, for all of the ways you and your team create and inspire Jewish leaders both at camp and out in the world.

In gratitude, love, and ongoing tefillot for the return of our hostages, safety of our chayalim, healing for all who are hurting, and please God a rainbow waiting at the end of it all.


Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joe Menashe, Executive Director

Ariella Moss Peterseil, Camp Director

Randy Michaels, Chief Operating & Financial Officer

Jesse Zilberstein, Director, Ramah Day Camp LA

and the entire Ramah in California team

Rabbi Joe at the March in DC with Ramah alumni Jonah Tochner and Sarah Pretsky

Rabbi Joe with his brother, Jacob Menashe

Part of our summer team watching the rally from Ojai

Camp Ramah stands with Israel and with our mishlachat, alumni, family, and friends who are going through the unimaginable. We have been in touch with many of them over these past difficult weeks, and will continue to provide the support, love, and heartfelt tefillot they need – for as long as they need it.


Next month, Rabbi Joe, Ariella, and Randy will be traveling to Israel to support our Ramah mishpacha there. Please join the Ramah team in wishing them a nesiya tova, a good and safe trip, and in sharing drishat shalom, wishes for peace, with our friends in Israel.


The Ramah movement had centralized its efforts regarding Israel support at this time through the National Ramah Commission. Click here for NRC’s central hub, and click here for resources from Camp Ramah in California.

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