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from Jonathan Cohen,
President, The Cohen Camps
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I am delighted to share with you some exciting Cohen Camps leadership changes, effective in early January. | | |
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New Executive Director of the Cohen Camps:
Ben Portnoy
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Ben Portnoy, whom many of you know as the Director of Camp Tevya, will take on an organization-wide role as Executive Director of The Cohen Camps. In this capacity, he will work closely with me to manage the operations of all three camps (Tevya, Tel Noar, and Pembroke) and the teen programs (Dor L’Dor Israel experiences and Kadima Teen Leadership). He will focus on summer staffing, family engagement, program excellence, and budget management in collaboration with each camp and program’s leadership team, while also contributing to our organization’s overall strategy and long-term planning. | |
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Over the last several years, The Cohen Camps have taken steps to plan thoughtfully for the future. We have grown and diversified our Board of Directors and invested in facility and program enhancements. We have weathered the pandemic and strengthened our ongoing resources for camper care. All of this has added substantially to my own workload as Cohen Camps’ President, which has led us to add back this leadership role we used to have for many years. I look forward to Ben’s operational partnership, which will allow me to focus even more on the big picture.
Ben brings to this role long experience with the Cohen Camps as well as expertise. He first joined Tevya as a 2nd-generation camper, and even met his wife Margo at camp. He joined the year-round Tevya team in 2012, where former Tevya Director—current Dor L’Dor Director—Mindee Greenberg mentored Ben as her successor. He has served as Tevya Director since Fall 2019. Ben holds an MBA in Leadership from Bentley University, a BA in Sociology and English from the University of Vermont, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Northeastern University.
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Ben says:
“At the Cohen Camps, I have been extremely fortunate to work with and thankful to learn from all the dedicated, passionate, and smart camp professionals here. Each person in our office brings such knowledge and commitment to our Cohen Camps mission, a mission which is more important now than ever before. Jewish youth thrive when they have a community that embraces them for who they are, and a place where they can find connection, grow, develop skills, and explore their identity grounded in Jewish values. Our camps, Dor L’Dor, and Kadima each create this kind of community in unique ways. I am excited to work even more closely with all our Leadership Teams and Senior Staff to support them in achieving their goals and to enhance what makes each camp special in our shared Cohen Camps family.
At the same time, I am sad to step away from Tevya. There is no place I have experienced more growth, laughed more, been challenged more, been inspired more, or been more proud of the work that a group of people with a common goal can accomplish together. There is no amount of Thank Yous that will do justice to what I owe to my time at Tevya, the people I have worked with, the parents, and all the campers. I’m excited to visit and see Tevya in action, and I’m looking forward to experiencing first-hand the magic of Pembroke and Tel Noar.”
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New Camp Tevya Director:
Lauren Fishman
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Assistant Director Lauren Fishman will become the next Camp Tevya Director. She has held leadership roles at Tevya for 10 years. Lauren has worked closely with Ben on all aspects of Tevya to plan and create the summer experience for campers, teens, and staff, with a focus on Bunk Life. I am confident this will be a seamless transition for Tevya families. | |
Lauren is a Tevya parent married to a Tevya alum—although she attended Camp Pembroke as a camper! Prior to joining Tevya’s year-round team, she served as a Director at SCORE! Education Center and taught in elementary schools in Chelsea and Newton. She holds an MA in Elementary Education from Lesley University and BA in Sociology from Union College. | |
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Lauren says:
“I have loved getting to know so many families, staff, alumni, donors, and friends of camp, and I am excited to get to know even more of you, whether you’ve been part of Tevya for years, or this is the beginning of our relationship. As a parent, I have seen the amazing gifts that camp gives our campers including lifelong friendships, a stronger sense of Judaism, increased confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. I want all our campers to have this same experience. My goal is that everyone leaves camp a slightly better version of themselves, albeit likely a little dirtier, too! Our team is already working hard to plan another incredible summer with great programs and activities for our campers. We will have wonderful staff, both returning and new. This summer will also mark our 85th Season; I can’t wait to welcome alumni back to their summer home for their June 22 Reunion and Celebration.
“I value open communication and partnership, so please reach out for any reason. Whether it’s to help ensure an awesome summer for your camper or to explore how you can get more involved with Tevya, I look forward to hearing from you!”
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Thank you to Ben and Lauren for stepping into these new roles. Thank you to the leadership teams and staff of each camp and program who are all working so tirelessly and enthusiastically to plan the best summer yet. If you would like to join them, we are hiring summer staff!
Wishing you a bright and festive last night of Chanukah,
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Jonathan Cohen
President
The Cohen Camps
781.489.2070
Email
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While we celebrate Chanukah, our hearts and minds are with Israel, and especially our campers, staff, families, and alumni there. We wish everyone were home to celebrate with their families. May each candle we light bring us closer to a future of peace. |
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Provide camper scholarships, add to counselor professional development, enhance programs and facilities, and so much more.
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation will match a portion of your gift until 12/31!
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The Cohen Camps are 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
To give by check, Donor Advised Fund, etc., see more ways to give.
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