To our Beloved Ramah Mishpacha wherever you may be,
As we entered what is supposed to be one of the most joyous holidays, we slowly heard as this unprecedented terror unfolded across Israel. To our family in Israel - לִבִּי בְמִזְרָח - our hearts are with you as we stand in unwavering solidarity and support, praying for your safety and for the whole state of Israel. We have been in touch with our Mishlachat from this past kayitz and they are all safe, but many have been called back to reserves. We have connected with our tzevet who are spending their gap year in Israel; they too all sound alarmed, but they are safe.
As a community, we are blessed with a deep connection to Israel and the people there. Those under attack are our alumni who made aliyah; campers and their families; tzevet (staff) on gap year experiences; and hundreds of former shlichim (emissaries), who have become family and an integral part of our camp community. We have had the gift of living with them, learning from them, and creating lasting lifelong relationships that extend past their time at camp. Ramah is not Ramah without them.
אַחֵינוּ כָּל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, הַנְּתוּנִים בְּצָרָה וּבַשִּׁבְיָה, הָעוֹמְדִים בֵּין בַּיָּם וּבֵין בַּיַּבָּשָׁה, הַמָּקוֹם יְרַחֵם עֲלֵיהֶם, וְיוֹצִיאֵם מִצָּרָה לִרְוָחָה, וּמֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָה, וּמִשִּׁעְבּוּד לִגְאֻלָּה, הַשְׁתָּא בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב.
As for our loved ones, the whole house of Israel, who are given over to trouble whether they abide on the sea or on the dry land or captivity;
May God have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from trouble to enlargement, from darkness to light, and from subjection to redemption, now speedily and at a near time.
In the coming days we will find ways to get our campers, staff, alumni and families involved. In the meantime, one tzedakah close to our hearts is The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin. You can make a donation now by clicking on this link.
If any of you in Israel need help from your Ramah community, please don’t hesitate to respond to this email.
May God comfort those who mourn and keep safe all our loved ones and all people of peace, v’nomar: amen.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Joe Menashe, Executive Director
Ariella Moss Peterseil, Camp Director
Dr. Lee Rosen, Board Chair
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