RJ Blog

Coming to camp has many parallels with the Exodus story. When campers get ready for that first summer at camp, they are leaving everything they know; they are leaving home for an unknown land; they have to have faith that it will all work out in the end. (And, no, I’m not saying that our lives at home are Egypt or that parents are enslaving their kids… it’s an imperfect metaphor, but still one that is valuable.)

Each year during Passover tradition tells us to rid our houses of chametz (items that are not Kosher for Passover) and stock up on Kosher for Passover foods like macaroons, fruits and vegetables, and of course matzah. We all know that matzah can be purchased by the box or case, but did you know that you can actually make your own matzah?

I have been to the mountaintop and I can see the future of Jewish education. Take your shoes off, friend. We’re walking on holy ground and praying with our feet.

Why do we celebrate this — or that? Do we combine holidays? How are the holidays different? How do *I* feel about being a Jew during this time of year? Why can’t I have a tree? What does going to church with your family mean to you?

When I started working with NFTY as an adult, I learned of the concept of hanhagah l’dorot, generational leadership. According to the NFTY website, it means “learning from those who came before us, and making choices to ensure the existence of the next generation.” In 1983, I had a very special rabbi at my home congregation who my entire family adored and trusted. He served on faculty at URJ Camp Coleman and convinced my parents to send my younger brother and me to camp, promising to keep an eye on us. He tapped the next generation and thus started my experiential educational career with the Reform Movement the summer before I began sixth grade. After returning home, with red Georgia clay staining my clothes and a new hand-signed Cabbage Patch doll from Cleveland, Georgia’s Babyland General, I asked my rabbi to give my doll a Hebrew name. He did a full ceremony and even gave me a certificate proclaiming her name “Chana Leah.”

Food is an integral part of Judaism both culturally and religiously- and it’s an integral part of Camp Coleman! We’ve had several requests for the recipes from the Tarbut class (cultural elective) Jewish Cooking so you can take a piece of camp home with you.