RJ Blog

A few weeks ago I was sitting in the Dining Hall at the staff table singing and clapping my hands as we all sang during the Song Session that typically follows each lunch and dinner. I looked around and realized with a start that I was oldest person in the room.

It isn’t just a program for Jewish teenagers that do volunteer over summer break; it is home.

The biggest impact it had was this new attitude I have, which is that I pretty much agree to try anything. If someone asks me to help with something, or to try something new, even if I don’t necessarily feel 100% excited about it, I like to take part. It’s surprising how much you can enjoy something just by doing what you might not think you want to do. I learned to put myself into new situations that seem weird or scary, and just go with it…because, seriously, why not?

After visiting Urban Adamah, I am inspired to change the way I live my life back home.

Our 2012 Camper Care Coordinator, Rabbi Jody Cook, reflects on our community’s work with Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation and a very personal connection.