Right after my talk, I had a book signing at the URJ Books and Music store, and people were lined up for quite a distance. But I wrote fast, listened to stories, gratefully accepted positive feedback from the attendees and grinned a great deal. Two camping administrators from Newman and Harlam who have known my daughter and my family for 12 years were watching me and patting themselves and pointing at me with grins on their faces and saying,"We knew her when." What they really knew was my challah and rugelach that I always sent to camp straight out of the oven and FedEx overnight!

Immediately following the signing, I gave a brief cooking demo of Sweet Moroccan Couscous for Hannukah and Chocolate truffles (remember, those were the items I made in the Royal York's kitchen at midnight!) Challah, and Dulce de Manzana (apple preserves with rosewater) - cappuccino brownies were also set out for tasting.  If you missed them because you are not here in Toronto, you can find all of those recipes at www.cookingandmore.com or in my cookbook, Entree to Judaism.

 

After a much-needed nap and great dinner at Toronto's Nota Bene with the heads of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, I went back for the award to the Grinspoons for their significant contributions to Jewish camping.

 

I truly believe that we must commit to supporting our Jewish camping and youth movements, for they truly are our future. One day, when my daughter was 14, she heard my husband and me discussing our yearly charitable donations and asked us how we prioritized our giving. We discussed our commitment to our Temple and Federation and local charities. She asked,"Where does camp fall in that prioritization?" and we said that we supported the scholarship fund and that it was not up there with Temple etc. She retorted, "You need to re-order your priorities. Camp has had the most significant impact on my life!" We are now on Camp Newman's board and strive to help wherever help is needed.  

I tell you this because Peter Wiedhorn, the URJ Chairman of the Board, announced a personal camping challenge last night to match a very significant donation on his and his wife's part if the rest of us can together raise $1-2 million. With apologies for the infomercial, I am deeply passionate about the URJ's camping programs and have seen firsthand the effect it has had on our youth when I visit camp each summer. Sending just $5 or more can help our camps become a destination for beginning lifelong learning and love of Judaism.