KesherקשרThe Newsletter of the

Camp Yavneh Alumni Association

70 faces of Torah

Dec 2013 Tevet 5774

David Micley K’04 Click on the photo to watch the video

Dear Yavneh alum-

As Yavneh is about to celebrate its 70th year we have chosen, from the Talmud, a fitting theme for our upcoming sum-mer - 70 faces of Torah-Shivim panim l’torah. The Midrash teaches us that there are seventy faces to the Torah – or many valid ways of understanding the Torah and our tradition. At Yavneh, we have often felt we represent 70 faces of Torah since our campers and their families belong to many communities and celebrate Judaism in many ways but yet manage to come together beautifully each summer to celebrate Jewish life together- the essence of Yavneh- K’lal Yisrael!

I am humbled to be honored by the Yavneh community in March at Yavneh’s 70th celebration. I hope you will be part of the celebration, benefitting the “The 1944 Trib-ute fund”, thereby giving the gift of Yavneh to so many campers that need our help.

In this issue you will find (unsolicited) quotes from members of the Yavneh community about what made their Yavneh experience so special and unique for them which relates to our upcoming theme.

Warm wishes-

שבעים פנים לתורה

Arnie Band holding David Band (baby), Esther Band (Arnie’s mother) is across from him. Ethel and Murray Smith are closest to the camera (they are Allan Smith’s parents) Circa 1957 or 1958

ד"ש חם

Alumni in the Spotlight

Ann Lapin k’92Ann Lapin (K’92) believes that Camp Yavneh gave her a strong appreciation for chesed and that her personal experiences at camp drove her to become an open minded and compassionate Jew. She credits Yavneh for having set this foundation, which drove her family to serve as committed volunteers and community activists.Ann Lives in Riverdale, New York with her husband James and their three children Gavriella (k’firim), Sarit (Gurim), and Rami (aspiring chanich).

The children attend Kinneret Day school. Ann and James are members of the Bayit, The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale - where they recently received the Young Leadership Award. They volunteer tirelessly for their community devoting a

great deal of their time and energy to Jewish and secular causes. Most notably, they serve as interim care parents for the Spence-Chapin adoption agency, routinely welcoming newborns into their home until the infants are placed into a permanent family.

Pluralism is a core value in their educational approach to raising their children and this belief shapes their involvement in their local Jewish com-munity. Ann and James successfully run Abraham and Sarah’s Tent, a weekly Shabbat communal dinner they open to the local community at no charge.

Ann and James are true role models for all of us. Below is an excerpt from an interview with Ann.

What year were you in Kerem? 1992, Na’aleh didn’t exist then but I was a madricha in 1993

How did you first find out about Yavneh? My parents saw an ad in the Binghamton Reporter for Camp Yavneh! It was the right fit for our family because the camp’s core values aligned with my parent’s beliefs. My girls attend camp in K’firim and Gurim, and we’ve all been participating in Yavneh Family Camp for a few years. I was eager for my children to experience Yavneh even before they could be full-fledged Chanachim.

What was your most memorable moment at Yavneh?There is not one single moment but a collection of moments that I hold dear to my heart. When I was in Maalot I distinctly remember Ed Shems singing to us and our Madrichot bringing us ice cream on their day off. These were small gestures but they stand out in my mind. I distinctly remember bonding at a Peulot Erev and fondly recall my counselors actually singing me to sleep with lullabies. The magic of Maccabiah taught me teambuilding skills.

Overall what stands out most in my mind is the ruach that radiated throughout the peualot. The madrichim were (and still are) respectful and atten-tive. I felt Yavneh provided a safe environment and emotional support for me. This largely influenced our decision to send the girls to Yavneh years later.

What is it like to experience camp as a parent?Although the buildings and various facilities at camp have been updated, the vision and mission remain inherently the same. As a parent I feel calmer knowing how well my children are spiritually and emotionally nurtured while at camp. I feel secure knowing the activities are age appropriate and that the quality of programming is intellectually stimulating.

What do you currently do?For many years, I taught in and ran a Hebrew School. I am now an independent consul-tant with Mary Kay cosmetics and mentor women in their own businesses. My husband and I are also interim care parents with the Spence-Chapin adoption agency, opening our home to newborns awaiting placement with their “forever families.” My family is very ac-tive in our synagogue. Every week, we host the weekly (free!) Shabbat dinner.

How did your experience at Yavneh impact where you are today?My experiences at Yavneh drove me to dedicate so much of my life to serving the com-munity and welcoming new people. What distinctly stands out in my mind is my first day of camp when new girl invited me to sit next to her. That act of kindness meant so much to me. Yavneh has a range of people at camp. Universal acceptance and respect of people’s difference was a given. The tefilah experience at camp was also influential in helping me select the type of community where I would affiliate.

Ann, James, Gavriella, Sarit and Rami Lapin

“I just crave going back to Yavneh where I truly found my love for Judaism, made the best friends of my life and learned how to be a mentor/counselor to my campers. What a huge impact Yavneh has on my life in terms of my ability to be a great wife, mother, teacher and person.” - Leah Lebowitz, Alum and staff

“Thank you, so much … The things I learned and the experiences I had defined my life. It was at Yavneh that Judaism became an interest to me, and since then that interest has grown into a substantial sense of Jewish people-hood, a powerful commitment to Zionism, and a focus on tikkun olam. I don’t know where I would be if not for Yavneh, so thank you.” – Ben Gladstone, Yavneh Alumni

“Yesterday walking though the Jewish quarter, a large bunch of boys were walking as a group singing, dancing and clapping their way to the Kotel - It was loud, joyous singing that has its own energy. My son Jacob turned to us and said “that is how Shabbat is Camp Yavneh”.” And that’s why I send my son to Yavneh! - Nanette Fridman, Current Yavneh Parent & Yavneh Board Member

“…on drop-off day things were so well-organized. At the same time everyone was friendly and atten-tive and enthusiastic, and as parents we wished we could be campers too. It means everything to us to entrust our child to responsible people.” Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett, Current Camp Parent

Na’aleh was such an amazing experience. It was the perfect balance of tourism and educational activities. The activities we did were a blast, but also very intellectually stimulating. I am so glad I decided to go on the trip. It’s truly is a leadership and bonding experience that drew us closer to each other and to Israel. Thank you again for the best summer of my life.” - Alisa Feldman, Na’aleh 2013 Camper

“It was such a pleasure to be back in the Yavneh atmosphere and see what a great job the staff is doing to raise a committed Zionist generation of leaders -- and it is nothing short of that.” –

David Goren, Shabbat Guest and 3rd Generation Alum, currently living in Israel

“As soon as Josh arrives at his bunk he appears to be a changed kid. One notices not only in him, but in his peers and staff. … There is a clear respect for others, commitment to the group, and quick willingness to help each other. We don’t think this occurs all by chance. B’todah u b’hokrah!” - Ed & Margo Rosen, Camp Parents

“Camp is truly a paradise for the kids! You cannot replicate the ruach on Shabbat, or during the other activi-ties at camp.” - Shelley Levy, Current Yavneh Parent and Morah

We love to hear it...

Ann, James, Gavriella, Sarit and Rami Lapin

Looking back 40 years - The Most Dramatic Tisha B’Av EverBY RABBI BOB PILAVIN k’72 (Currently rabbi at Congregation Sons of Israel in New York)

Working in the kitchen was an unusual professional start for a future Head of Music and member of the Yavneh teaching faculty, but it was not without its exciting moments. For one thing, we had front row seats for one of the most dramatic events in the camp’s history - the fire that destroyed the Chadar Ochel on the morn-ing of Tisha B’av.Thankfully, the calendar date prevented tragedy. The fire broke out during what would normally have been breakfast and a dining hall full of campers and staff. Because of the fast day, there were only a few minor injuries. It was a trauma nonetheless. And decisions had to be made quickly about the balance of the camp season. A tent was pitched on the ten-nis court.The Salvation Army, I recall, came in with brand new cooking utensils (which had to be “toiveled” in Lucas Pond), and all dishes and cutlery were disposable for the balance of the summer (the kitchen boys found that to be less than traumatic). By coincidence, the mashgiach that summer was making aliyah a few days later. As I recall, this responsibility now fell to Rabbi Mel David, a mem-ber of the faculty and head of Kerem for many years. And, of course, we had to adjust the lyrics of our Shir Eidah (“Anu Ov’day Ohel Tashlag”).This year marks the 40th anniversary of the most dramatic Tisha B’Av the Yavneh family ever experienced. A more typical observance is the haunt-ingly beautiful chanting of Eicha, etc., that I first experienced when I was in Arayot in 1970. I hope that Tisha B’Av (and Shabbat and...every day) continue to work their magic on Yavneh campers and staff in 2013.

2014 PHONATHON CANCELLED (1ST TIME IN 20 YEARS!)--- TO CONCENTRATE ON THE TRIBUTE FUND

In recognition of all the upcoming 70th Anniversary celebra-tions we’ve created the new “1944 Tribute Fund”, a scholarship fund in honor of Deb-bie Sussman and have decided to cancel the usual Spring Phonathon. We hope the gener-osity you have shown in the past toward the phonathon gets transferred to our 70th Anni-versary campaign. All these funds will be used to allocate scholarships to families in need of financial assistance. Donate now and include your personal greetings to the Camp Yavneh

family at www.campyavneh.org/support70th Last year, we com-mitted to giving over $180,000 in scholarships to our campers, and we anticipate this number will rise in 2014.

Remember ushering in Shabbat at camp during Relesh (VIDEO link here) or pictures of campers getting ready for Shabbat? Chilling at the Agam on a lazy Shabbat afternoon? Sunday morning bagels in the Chadar Ochel? Wish you could do it all again? As part of the celebration of our 70th anniversary, there will be an Alumni Shabbaton at camp on the weekend of May 30 - June 2, 2014. All Yavneh alums and their families are invited and we will have special tribute to camp-ers and staff from each decade. Stay tuned to our website for details about reg-istration and housing options. If you would like to help orga-nize the weekend, or have ideas for activities you would like to see included, please contact either Lisa Rubins, lisa@campyavneh.org or Jon Frankel, jon@campyavneh.org.

Save the Date . . .Shabbaton at camp – May 30th

Get well soon!On October 23rd, baby Idan Zablocki, son of Akiva and Amanda, underwent a bone marrow transplant in the hopes of curing his Hyper IGM Immunodeficiency at Seattle Children’s Hospi-tal. Idan is doing well and the transplant team is closely monitoring his immune system as the new donor cells begin to kick in. The Zablocki family is incredibly thankful to the Camp Yavneh communi-ty for all the support during this difficult time. You can follow Idan’s story at www.IdanMyHero.com.

להבריא

VIDEO

CORNER

וי

דאו

פינת

Check out our videos online from this summer. We are currently in process of digitizing older videos... Watch your email for a special an-nouncement to watch them too!

Click here to see Summer 13 videos.

Help us spread the word...Camp Yavneh

Virtual Open Housefrom the comfort of

your own home Thinking about overnight camp for your child? Then it’s time to learn about Camp Yavneh and hear why so many kids love Yavneh so much and return year after year. On Janu-ary 16th at 7:30 pm join us for an online presentation about what makes Yavneh unique.

To register, click here

Celebrating our 10th year.

Want to come back to Yavneh this summer?

Come to Family Camp – Aug. 20-24th, 2014 for an awe-some time! Family Camp is a great way to experience the magic of Camp Yavneh. Enjoy activities for all ages, stimu-lating Jewish learning, wonderful kosher food and a ruach-filled Shabbat. Go to a session with one of our scholars in residence, or sit back and relax at the agam while your children have fun at camp. All children’s camp and adult programs, lodging, meals and babysitting included! Many levels of lodging avail-able including tents, bunks and deluxe guest housing (with air conditioning and private baths). Please visit our web site for more details at: http://campyavneh.org/familycampWant to work at Family Camp this summer contact Elana Saenger elana@campyavneh.org or 603-942-5593

This year marks a milestone for Camp Yavneh as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary and honor our very own Debbie Sussman for providing 25 years of outstanding service as Camp Director. On Sunday, March 9, 2014 we will host a Gala event at Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts. We anticipate more than 300 alumni, friends, and community partners will gather for a celebratory evening. All proceeds from this event will go

directly to the creation of a new scholarship named “The 1944 Tribute Fund”, in honor of Debbie. 70th Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with an Alumni Shabbaton in the spring, chaired by Lisa Rubins and Jon Frankel, and a Gala reception in New York later in the year. We hope you will show support for Camp Yavneh and Deb-bie Sussman by attending these upcoming events. Purchase your tickets to the Boston Gala at www.campyavneh.org/support70th. Be sure to place your personal alumni greetings in our Digital Gala Program Journal too which will be displayed at both Boston and New York events!

יוםהולדתשמח

Yavneh turns 70!

VISITING DAY- Foundation for Jewish Camp CEO (and Yavneh parent)Jeremy Fingerman reflects!

Visitors Day – CEO Jeremy Fingerman reflects(PARTIALLY REPRINTED FROM A BLOG POST - JULY 25, 2013, THE CAMPFIRE) Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp

I have had the great honor and privilege to have visited 103 different camps across North America over the last 3 1/2 years. For me, many summer days have been “Visitors Day” where the director, board chair, professional staff and many others have welcomed me inside their summer “home.” At each, I observed, I listened, and I learned. I also provided feedback, shared how others are addressing issues, and en-couraged pursuit of growth opportunities.

Each “Visitors Day” has inspired me, seeing the incredible progress being made by our field, and in witnessing the positive impact Jew-ish camp is having on molding the next generation of committed, engaged Jewish leaders. No matter the differences in physical facilities, topography, denomination, or programmatic focus, each camp is creating positive memories and a sense of community which will indeed last a lifetime.But a few days ago, I experienced a very personal “Visitors Day.” My wife and I, joined by my sister and brother-in-law, visited our two very happy campers at Camp Yavneh, in Northwood, New Hampshire. While this is their fourth summer at camp, it is the first time they are both staying for the full season, (and the first time that we have another three and a half childless weeks!)And, while the letters have been great and photos have been full of smiles (yes, I admit I too am addicted to seeing the updated photos each week, day, hour!), there is nothing quite like feeling the strong hug and seeing, up close and personal, their wide smiles. As we straight-en out their cubbies together, and put the very dirty socks into the laundry bag, we heard about the late night “boxer run” and of saying farewell to those friends leaving after first session.And their stories brought out something their letters could never express. Their Jewish identity is becoming their own. Their electives, their experiences, their friendships, their joy, their achievements – all expressed through a context that is as individual as their Jewish identity. With each story they tell, there are the underpinnings of a d’var torah, Hebrew phrases, and a pride derived from the values camp teaches, something that I too cannot describe.Even more, as we walked around camp, we kept passing counselors and staff members greeting our two kids, introducing themselves to us, and each commenting in a way that made us know they actually knew our kids. I am witnessing the community bond that we talk about at FJC actually happening to my kids. Better than any Parent-Teacher Conference, we received feedback from the camp community members who have watched them grow and develop over the last four years. As a parent, we could wish for nothing more.

To read the entire blog, go to: http://www.jewishcamp.org/blog

Did you know that Camp Yavneh is accredited?

Since 1992 Camp Yavneh has received the stamp of approval from The American Camping Association (ACA). We go through the rigorous reaccreditation process every 3 years and always pass with flying colors. The NH Department of Health also visits Yavneh every summer. Once again, our inspector Art Johnson gave us high grades for our outstanding marp staff,

cleanliness and safety of our kitchen and the fact that our grounds are so well maintained. Would you expect anything less?!

Boy’s Kerem Bunk on target for 2014 opening!The question many of our male alumni are asking is… “What about our Kerem plaques?” The answer is… you will find them in the new bunk… as soon as it’s built! Once Family Camp ended, all the retreats left and the leaves turned color, B2 was moved out of the way (watch video of bunk being moved –link here) and the building of the new boys’ Kerem bunk began! By the time you get this Kesher, the roof will be on and we antici-pate the bunk will be finished, perhaps in time for the Yavneh Shabbaton at the end of May! There will be a plaque with names of people that have donated to the building of the bunk. It’s not too late if you want to be included. Go to www.campyavneh.org/donate or email melanie@campyavneh.org.

Dan Gelbtuch (K’97) was one of the key founders of the Youth Jobs Coalition, serving as an active organizer and leader. Dan has helped develop leadership skills for hundreds of teens across the states that go on to serve as active leaders in YJC’s campaigns. For more information visit http://www.youthjobscoalition.org/aboutRaviva Hanser (K’05) is now the Senior Development Associate at World Science FestivalRebekah Racz (K’05) completed a nursing degree from Binghamton University and works at Mt. Sinai Medical Center On-cology unit in New York City.Joe Nadis (K’00), is now serving as the Director of Boston Area for AIPAC.Micah Shapiro (K’98) is a third year student at Hebrew College Rabbinical School.Rebecca Krieger (K’12) was awarded the prestigious Bronfman Israel Scholarship. Doron Korinow (K’98) is an ER Doctor at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, Massachusetts.Rabbi Dov Lerea was director of Kivunim and is now at Teaching at SAR and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, as Director of Educational Training and Mashgiach Ruchani.Josh Micley (K’06) is working at Teach for America, a national teacher corps of college graduates and professionals who commit to teach for two years and raise student achievement in public schools.Rabbi Karen S. Citrin (Schram) (K’90) and Rabbi Micah J. Citrin became the co-senior rabbis at Temple Israel in Tulsa, OK.Zachary Truboff (K’96) graduated from Yeshiva Chovevei Torah and is the Rabbi of Cedar Sinai Synagogue and the Direc-tor of Jewish life and Culture at the Mandel Jewish Community Center.David Micley (K’04) is now working a Development Officer at Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston.Elisha Galler K’11 founded Purple Day in conjunction with Hope Time Cure and in partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, which supports fundraising at the community level by extending its non-profit status. Donations to Hope Time Cure benefit the Hospital’s pediatric epilepsy program.Ilan Hurwitz (K’07) is a certified PADI instructor and recently taught in Cancun Mexico and HondurasFivel Yedidya Glasser (former staff member) is the new director of Nesiya- a summer in Israel program and he and Dorit had a baby boy in July.

We need your old Yavneh Shirts... PLEASEFOR A SPECIAL PROJECT. Clean out your closet and send them to the Yavneh office. THANKS!

What is happening in the Work Force - PARNASA CHECK IN...

Camp Yavneh160 Herrick Rd. Newton, MA 02459

Talia Kesselman (K’08) married Amiel Abir. The happy couple tied the knot in Boston surrounded by fellow soldiers. Talia made aliyah to enlist in IDF. She serves as a noncommissioned officer shooting trainer at a base near Lakhish. “I feel I’m on a mission here,” she says.

Nathan Ehrlich (K’99) and Shula Ponet (K’00) got married in September 2013 they are a Yavneh Zug .Danny Lebowitz is engaged (K ’09) to Valerie GalakchievaZach Abramson (K’05) married Mimi OshinskyShira Moyer (K’01) & Noah Rellesh are EngagedDaniel Hoffman (K’01) is engaged to Eliezah Dale (Rosh Teva ’13)Tali Leff (K’01) is engaged to Alex Welsh Sammy Green (K’03) is engaged to Jeremy Growe Daniel Gelbutch (K’97) married Leah Madsen in SeptemberSasha Bohan (K’02) is married to David LenterJosh Brown (K’00) is engaged to Ananel Fleischer. Tova Kaplan (K’00) married Matt Harrington in OctoberAmy Sheldon (K’01) is engaged to Craig Forleiter and they are planning a September wedding.Yoni Silverman (K’04) and Sam Kopin were married in August. Rosh Machanei, Debbie read one of the Sheva Brachot under the chuppah. The happy couple lives in Chicago and Yoni had an aufruf at camp.Raanan Korinow (K’06) is engaged to Shira Novack

Births! Leslie Fields (K’94) and Yossi Brandsdorfer, had baby girl named Hailey.Jayne Miller, Omanut Director, has a new grandson, and Eve Miller( K’04) became an aunt.Shira Garber (K’99) and Nat Strosberg had a baby boy, Caleb.Yaffa Garber Tilles and Ravid Tilles (K’01) had a baby boy, Avishai.Kim Davidson Golden and Jon Golden (K‘89) gave birth to a son, Sidney Maxwell on Friday September 6th. Leah (Lebowitz)Savage (K’06) and Jon Savage had a baby boy, Yehudah ShlomoNichole Greenberg (K’01) and Jon Lopkin (K’98) gave birth to baby girl,Ella.Daniel (K’94) and Jennifer Klein welcomed Nora Esther, born on April 24 and welcomed by her brother Micah who is 5.Benjie (K’94) and Keren Flushberg welcomed Lia Maayan , she joins her sib-lings Nina, Eliana, and Nadav Meredith (Polirer) Tanen (K’98) and Robert Tanen welcomed a baby boy December 7, 2013 -Michah Aaron Tanen. The proud grandparents are Suzi and Rabbi Ritchie

Talia Kesselman and Amiel Abir

Yoni Silverman and Sam Kopin

מזל טוב

מזל טוב

Engagements/Marriages!

Raanan Korinow and Shira Novack

Camp Yavneh160 Herrick Rd. Newton, MA 02459

Yavneh Alums at The Red Sox!

4th Annual Yavneh at the Red Sox – Watch your email for the date..

Legacy and Top Donor Lag B’Omer Barbeque – Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Sussman’s home, Newton, MA –

Yavneh’s Legacy Circle is a way you can help ensure the future of Camp Yavneh by including the camp in your estate plan. After your lifetime, your bequest or planned gift will become a part of Yavneh’s Endowment. Your legacy gift will support the camp in perpetuity and forever identify you as a devoted supporter of Yavneh. To learn more about the Legacy program go to our web site at http://www.campyavneh.org/legacy-circle

Zimriyah – Thursday - July 17, 2014 7:00 p.m. with special dinner for Legacy Circle Members

Yavneh for a Day – Sunday, July 13, 2014 10:30-2:00 Each summer Camp Yavneh invites all new prospective camp-ers to experience a real day at Camp Yavneh! Children and adults will have a tour of the camp and actually participate in sports, special art classes, music and dance. In addition, fami-lies are also invited to a delicious Yavneh lunch. Kindergarten all the way up to 7th grade are invited.

Please call the Yavneh office during the winter at (603)942-5593, or email info@campyavneh.org.

AlumniHappenings

In Memoriam

Yavneh expresses its deepest condolences to the following families: Rabbi Aharon (Arnold) Wieder husband of Sheva Wieder Erica (Goldstein) Kaitz, beloved wife of Richard J. Kaitz, mother of Alyssa and Nicole. Sister-in-law of past Yavneh Board President, Nathan Kaitz. and alum, Nita Reguer.Miriam Sokoloff, beloved mother of Yavneh alum and Keshet Director, Yitzhak Sokoloff and grandmother of Yuval (K’06) Alan Perlow beloved son of Mollie Perlow and brother of Kenny, Aaron Perlow and his wife Julie and Julie Richmond and her hus-band Larry. Hannah Aroesty Cohen beloved mother of Eli (K’00) and Adam (K’03) and Devorah.

ברוך דין האמת

If this describes your situation, we should talk!

So many quality Yavneh alum want to come back as counselors and we don’t have enough space to hire them all. We have some amazing people who will be looking for summer positions. Some of the best training for the business world comes from camp. If you would like to offer Yavneh alum opportunities this summer, let us know. Info@campyavneh.org

Harold (k’82) and Linda Simansky with Aaron, Jacob and Ethan