JEWISH SUMMERS
Summer through a Jewish lens L ounging on the beach and ziplining through tropical forests aren’t the only ways to have fun and interesting summer days. For some in Jewish Tidewater, it’s incorporating something Jewish into a trip, camp, or activity. Here, we highlight a few such ‘Jewish Summers’ or ‘Jewish Moments.’ The stories are as diverse as the writers’ ages and offer all sorts of Jewish experiences to consider . . . if not this summer, perhaps next!
A change of Summer camp: plans in Israel an experience T
[ Ari Goldberg ]
hanks to Tidewater Jewish Foundation, I studied during a gap year at Ruach Hanegev,
of a lifetime
located in the village of Retamim in the south of Israel. Learning occurred early in the morning or late at night, but education through
hiking was the best part. We visited Shiloh, Ben Gurion’s tomb, and the location where David fought Goliath. Each of these excursions took us through deserts, riverbanks, mountains, and countless springs. During our first hike, we learned about the founding of Israel and Ben Gurion’s hopes and dreams for this new country. The views and lessons were priceless, from navigation to Tanach and Navi. We were encouraged to find our own museums and tiyuls (journeys) as well as to assimilate in the Israeli society. Perhaps that is what prompted me to take the next step – one that even I hadn’t seen coming. When I came here, I did not want this land. I figured I would enjoy one year in Israel and then return to America and settle down. However, one class encouraged us to make Aliyah, and here I am, writing from Israel. I spent about six months working on Aliyah and, now I am close to enlisting in the IDF. This is a future I would never have dreamed of just one year ago, nor am I alone. A classmate finished Aliyah the same day as I did. Making Aliyah does not mean feeling less loyal to my home country. I still preach the constitution and raise the American flag, as I always will. The camp leader agrees with my ideology, as do most of my teachers. While I can’t remember what brought me here, things happen and don’t go as planned. None of them would have been possible if not for Ruach Hanegev.
40 | JEWISH NEWS | August 14, 2023 | jewishnewsva.org
T
[ Ilana Tall ]
here are only a few experiences in life that can change one for the better, and summer camp to me is one of those experiences. After starting as a young camper, I’m now in my 11th summer at Capital Camps, working as the aquatics coordinator. To say that camp has made my life better is an understatement. The memories and relationships made here will last a lifetime. It’s brought me closer to Judaism and allowed me to bring my shared experiences to and from home in Virginia Beach. From being a young camper going out of my comfort zone to make friends, to being a leader and role model for both staff and campers, it has been the experience of a lifetime. I’ve had an amazing summer and feel everything has come full circle. Watching the campers do all those things I did so many years ago has been truly inspirational. I can’t wait to see our younger generations experience the magic of summer camp.