Camp Ramah in the Berkshires

Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, near Wingdale, New York, is one of nine overnight summer camps and three day camps affiliated with the Conservative Movement of Judaism and the National Ramah Commission. It is accredited by the American Camp Association. The camp sits on site in Dutchess County, New York, about southwest of the Massachusetts border and the Berkshire Mountains, on Lake Ellis.

Religious orientation Camp Ramah is a religiously oriented camp that observes the laws of Shabbat and kashrut. Hebrew is widely used in all facets of camp life, from the names for buildings, physical infrastructure, and services, to camp activities and programs. Campers attend daily religious prayer services. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays the campers execute the traditional Torah service. Campers also attend classes or programs that the camp has set up to structure their Jewish background.

Counselors and alumni describe their summers at Ramah as one of the most formative experiences of their childhoods and a primary influence on their Jewish identity.Ramah Camps: A bright spot for Conservative movement

Administration From 2003 until 2017, the camp director was Rabbi Paul Resnick. Rabbi Jerome (Jerry) Abrams was the founder of the camp in 1964. He is now director emeritus. Rabbi David Mogilner, Rabbi Sheldon (Shelley) Dorph, David August, and Rabbi Burton Cohen were directors in late 1960 and 1970s.

Special programs The camp annually holds a Labor Day weekend for alumni of the camp who are 22 years old and over.

Divisions Campers are divided by age groups, called Edot in Hebrew:

Cochavim ("Stars"), entering 4th grade Nitzanim ("Flower Buds"), entering 5th grade Shorashim ("Roots"), entering 6th grade Tzeirim ("Youths"), entering 7th grade Solelim ("Pavers"), entering 8th grade Bogrim ("Graduates"), entering 9th grade Machon ("Institute") entering 10th grade Gesher ("Bridge"), entering 11th grade

Camp Ramah in the Berkshires

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