Since its inception nearly seventy years ago, Camp Ramah in California has forged deep connections with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Those under attack are our alumni who made aliyah; campers and their families; tzevet (staff) on gap year experiences; and hundreds of former shlichim (emissaries), who have become family and an integral part of our camp community. We have had the gift of living with them, learning from them, and creating lasting lifelong relationships that extend past their time at camp. Ramah is not Ramah without them.
To our family in Israel –לִבִּי בְמִזְרָח – our hearts are with you as we stand in unwavering solidarity and support, praying for your safety and for the whole State of Israel.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of 10/7, we are reminded of the deep impact this day had on our hearts, our community, and the world. These events have challenged us all, and as we continue to process the emotions and lessons that arose that day and each day since, we recognize the importance of creating spaces for healing and learning as a Ramah kehillah (community). Together, we honor the memories of those we have lost, we re-affirm our call for the release of the hostages, we mourn the loss of innocent lives, and we support each other in our ongoing commitment to building a just and compassionate future.
“A cry is heard in Ramah —Wailing, bitter weeping—Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted for her children who are gone…” (Jeremiah 31:15)
The Ramah movement had decided to centralize its communications regarding Israel support at this time through the National Ramah Commission. Click here for NRC’s central hub or click the button below:
National Ramah Israel Support Hub
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, Camp Ramah in California gathered in community on Zoom to offer words of prayer, hope, and solidarity. Click the image below to view the recording. (Passcode: rX94CC*O)
RESOURCES
As camp professionals who work with children and teens, we know that many of us are navigating how best to talk with our kids about the events unfolding, how to find the words, how to find the space for our own emotions, how to offer acts of chesed (kindness) and how to support one another.
Supporting our Children and Teens
Our kids and teens are looking to us for cues for how to navigate and process what they are hearing, seeing, and feeling. We can support them by finding age-appropriate ways to open space for conversation and expression, by following their lead in answering questions, by limiting their exposure to videos and imagery, and by offering opportunities to come together and to act.
- LISTEN: How to Talk with Children About Israel – A recorded webinar from the Jewish Education Project
- READ: How to Talk to Kids About What’s Happening in Israel Right Now – An article by social scientist Sivan Zakai, Ph.D.
- How to Talk to Children About the Conflict in Israel – An article by Rabbi Edythe Held Mencher, LCSW
- Resources for Talking About Israel – An article by Dori Kirshner of Matan: Building Inclusive Communities
- REACH OUT: Email our Director of Camper Care and Staff Wellness, Dr. Aviva Levine Jacobs at aviva@ramah.org if you’d like information about drop-in mental health support for teens and parents or to connect one-on-one.
RAMAH COMMUNICATIONS
Sunday, October 8, 2023: “Our Hearts are in the East”
Wednesday, October 11, 2023: “Our Hearts are With You”
Wednesday, October 11, 2023: “Ramah is Here for You”
Wednesday, October 11, 2023: “Ramah’s Ongoing Support and Resources”
Wednesday, October 18, 2023: “Taking Action to Support Our Mishlachat”
Friday, November 17, 2023: “How Ramah Supports Israel Education”
Sunday, October 6, 2024: “Reflecting Together: One Year Since 10/7”