The Judaean Alumni Edition WINTER 2020 Engaging and Empowering Canadian Jewish Youth Engaging

CANADIAN | 788 MARLEE AVENUE | , | M6B 3K1 | message from the board Message from the Board Epstein & Associates Law Dearest Alumni and Friends camp, CYJ nationwide Survivor, Tuck alumni and friends. Truck, a virtual tour of Auschwitz with would like to congratulate It has been a long time since I last one of our Biluim Educators and I would also like to acknowledge the wrote a “state of the union” piece and it so much more. hard work and commitment of our comes at a time when I am both a little board members who have put in extra Canadian Young Judaea sad and incredibly grateful, proud, and During all of this, we truly came time and effort to ensure that we have filled with hope. together as a national Movement on a strong plan going forward to ensure every level - our national office and that CYJ not only survives but thrives. on their first edition of Sad because we have all weathered board, and all of our partners - from The introduction of some younger some pretty tough times and there is camp boards, directors and madrichim, alumni to our board has ensured that still so much uncertainty as we learn to you, our alumni. not only will we have continuity for a the Judaean. to live our lives with some sense of strong future but ingenuity and that normalcy in the midst of a global What also came to light was how gives me hope. Of the many things that pandemic. A situation that hit our CYJ important CYJ as a Movement is to so I learned as a staff member at Solelim As long time supporters we are so proud to family pretty hard these past eight many people, even if they feel a sense is that true leaders are resilient, flexible months . From having to make the of loyalty to the camp they attended. and adaptable. We can do hard things. participate in this amazing initiative. difficult decision to furlough our For the first time ever, Canadian Young I see that in all of you today, and that is entire staffing team and move all Judaea put a call out to our alumni and why I am full of hope for our future. of our programming online, to the friends to help us keep our doors open Kol Ha’Kavod, heartbreaking cancellation of all of our to continue to do what we have been Chazak Ve’Ematz, Epstein & Associates Law summer camps and Biluim Israel. doing for over 100 years - Engage and Empower Jewish youth, foster leaders, and Sindi Kachuck, Biluim 1983 Who could ever have imagined this? ensure a lifetime of commitment to our Chair CYJ Board of Directors But, as I said I am also grateful, proud community and Israel. and full of hope - and here’s why. The very first pillar of Darkeinu, CYJ’s core And you answered with a resounding values, is Dugma Ishit which we used YES! You expressed your gratitude to to refer to as Hadracha B’dugma or CYJ for shaping your life and those of Newmarket leadership by example - and our team your children, by donating whatever (Main Office) Richmond Hill Barrie Mississauga did just that. you could and we raised $120,000 - 71 Main St. S. 9B- 245 West 89 Mary St. Suite 101, 90 enough to sustain us through to the Newmarket, Beaver Crk. Barrie, Matheson Blvd W. Led by Risa, our full time and part time beginning of 2021. Ontario Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mississauga, staff, and even those who just wanted L3Y 3Y5 Ontario, L4B 1L1 L4N 1T2 Ontario, L5R 3R3 to help, volunteered their time to On behalf of the Board of Directors 905-898-2266 416-777-2210 705-720-2210 289-628-2266 ensure that our chanichim were given of Canadian Young Judaea I want to x 222 x 222 x 222 x 222 the best virtual experience possible so thank all of you - our amazing national they could remain connected to their office Risa, Mark, Ellie, Jen and Agnes friends and to our Movement. That and our support staff in our Kenim, our resulted in incredible initiatives like dedicated partner camp boards, our Camp in A Box, weekly Shabbat Onegs passionate camp directors, our spirited open to everyone and hosted by each madrichim and chanichim and our loyal www.epsteinlaw.ca

// 2 Canadian young judaeA update from executive director region coordinator check-in Canadian young judaeA Update Region from Coordinator We now have four active Youth Councils entire CYJ team that has become my Executive Check-In in each of our cities, and JOLT running second family over the years: Jen, Ellie, as a truly national program with a set Agnes, Jacki, Naomi, Justine, Eden, Liza, curriculum. We have Mifgashim in our Guy, Sarah, Rebecca, Shauna, Emma, Director national Central and Western Region, with the and everyone else, thank you. promise of its return to the Atlantic Sometimes it is the small moments and their words have encouraged established in their careers they wanted mark kachuck Region soon. Our Annual National Chazak Ve’Ematz, in life that mean the most to us. me and touched my heart, at times to “pay it forward”. I was overwhelmed Leadership Convention Machane For me, the last 8 months have been I was brought to tears. During our by their stories and their generosity. Choref, continues to attract more Mark Kachuck, Biluim 2011 full of small moments that have campaign we received large donations This is what a Movement like CYJ is participants and expand each year. We National Education Director, surprised me and have shone light on from young alumni who are either about, the life-cycle of our members. have a National Mazkirut, whereby all 2018-2020 what has been an exceedingly difficult currently working at camps or who just No matter where you are in life, CYJ can Youth Council Presidents and Roshei time personally and professionally. All graduated out of staffing. I called each play a role in it, and in return you play a Ken meet on a monthly basis to support of us have had to make adjustments one of them to make sure that their role in CYJ. each other, and connect, and we have Vancouver in our lives to accommodate a global donation was within their means. One new programs running for our Grades pandemic that we could never have by one I was told how much CYJ meant I am honoured to be the Executive 1-8 campers. Eden Gutterman predicted. CYJ has not been immune to to them. That it was in the Movement Director of CYJ and lead it out of these this new reality. that they learnt all their leadership challenging times. I thank all of those Through my work at CYJ, I was able to My name is Eden Gutterman and I skills, made lifelong friendships, and along the way who have supported us, visit each of our affiliate camps, and am the Associate Director of Camp Until the very end of May and early June strengthened their Jewish identity. For wished us well, and look forward to a see firsthand how truly alike we all Hatikvah and have been since 2015. In we all held out hope that in one way or them, these donations ensured that CYJ bright future. are. I travelled the country, and the addition to this role, I was very excited another camps would operate, as we would continue to offer young people world, sharing my passion for this when the opportunity arose to be the all know now this was not meant to be. what it had offered them. By the end of Chazak Ve’Ematz. organization, and hoping to inspire youth coordinator for CYJ Vancouver Instead of travelling with Biluim Israel the conversations they were consoling a new generation of Judaeans. CYJ for this year! I love everything that the to Poland and Israel, visiting our camps me, instead of me thanking them. Risa Epstein I will never forget the day, when I was is a household name again, and I CYJ Movement stands for and I am around the country and directing sitting on the Ulam floor at Camp cannot wait to see what more we can so happy to be able to take part and Machane Lev, I spent the summer in Then there were the parents who were Solelim in 2009, listening to Risa Epstein accomplish. Although I am leaving my encourage year round participation in survival mode, ensuring that CYJ would not sure about their commitment to pitch this concept of being involved in a professional role, I look forward to our Jewish community for our young be able to continue its operations in CYJ. There were parents that were far Youth Movement, something that was continuing to volunteer and support leaders of Vancouver. 2020/2021. more connected to the individual camps bigger than us as an individual camp. this family that has helped me develop than the Movement. That all changed I was inspired, to say the least, and and grow into the Jewish leader I I believe that as a movement, there is Thanks to very generous donors after their children were engaged by was excited that I could be a part of am today. I am leaving knowing that so much opportunity to lead our youth who’ve supported our COVID-19 our staff during the summer with Camp something that just felt so right for me. despite a global pandemic, Canadian in a positive direction where they learn Emergency Campaign, CYJ was able in the Box, Maccabiah, Survivor, Rikud Little did I know that it would eventually Young Judaea is in the best place it has the importance of giving back and being to get back to the national office in Zumba, Oneg Shabbat, and Havdallah, lead me to take on the role of National been in years. While our conventions responsible and generous community September engaging our youth and just to name a few. They were so Education Director for CYJ. may be on hold, our ruach, and our members. I really hope that our various offering them leadership, Jewish and grateful that CYJ had made available Darkeinu is shining through. programs for kids in grades 1-11 will Zionist education. Even though for a virtual platform for their children to When I started just over two years ago encourage kids of all ages to practice most of the country we are not able to enjoy the spirit of camp despite the we had one Youth Council, one Mifgash, So, how do you say goodbye to a place, empathy, growth and activism. As one meet face to face our virtual community inability to be there in person. and JOLT was our only program running to people, and to an organization that of our camp mottos is “leadership by is thriving and growing daily. nationally . I made it my mission to has made you who you are? Quite example”, I will happily take on the And then, I was contacted by alumni create the opportunities that I had as a simply, you don’t. Instead, I will simply responsibility of helping to guide and I have had the honour of who in the past received financial aid camper, and as a Judaean, available to say, L’hitraot, until we meet again. encourage our kids to be the best communicating with so many parents, from the Movement to attend camps all of our programming centres. I am so With love and deep gratitude to Risa, leaders they can be and give back in alumni, and staff over the last months or Biluim Israel. Now that they were proud of the legacy I helped to build. my mentor, and my friend, and to the whatever way they can!

// 3 // 4 Canadian young judaeA region coordinator check-in Youth Council 2020 Canadian young judaeA

Region montreal Youth Coordinator naomi salama Council Hello CYJ families! My name is Naomi Salama and I am this year’s Eastern Check-In Region Program Coordinator! When my 2020 brain is not in full camp-mode (which is not very often) I am completing a Psychology degree with a minor HALIFAX TORONTO in Human Relations at Concordia University. I’ve been part of the CYJ montreal JUSTINE BALIN JACKI STEIN system since my first summer at Camp Kinneret in 2007. I went to Biluim in After spending many summers at I have always had a deep connection Hi everyone, my name is Jacki Stein 2013 where I got to meet so many Camp Kinneret-Biluim, we decided that and appreciation to my Jewish and I am this year’s Central Region people from across the Movement we wanted to contribute and give back community so when I moved from Program Coordinator! I am currently and then Biluim Israel the following to our community and the place we call Vancouver to Halifax to attend pursuing my Masters in Developmental summer, which was truly one of the home. By getting involved in JOLT and university, I sought out the community Disabilities with a specialization in Child best summers of my life. Meeting Youth Council in the past several years, here. I am now in my fourth year at Life. I was put on the bus kicking and everyone from the other camps we have learned to become not only Dalhousie and am excited to be working screaming in 2006 for my first year at showed me that although each camp is better leaders, but have also fostered with CYJ! While new to the Movement, Camp Shalom and since then I have different, we all share the same values, many meaningful connections across I wanted to work with CYJ as I believe never looked back. I have spent the appreciation, and love for camp. My last all age groups and between everyone. vancouver they provide essential leadership skills past 14 years as a camper and staff 5 years as a staff member at Kinneret and help to strengthen young adults’ completely in love with everything CYJ have only expanded my love for camp During these difficult times staying Our names are Max Laskin and Jacob members of the Louis Brier Old Age Jewish identities and values. has to offer. My years as a camper and the Jewish values we hope to instill connected, spreading positivity, Merkur, and we are the co-presidents Home. We were able to gather the growing up in this Movement taught me in our campers’ lives. meeting new people and giving back to of the Vancouver Canadian Young community, and collect over 100 letters In our first session of JOLT, we had a valuable life lessons and skills that have our community has become such a fun Judaea Youth Council. After we had and drawings of hope, love and care. meaningful and thought-provoking helped me grow into the person I am CYJ year-round programming offers an and meaningful experience. We hope graduated from JOLT (Jewish Outreach In doing so, it really showed the Council discussion on mutual respect and what today. What’s more, my years as a staff incredible opportunity to our campers that as co-presidents of the Montreal Leadership Training), we decided to get the impact we can have in bringing the it means to us and our community. fostered my love of programming and to continue learning and being active Youth Council, we can inspire future even more involved with CYJ, and apply community together. In the end, we As it was my first time meeting them, working with kids which has shaped my members of the Jewish community leaders and bring everyone in the for the Youth Council. While the Youth were able to provide a letter, drawing, or I was beyond impressed with their future and the person I am becoming. here in Montreal. I am so grateful that community together. Council had been around in Toronto, message for each resident in the Louis positive attitudes and thoughtful in the past few years of working with and Montreal, the Vancouver team had Brier home and they are now rotating on contributions to the discussion. I look This is my third year working with CYJ CYJ, I have been able to watch our Jasmine Putterman-Salzman not yet been established, thus making the televisions around the home. forward to working more with these in the city, and my second year in this campers grow as Jewish leaders and and Jasmin Behar this the first ever year of our council. amazing teens out here and finding particular role, and I love having the experience the change they are making Co-Presidents, Montreal To our delight, as good friends, we We are very grateful for the opportunity the unique opportunities the east coast opportunity to help shape the next in our community. Although this year were given the opportunity to be to work with the council and members has to offer! generation of Jewish leaders! We have is unusual, our virtual programming presidents together. of our community, and are excited to spent the past few months developing so far has been so great and we are plan many more programs before the and re-imagining our programs to taking advantage of all the tools that we Throughout the past 8 months of being end of our tenure in December. ensure that we can provide this have at our disposal that we wouldn’t a part of the council, we have learned year’s group of campers with the best normally have! Our first virtual JOLT and valuable lessons about working with Max Laskin and Jacob Merkur experiences possible. I feel so grateful Chalutzim sessions were so fun and our peers, planning programs, and Co-Presidents, to have the opportunity to pass on all of engaging and our first JOLT outreach organizing meetings. On top of this, Vancouver CYJ Youth Council the amazing experiences I had with CYJ was incredibly successful! We were we have been lucky enough to meet and I can’t wait to see what the rest of able to do a COVID-safe food drive and many other kids our age on different the year has in store for all of us! received so many non-perishable food CYJ councils through virtual meetings. donations for the MADA community Specifically, in the initial outbreak of centre here in Montreal! I hope to meet the virus, our Youth Council was able some of you virtually this year! to plan a major outreach for the elderly

// 5 // 6 Canadian young judaeA Youth Council 2020 Ya’ara Saks & Aliyah Update Canadian young judaeA

last week or a few years have passed, even now as a mental health advocate Youth Ya’ara they still know me better than anyone! – the lessons CYJ instilled of Servant Leadership and leading with core values Council Saks 2. is the foundation that I operate from. Did CYJ have an influence on your work in Israel and on international 3. 2020 & Aliyah issues? Please tell us about some of What inspired you to get into politics? the work that you did in Israel while Update you lived there. This is both the easiest and hardest question to answer, simply because There is no question that CYJ shaped there are so many reasons. TORONTO Ya’ara Saks me in terms of where I have lived and Fundamentally, I am doing this for my the work that I do. When you are taught daughters. If we want to live up to our Two thousand and twelve is when I first Featured Alumni core values of leading by example, values, we need to lead by example. I became affiliated with Canadian Young being committed to community, and want to leave my daughters a better Judaea. My parents wanted to send me members. I am devoted to giving back others to program activities for the CYJ 1. responsible for each other with a love world where they can do anything or to a Jewish and since to the movement that has given me so community during the school year, my Please tell us about your background, of Israel and respect for one another, be anyone. I’ve also been a community then whether at camp or in the city the much. goal is to bring people together in a way and your CYJ camper/staff history. it shapes who you are in the world. My advocate for a long time, having programs and people that make up that eliminates the stress of people’s This can also include any family work in Israel was driven by a true belief founded a mental health charity and as CYJ are among the things that are most Natasha Enchin everyday lives and gives people the that were also Judaeans, and if your that we are responsible for each other a committee member of the New Israel special in my life. For me, being a part of chance to connect with their CYJ family. children are or will be involved. and those who we live next to. Fund. At a certain point, I realized that CYJ is being a part of something bigger I had done what I set out to achieve and outside of my comfort zone. TORONTO Being given this opportunity to be such I grew up in Toronto and Israel as a It started with deciding to do my at the community level, but that to a large part of my CYJ community in kid. Though it was a bit later than my master’s degree at Hebrew U in see the change I wanted at a higher The programs are opportunities for My name is Leah Gilbert. I live in Toronto is a great way for me to further tentmates, I started in the CYJ system Jerusalem, and it turned into some level I needed to throw my hat in the me to improve my leadership skills and Toronto and I am the co-president develop my own leadership skills and as a Rookie at Solelim. Most of my incredible and valuable experiences ring. I think we need to do more on become the best version of myself. CYJ of Youth Council Toronto for the help those around me to do the same. summers until that point had been where I got to work with amazing people mental health access, on environmental is a movement that connects Jewish 2020/2021 year. I have been attending I look forward to working in the city as spent in Israel, and that year I decided and on real, impactful issues. Whether protection, on fighting for equal rights youth all across Canada. CYJ has instilled CYJ camps since 2012, starting at well as nation-wide this year to plan fun I wanted the genuine Canadian camp it was through the People to People and opportunities and protecting in me the values and morals that have Camp Shalom and following all the and meaningful programs for everyone experience. It was such a special Track of the Oslo Accords, my work in society’s most vulnerable, and being in become so significant in my life. My own way through to what would have been in the CYJ community. summer in that it allowed me to the Office of the Mayor of Jerusalem Parliament is the most effective way to Jewish identity, Israel, Tikun Olam and Biluim Canada this past summer. feel comfortable in my Israeli skin working with diverse communities, or get these things done. the Jewish community have become so Leah Gilbert among my friends and classmates. I important to me. CYJ has exposed me My love for camp has been so strong continued in the system loving every to new ideas and perspectives. It has since the very beginning that I have summer through Biluim, Biluim Israel changed my mindset and allowed me to committed a large portion of my city life and then as staff at Hatikvah. I still understand others points of view and to the Movement as I’ve gotten older. go out to BC every summer (this year adapt them into my own opinions. As I take on this new responsibility notwithstanding) to the Okanagan this year, I will work to plan programs Valley – it captured my heart. CYJ has taught me how to learn from and initiatives to bring people in others and truly validate their views. the CYJ community together both Proudly, my youngest daughter will In my experience, CYJ creates leaders city-wide as well as nationally. This be starting at Shalom this summer as who are inclusive of all, committed, is a very special opportunity for me a Senior. Her drive to go is what she empowering and most importantly love because the national aspect of CYJ, sees around her. My closest friends, my the Movement. My goal is to continue amongst many other things, is part of ‘sisters in crime,’ are from CYJ. Over the to strengthen my own bonds with CYJ what makes CYJ camps different from years I have lived both in Canada and while influencing and developing young any other. As I work alongside many Israel. Each time, whether I saw them

// 7 // 8 Canadian young judaeA Ya’ara Saks & Aliyah Update Helen Glazer Tribute Canadian young judaeA Ya’ara Helen “Dear Family, Friends and Chaverim have seen the spark of ideas evolve Saks Glazer of Canadian Young Judaea, into successful programmes for our It is not easy for me to stand here and youth, shared numerous meetings with speak to you this evening. It really various dedicated committee members, & Aliyah Tribute isn’t. This kind of gathering---in front of watched campers come and grow, staff so many people---with me as a guest and shlichim come and go, and met so Update of honour--- doesn’t make me very many committed people across Canada comfortable, and---to tell you the truth-- and the State of Israel. My position has -it is not really my style. allowed me to watch youngsters like 4. On Sunday September 20th, on the Marty Lockshin---and others like him--- This is truly a historic moment for Zeh.” CYJ teaches us that with a strength gap year program, I wouldn’t have had second day of Rosh Hashanna, we lost On the other hand, I felt I had an -grow up to become Jewish communal Women and CYJ, as you have been of identity and a community behind you, the best year of my life in Israel. And if a pillar of our community, Helen Glazer obligation to contribute to a worthy leaders. And I have been granted the sworn in as the House of Commons we can be leaders and important voices it hadn’t been for that year I wouldn’t ZT”L at the age of 101. Everyday, we cause. As a lifelong Young Judaean, I privilege to work alongside Canadian 100th Female Member, and the first not only in our own village but the have decided to make Aliyah. But here mourn the loss of such a Woman of am not talking about just any cause. I Young Judaea’s greatest National CYJ alumni to be elected as an MP. society we are an integral part of. I am today, almost three months into Valour. In Judaism, those we lose on am talking about and Israel and Executive Director, Risa Epstein. I truly What is a message that you would my program with Garin Tzabar about to High Holidays represent people of young people, and past and present value Risa as one of my closest friends. like to share with our young campers, enlist in the IDF. great righteousness and honour, and and future. And if my standing here and our alumni community? Aliyah Update Written by that is who Helen has always been. this evening can contribute in some And finally, let me close with those Of course it was hard to leave the significant way to Young Judaea, then words which conclude each book of the This is truly an important and historic Marissa Kachuck comfort of my home in Canada and Without Helen Glazer, CYJ would not that is what is important. Your presence Torah, words which Canadian Young moment for women – after being start a new life in a new country - in be the Movement it is today, and for here this evening goes a long way Judaea has so beautifully adopted as hardest hit in the pandemic-induced About 3 months ago I packed my entire the middle of a pandemic no less. But that we thank her. Below, we have toward enabling so many of our youth its watchword: Chazak Ve-Amatz. To recession, I am excited to be a part life in Canada into three (overweight) having grown up in a Zionist household included a message that Helen to participate in so many Israel-linked all of you, “Be strong and of courage”… of the “She-Covery” and elevating suitcases and began my journey of and having gone to Zionist Jewish delivered in 2007 at our CYJ Alumni programmes, and words alone cannot Cheezkoo Ve-Eemtzoo. Thank-you and women and girls to places of power, Aliyah. While it still feels surreal that I summer camps all my life, being a Gala, when she was honoured for her express my appreciation for your Shavua Tov.” addressing social inequalities and am here in Israel, living on a in part of the state of Israel could not work with the Movement. As well, a generosity... - Helen Glazer ZT”L vulnerabilities that disproportionately the Negev and preparing to enlist in the feel more right for me. I feel honoured message from Rami Flomen, a CYJ impact women, be it work, housing IDF, this has been a dream of mine since to establish roots in this country and Shaliach who worked closely with My involvement with Canadian Young “For me the “Bayit” was truly a house in or mental health. As a single mother, the summer of 2014. I fell in love with strengthen my family’s connection to Helen for many years. Judaea became solidified around the which I resided almost all the days of I have taught my daughters that they Israel long before we had even met. Eretz Yisrael. I know there will be tough year 1966 when, yet another cousin, the week, and in the little room/office are part of the decisions that are made days ahead, days when the bureaucracy Helen Benson, gave up her secretarial on the second floor I hung out, for in our household, that their voices and Throughout my summers at Camp will be frustrating and the language will position with Canadian Young Judaea many beautiful hours, with the “house opinions matter. Empowering women Shalom, Camp Solelim and Camp be confusing. But I will remind myself and asked me if I would be interested mother”, Helen. She adopted me in a starts at home but it doesn’t stop there Biluim, I learned so much about Israel of the quote by Theodre Herzl, “Im in taking her place…I did not hesitate. sense and beyond the routine office —their voices must be heard in all the - the history, the people, the culture, tirtzu, ein zo agada”, if you will it it is no I had been working for a private work she simply looked after me. places that decisions are made (thanks the ideologies, the politics. It made dream. For years making Aliyah was my children’s camp---Camp Winnebago, RBG!). And not just heard, but being in my heart grow fonder and fonder dream and I never gave up on it. I had to be exact---for a number of years, Helen knew every nuance that the room and being decision makers. for this tiny piece of land across the the will and I made it happen. and the idea of being involved not appeared in every written document, ocean. And when I stepped off the only in camping but in the Zionist who the persons were with whom we It takes a community to make sure that plane in 2014 with Biluim Israel, I knew Now it is my dream to see peace for youth movement of my own youth were dealing, how to approach this our daughters, sisters, and mothers are I had come home. If it hadn’t been for our nation in this lifetime - and where really appealed to me. My continued one and how to approach that one and empowered and supported. That means Biluim Israel, I wouldn’t have visited there is a will, there is a way. I cannot presence in the Canadian Young Judaea if we received an answer she would raising all of our campers with a sense the Young Judaea campus in Jerusalem wait to serve my country and the office has been a source of great joy know how to respond in accordance. of equality and responsibility towards where I decided to go on their gap year Jewish people. and satisfaction for me. Helen was not my secretary: she was each other – “Kol Israel Areivim Zeh La program. And if it hadn’t been for my the senior partner in what I did and in I have watched Young Judaea grow over what I decided. And if here and there I the years not only through my eyes but managed to succeed in something, also through your eyes, and the eyes it was due to her.” of your children and grandchildren. I - Rami Flomen, CYJ Shaliach

// 9 // 10 Canadian young judaeA mazel tovs MAZEL TOVS Canadian young judaeA

Mazel Mazel Tovs Tovs weddings, engagements & births weddings, engagements & births

Noah Bronstein, Biluim 2009 Eden Peters, Biluim 2010 Lindsay Cohen, Biluim 2009 Samantha April, Kadimah CIT 08 Adelaide Katz Joseph Thomas Zilbert Rachel Schlosser, Shalom Staff Jordan Elmalem Jamie Cole Yoni Kamil Josh Katz, Biluim 2001 Nathan Zilbert, Biluim 1999 2011-2012 Leora Ami, Biluim 2003 Alex Zilbert

Lee Levine-Poch, Biluim 2009 Max Stone, Shalom Staff Ave Bross, Biluim 2009 Tamara Bella Waltman Zoe Esther Ann Sherman Blake Marley Stern Yannai Gordon 2011-2013, 2015 Melanie Citron Jordan Waltman, Biluim 1999 Jonah Sherman, Biluim 2005 Halie Peters, Biluim Canada 2005 Casey Rosen, Shalom Staff 2012-2013 Dayna Waltman, Camp Kadimah Samantha Waddell Ariel Stern, Biluim Canada 2006

// 11 // 12 Canadian young judaeA camp updates camp updates Canadian young judaeA camp camp updates updates

Kadimah traditions. Our CK virtual experience was complemented camp hatikvah by the amazing CYJ programming which was just one of the silver liza delman, director linings of this past summer; we were able to meet and have fun took us up on our offer to come to their with all of the CYJ camps! camp kinneret - Every building at camp has either been ‘happiest place on earth’. We welcomed renovated or rebuilt from scratch. We Bubbee and Zaydee’s, Alumni, Staff Kadimah is confident that summer biluim have also added many new facilities and campers seven days per week to 2021 will be the best yet! We are in guy korngold, director including our cultural centre with new ensure everyone that wanted to come the process of hiring our incredible yoga, dance, arts & crafts, music and to camp had an opportunity. I am not staff team and have some exciting fitness studios. We have added three sure if I mentioned but we are a FIVE projects at camp underway. Stay new tennis courts, a waterslide park, HOUR drive from Vancouver so that tuned for fun Kadimah in the City several gorgeous gazebos, and a state As it has been for all of our camps, 2020 fact that we had such a response was virtual programs for our campers of the art sports complex. All of these has been incredibly difficult for Camp truly amazing! We felt honoured by the this year. We can’t wait to see our installations are connected by new paths Hatikvah. While we started the year support, commitment and dedication campers’ faces on Zoom as we that meander over our river and through from a place of great strength with the of our Hatikvah community and continue to keep the Kadimah our forests. largest enrollment in our history, the BC grateful for the opportunity to provide chevra all year long. Ministry of Health ordered all summer our families with a little bit of Camp camp kadimah In addition to our upgraded and camps to close on May 26th, 2020. Until Hatikvah joy. Summer 2020 has reminded us all As we sing proudly marching along….. impressive campsite and facilities, we that point we were incredibly hopeful sarah atkins, director just how important and valuable Camp Kinneret and Camp Biluim have are equally proud of our awards and that we were going to be able to run, our camp experiences are. We are been going from strength to strength accolades. At 98%, Camp Kinneret enjoys and the news that we would not be able This year was incredibly hard but it also so grateful to be a part of the CYJ to strength! Both Camp Kinneret and the highest camper retention rate of to was truly devastating. proved to be incredibly beautiful in family and our Camp Kadimah Camp Biluim have been operating at any Jewish camp in North America. Our many ways. The support that we saw heart beats strong! capacity for many years and enjoy a staff satisfaction rates for both Kinneret Despite our disappointment, we from our community has truly shown stellar reputation for excellence in and Biluim are also at least 20% above remained determined to offer me how much camp means to our See you at the Barss in 2021! Jewish summer camping. all other participating North American something to our families and community and it gives me renewed camps on all staff satisfaction measures. quickly tried to get approval from the energy to ensure that our camp – and Perhaps most importantly, Camp government to run a family ‘glamping’ campers – continue to thrive! I will do Kinneret and Camp Biluim received the program. That too was turned down everything in my power for camp to After 77 summers, Camp Kadimah is awards for Excellence in Jewish and as we were told that no overnight run safely in 2021. With my board of looking toward 2021 with immense Israel programming at the most recent programs would be allowed in any directors and my camp community anticipation. Our community rallied this in-person Foundation for Jewish Camp shape or form. Sad but still not yet ready behind us, I couldn’t be more optimistic past summer to keep us connected and Leaders Assembly. to give up, we pivoted again and decided that after one year of being away from full of ruach as we interacted through to offer our families, and greater Hatikvah, this coming summer will the virtual Havdallahs, Onegs, Kabbalat The summer of 2021 will represent our community, the opportunity to come to BEST SUMMER EVER! Shabbat and many other camp-wide 79th Anniversary and we look forward camp for daytime visits and fun. and sectional programs. Kadimah to continuing to provide our campers staff volunteers were tremendous as with transformative experiences on our The response surpassed all of our they engaged campers through social gorgeous site! expectations and well over 600 people media and maintained many wonderful

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camp shalom camp solelim rebecca diamond, director shauna waltman, director

We are so excited about our new in a tent and making dinner over a associate director, medical director, campfire. We know that all of these social worker and fabulous head staff changes are going to make our camp team. We are already working hard summers even more incredible! ensuring that this upcoming summer is a memorable and safe one. Our While this was a summer unlike amazing maintenance staff have been any other, it brought opportunities, working hard painting, roofing and blessings and lessons. I now feel richer Choosing to make the most of this refurbishing many of the buildings. and wiser, thanks to all of the incredible On what would have been the last they have to leave. I could fill entire cannot wait to bring our chevra back to unexpected camp season, with an We can’t wait for the campers to people I spent time with this summer, Shabbat of the summer, I had the pages with all the moments we missed. Tilton Lake Road for summer 2021. Stay optimistic and unstoppable attitude, enjoy our new ice cream shop, The and I am beyond determined to ensure chance to make a brief visit to camp. safe, stay healthy: be strong and have I jumped into the season with Shalom Swirl, three new rock climbing that the summer of 2021 at Camp We were passing through Sudbury on Standing on the rock, I also thought courage. We will be together soon. enthusiasm and creativity. Most routes on the real Muskoka rock, and Shalom is truly EPIC! the way back home from a family RV about everything we had accomplished important for me was that I use this tetherball. But we are most excited trip, and we stopped at Solelim to make that summer. I thought about how opportunity to improve the facilities, for the return of camping trips at our sure everything was okay. It felt strange, proud I was of our Posts who passed CHAN A E the health and safety, and the new overnight tent site (located on our empty and unnaturally quiet. I climbed their knowledge of camp traditions M LEV programming, and to learn as much as I beautiful camp property). This is an up to the top of the rock and thought down to our Rookies. I thought about could from staff, campers, parents and amazing opportunity for our campers about how, in an alternate universe, the creative ways we brought camp to fellow camp professionals. to experience the thrill of sleeping our chevra would be up there in a few our homes and screens this summer: short hours, reflecting on an incredible Post-Rookie bonding, Shabbat, tent time, summer spent laughing, learning and Survivor, Amazing Race and Arts Reality living together. Show. I thought about all the camp Registration is now open birthdays we celebrated with faces in for Machane Lev 2021! I thought about all we had missed out on the cake. I thought about our superstar that summer. The crunch of the gravel staff whose creativity, love for camp and August 22nd to and the smell of the air. Basketball kindness helped make all this happen. August 29th, 2021 from the courts, SFL on the Old sports I hope that wherever you were this field, guitars in the Mo and splashing at summer, you felt the Solelim spirit. Join our community of amazing the chof. Silly mifkad announcements, LGBTQ+ Jewish Youth, and musags that made us think and messy Thinking back on my own summer, I experience a week like no other! EPs. The crazy moments where our realized that I felt it not when I was up ruach was off the charts. The way the there on rock, alone with my thoughts, Visit www.machanelev.ca today sunset lit up the sky in shades of brilliant but in the times that I got to connect or email [email protected] pink, orange, gold and purple. The with all of you. Thank you for being for more information feeling of building a community that is there for me and for each other. I am in so powerful, people are in tears when awe of our incredible camp family and I

// 15 // 16 Canadian young judaeA fundraising report Fundraising Report

Throughout summer 2020 we were able to raise just over $100,000 for our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. With your generous donations our Movement was able to... LARGER THAN LIFE CANADA IS THRILLED TO BE Bring in 120 families for a two-part Holocaust PARTNERING WITH 120 Education Series CYJ AND BILUIM ISRAEL 2021.

WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE Host 50 Grade 11 students who are participating in our Staff-in-Training program, THIS PARTNERSHIP FLOURISH 50 the Manhigim Program AND WELCOME YOU IN ISRAEL FOR SUMMER 2021!

LARGERTHANLIFECANADA.ORG Welcome over 200 teens across the country for our flagship program JOLT, ( Jewish 200 Outreach Leadership Training) Want This upcoming year will be our most challenging yet. Help us reach our goal in to raising $200,000 before summer 2021. 4,000 Engage 4,000 alumni in monthly Newsletters advertise Donate today and be a part of a Movement that is laying the foundation with for a future of strong Jewish leaders, us? and a place for every Jew to be 200 children from the ages of 7-13 were able welcomed with open doors. to engage with their friends through virtual 200 summer programming To make a donation go to Contact Ellie Gamliel www.youngjudaea.ca/donation at [email protected] or call Jen Levy at (416) 781-5156 x221 or (416) 781-5156 x224 for pricing and details! Welcome 300 families throughout the summer to join us for Shabbat Services 300 DONATE TODAY This newsletter would not with our affiliated Summer Camps be possible without the generous support of our advertisers, we thank you!

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“CYJ would not be the same This upcoming year, support US as we without work towards creating a future of YOU” engaged Jewish youth and leaders

The images on the front and back covers were created by the participants of ‘Hamsa Summer Project 2020’

CANADIAN YOUNG JUDAEA | 788 Marlee Ave. Toronto, ON M6B 3K1 (416) 781-5156 | [email protected]

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