As we prepare for another transformative summer at Ramah Darom, the spirit of connection, purpose, and resilience is already in full swing—starting here in Israel, where our mishlachat (Israeli staff delegation) are getting ready to join us.
This summer’s group of shlichim (Israeli staff) is extraordinary, and their journey begins with a powerful experience: training alongside over 300 shlichim from Ramah camps across North America. Together with The Jewish Agency, we’re building a foundation of learning, bonding, and leadership—centered on what it truly means to bring light and strength to a camp community.
A Moment That Moved Us All
During one of our seminar sessions this week, we watched a video of Itay Dekel Chen, a returned hostage, singing “Kerem Shemesh.” At the end of the song, he shared a message that continues to echo in our hearts:
“To my friends… be strong — your soul needs a strong body, and your body needs a strong soul.”
In a world that often feels uncertain, those words remind us that strength—both physical and spiritual—is essential for healing, rebuilding, and moving forward.
Lessons from the South of Israel
Earlier this week, I joined other Ramah Directors on a powerful visit to Southern Israel with The Jewish Agency. We traveled to Kibbutz K’far Aza, a community devastated on October 7th, and heard heartbreaking stories of loss. But even more striking was the incredible resilience, hope, and courage we encountered.
In the Eshkol region, we met a local school principal who made the bold choice to move to the Gaza envelope after the attacks, committed to helping rebuild. His strength and determination are a testament to the unshakable spirit that runs deep in this land.
Drawing Strength from Our Tradition
This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Pekudei, tells the story of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) being completed. The Israelites were called to contribute—each person offering something personal to help build a sacred space. The Mishkan stood as both a physical and spiritual home, built on shared purpose and community strength.
That’s exactly what we aim to create at Ramah Darom: a space built by many hands, full of meaning, beauty, and connection.
Welcoming Our 2025 Mishlachat
This summer, we’re thrilled to welcome 40 shlichim to Ramah Darom—including 13 returning staff members. Under the leadership of seminar leader Shachar Shriki, Rosh Mishlachat Talya Danino, and Rosh Ivrit Chanah Mayer, we’re introducing our new shlichim to the magic of camp.
Together, we’ve been talking about the joy our chanichim (campers) experience, the spiritual growth they undergo, and the lifelong friendships they build. We’re also exploring how shlichim can make a lasting impact—not just on chanichim, but on our entire tzevet (staff) and each other.
Looking Ahead
Just as communities across Israel are rebuilding, and just as our ancestors once built the Mishkan, we are preparing to build something special at Ramah Darom. Not only in the physical sense—but in the hearts, minds, and souls of everyone who steps onto our campgrounds.
This summer, we will build a stronger, more resilient, and more connected community—together!