“How amazing is this place!” These are the words Jacob proclaims after waking from his dream of a ladder reaching to the heavens, with angels ascending and descending (Bereshit 28:17):
מַה־נּוֹרָ֖א הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה אֵ֣ין זֶ֗ה כִּ֚י אִם־בֵּ֣ית אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְזֶ֖ה שַׁ֥עַר הַשָּׁמָֽיִם
Jacob experiences a profound sense of awe and holiness—something I can almost imagine as we open Camp. Watching over 420 children and 120 young adults gather, sing, and dance to Jewish music is nothing short of inspiring. Here at Camp Ramah Darom, tzevet (staff) are role models bringing Jewish life to our chanichim (campers) with passion, joy, and love.
Jacob continues: “This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gateway to heaven.” While we don’t often speak in theological terms, it’s hard not to feel a spiritual presence here. Yes, the physical setting is stunning—the mountains, the blue sky, the waterfall—but it’s the energy of your children that transforms this into something truly sacred.
Our theme for Kayitz (Summer) 2025 comes from Jacob’s words: Ma nora hamakom hazeh – How amazing is this place! This summer, we hope to inspire in our chanichim (campers) a sense of wonder, awe, and spiritual connection—a feeling of being part of something larger than themselves.
We’ll begin by welcoming Shabbat together as one kehillah (community), full of ruach and joy. Tonight, during Kabbalat Shabbat, we’ll sing Lechu Neranena, reflecting on the words:
אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ֭יָדוֹ מֶחְקְרֵי־אָ֑רֶץ וְתוֹעֲפֹ֖ת הָרִ֣ים לֽוֹ…
אֲשֶׁר־ל֣וֹ הַ֭יָּם
“…In His hands are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. The sea is His…”
What a blessing it is to be in a place where we can pause and appreciate the beauty of creation. By celebrating Shabbat together in this awe-inspiring setting, we can better recognize the splendor around us—and what truly matters in our lives.
Enjoy our Kayitz 2025 Machzor Aleph Arrival Day video