Name: Rotem Azar
What is your job at camp? I am on tzevet Omanut (Art Staff) and tzevet Nivonim
How many summers have you been at camp?
This is my second summer at camp.
Where are you from? What do you do outside of camp?
I am from Rishon LeZion, Israel. I work at the Rishon LeZion municipality with special needs children.
Why do you come back to camp? If this is your first summer, what brought you to camp?
I come back because my campers are really amazing and I miss them so much during the year. And I really loved working in omanut.
What makes Camp Ramah special?
The community, the people, and Kabbalat Shabbat down by the lake.
What is your favorite campwide event?
I love the Zimriyah because everyone sings together. I like that the whole camp comes together to sing Hebrew songs and each eidah gets to show their ruach. It’s really fun.
Where’s your favorite water fountain in camp?
The one that I use most is the one outside of the Beit Am nearest Omanut.
Where is your favorite spot in camp?
Machon Point. It’s got the best view in camp!
What is your favorite camp meal?
I love the Shabbat dinner soup.
Name: AJ Rosenthal
What is your job at camp? Madrich Chevrati (Counselor) for Bogrim
How many summers have you been at camp?
I’ve been at camp since my Garinim summer and I’m a junior counselor now, so eight summers.
Where are you from? What do you do outside of camp?
I am from Phoenix Arizona. I just graduated high school and next year I’m going on a gap year program called Kivunim in Israel.
Why do you come back to camp? If this is your first summer, what brought you to camp?
I come back to camp mostly for the people. The space is also very special to me but mostly the space is so special because of the people that inhabit it.
What makes Camp Ramah special?
Camp Ramah is special because of the people. Which is also what contributes to me coming back. It’s the people I meet and the people I can’t wait to see every summer.
What is your favorite camp wide event?
My favorite campwide event is after Kabbalat Shabbat every Friday night when the whole camp is together. After services end, everyone comes together and hugs each other and wishes them a Shabbat Shalom. It’s a great time of the week to catch up with friends and see everyone.
Where is your favorite spot in camp?
My favorite spot in camp is on the kikar where the roof of the Chadar Ohel makes a little shaded triangle. So it’s a shaded space on the kikar when there is often no other shade around it.
Where’s your favorite water fountain in camp?
Easily, my favorite water fountain in camp is at the Beit Am. The bigger one, not the smaller one.
What is your favorite camp meal?
The brisket on Friday nights.
Name: Ranan Vales
What is your job at camp? Tzevet Atzmayim (Tikvah Vocational staff)
How many summers have you been at camp?
This will be my eighth summer. One I spent on Ramah Seminar in Israel. I came in 2010 for my first summer in Solelim.
Where are you from? What do you do outside of camp?
I’m from Chicago, Illinois. Right now I am studying film at a school in Chicago called Flashpoint where we learn production, pre- and post-production and how to make movies.
Why do you come back to camp? If this is your first summer, what brought you to camp?
I come back to camp because of the community and because of the people and because the work is really rewarding, and is just overall good work.
What makes Camp Ramah special?
What makes camp special is the layout, the buildings, and the location. But also the people and the history here that I have from my years as a camper.
What is your favorite camp wide event?
The talent show.
Where is your favorite spot in camp?
My favorite spot in camp is the kikar – right before meals. That’s a great place to be.
Where’s your favorite water fountain in camp?
The one at the basketball court with the sensor that fills your water bottle.
What is your favorite camp meal?
This summer it has been the cinnamon rolls. Those are really good.
