Jewish Life

Jewish education program at Ramah Outdoors

Our madrichim at Ramah Outdoor Adventure are Jewish educators as well as outdoor adventure experts.  They are trained to blend Jewish values and teaching into all aspects of our program. From reciting a bracha during a thunderstorm, to framing a service project by learning a Jewish text about us being stewards of the earth, Jewish learning is woven into the fabric of our day.

Prayers

Teffilah at Ramah is one of the daily highlights.  We begin each morning with a Shacharit service.  Sometimes we daven by edah, sometimes with the whole camp, and sometimes as individuals.  We believe that teffilah is a time to connect with our inner spirit as well as the Divine.  We make every attempt to offer campers a variety of ways to express themselves in prayer: meditative tefillot, chanting tefillot, yoga teffilot, or traditional congregational tefillot.  While not every option is available each day, we ask participants to find at least one form of prayer that moves them spiritually.  In the afternoons and evenings, we take time to daven a shorter Mincha and Maariv service.

Shabbat

Ask almost any Ramah Camper what their favorite part of the summer is, and most will answer unequivocally “Shabbat!”  — a truly magical time at camp. There is no better feeling than a Friday evening when we gather together to reflect on our week and pray together as one community.

The magic begins on Friday afternoon in the controlled chaos of last-minute preparations, as everybody rushes to clean the tents, shower, and change into their nicest (or cleanest) clothes.  As the sun begins to set, the edot, or camper divisions, collect for a few moments of quiet reflection before gathering as an entire camp for Israeli dancing and then for evening services.

Friday night dinner is usually the most relaxed meal of the week.  Food is eaten slower, conversations linger longer, and singing includes spirited dancing and clapping.  After dinner, participants have time to hang out with each other and catch up on their week.  The evening ends with an edah-wide oneg or reception, where there is more singing and food.

Shabbat day (Saturday) is a very relaxed day.  Campers sleep late and eat a light breakfast, followed by spirited Shabbat services. Following services is free time for the remainder of the day.  When the entire camp gathers for havdallah which marks the conclusion of Shabbat – campers are relaxed and motivated for another exciting week.

Participation in religious activities

At Ramah, we require all participants to be Jewish.  Particpants are expected to participate in all religious aspects of the camp.  Camp is a place to broaden one’s horizons.  It is a time for religious experimentation and challenge. We encourage participants to seek out ways to deepen their religious practices throughout the summer and to find ways that they will be able to continue their religious practice in a more meaningful way when they return to their home communities.