The number eighteen, and the numerical value of it’s corresponding hebrew letters (chai) is the symbol for life in Judaism. The eighteen Kalsman summers, so far, represent a lifetime and the deep, meaningful impact on countless lives having spent time at camp.
As we enter our 19th summer, I am overwhelmed with excitement for all we can celebrate about our past and all that we are looking forward to in the future.
Looking back on the past 18 summers, we beam with pride about the incredible community we create every summer and year-round through retreats. We are grateful for the support and dedication of our partners – congregations, organizations, families and donors – and how each one makes us stronger and adds so much to who and what Camp Kalsman has become.
Looking forward to our future, anticipation and joy abound as we prepare to welcome the most campers – both returning and new families – since Covid and the incredible energy we will soon feel as our community comes together.
When we think of the future, we imagine the limitless potential for growth in how and who serve, not only during the summer months but throughout the academic year. We envision the new and innovative ways we will partner with organizations to truly be an extension of their holy work, and how Kalsman plays a vital, foundational role in supporting families as part of their Jewish journey.
In a few short weeks, I will be standing in the parking lot welcoming hundreds of campers to our first session of the summer. I will see campers run to embrace each other and shy campers slowly come out of their shell as they realize that here at Kalsman, we honor everyone for exactly who they are and want to be. I will feel the power of communal singing, the joy of Jewish living and experience a slice of the world as I wish it was beyond Jordan Road.
Each summer, I am blessed with meaningful Shabbatot that fill my soul, sustaining me for 10 months until I get to return home to Kalsman and our beautiful community.
Like so many of you – our campers, staff, alumni and friends of camp – I am counting down the days until our arrival at camp.
URJ Camp Kalsman is the premier Jewish camp in the Pacific Northwest – and the year-round home for more and more congregations and Jewish organizations – because of the incredible support of our Camp Commission, volunteers, alumni and donors. As we enter this new chapter – a new lifetime of Kalsman – I extend heartfelt gratitude to YOU.
May the giddy anticipation of camp increase the gratitude we have to be able to experience it. May we each find a Shabbat experience over the next few months that is refreshing and fills our soul. May we each be blessed with a place where we know we belong.
Shabbat Shalom, Camp Kalsman!
Rabbi Ilana
