My point is not about my children or about the specific camp they attend, but rather about the idea that there are activities, programs, and events which can inspire our youth towards loving and embracing their Judaism.  We know that Jewish camping, trips to Israel and high quality formal Jewish education can achieve such an outcome.  Youth groups, a meaningful home Shabbat experience and volunteering in a Jewish framework can do the same.  We also know that different approaches are needed for different people.  Our Centennial Fund for a Jewish Future is working to secure permanent funding for such programs.  We already have great momentum.  Two great examples of how the Centennial Fund is impacting our community:  over 120 of our community’s children are attending a first time Jewish summer camp experience due to the One Happy Camper program and fifty Counselors in Training from Emma Kaufmann Camp are right now in Israel.

In just a few hours, my kids will be at their ReLeSH program, 120 children from Pittsburgh at various Jewish camps will be bringing in Shabbat in unique ways and the Emma Kaufmann Counselors in Training will be celebrating Shabbat in Israel.  All of them will have a meaningful Jewish experience while having fun.

Shabbat Shalom.