One of the students described growing up in a very non Jewish area in an interfaith home.  She went on Birthright to explore the Jewish part of her heritage.  Ever since, she has been a participant in Hillel activities including Shabbat services and dinner. 
 
While Birthright is free for the participants, it's not free.  It costs money.  Our Federation makes an annual allocation to Birthright through our Annual Campaign.  As a donor to the campaign, you are helping to send 15,000 young people to Israel this year.  Now, that's real bang for your buck!
 
This past week, a new study on the impact of Jewish camping was released.  The results were pretty remarkable.  Here is a quote from the study:  "Camp increases the likelihood of an adult’s Jewish engagement by magnitudes ranging from 5% to 55%, depending on the type of engagement".  Obviously, the 40 page study has much more detail and I encourage you to read it if you have the chance.  Our Federation, through our Centennial Fund for a Jewish Future, is in its second year of funding the Camper Incentive program offering any family sending a child on a first time Jewish overnight camping experience with $1,000 towards their registration fees.  Last year, over 70 first time campers participated.  If you know of someone who might benefit, please click here. 
 
As I am someone who benefited from a powerful Jewish overnight camping experience, I hope you will help spread the word.  My camping experience not only gave me a great Jewish knowledge and strong connection to the Jewish people, it also gave me an amazing wife!
 
Shabbat Shalom.