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History buffs might be able to recall a few key events from the year 1970. For example, U.S. troops invaded Cambodia, four students were killed at Kent State, the Beatles broke up, both Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin died, Monday Night Football debuted on ABC and a first class stamp was just 6 cents. In the Jewish world, Israel was still excited three years after winning the Six Day War, Golda Meir was the Prime Minister, and Israel was engaged in a War of Attrition. In Long Island, New York, two special education teachers, Herb and Barbara Greenberg, had a vision. They were dreaming of opening a Jewish summer camp program for children with special needs.

As the Greenbergs tell the story, various Jewish camps had already rejected this proposal. In early 1970, their plan was presented to the National Ramah Commission. Ramah camps and directors expressed fears that the presence of a mentally and/or emotionally handicapped group in the camp community would disrupt the structure of the camp. Greenberg further reports, “The leaders of Ramah felt that a program that introduced children with disabilities into the camp would create anxiety, both among the other campers and among the staff They also worried that some parents might be afraid to send their children to camp if THESE children were there
Donald Adelman (zl), the Director of Camp Ramah in Glen Spey, New York, was the lone dissenter, the only Ramah director who really wanted this program. He took an enormous risk, and he staked his whole career on it. He saw it as a moral responsibility toward those with special needs. Adelman had insisted that if there was no room at Ramah for Tikvah, then the whole point of the camp would be lost. This is what Ramah should be, and I insist on having it, said Adelman boldly.

Eight campers participated in the Tikvah Program in 1970. In 2010, fifty campers ages 13-35 participate in the various components of the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in New England. And nearly 200 campers participate in Ramah special needs camp programs each summer, from Wisconsin to Canada to California.

This past Sunday, 125 former campers, staff members, parents and friends of Tikvah participated in the Tikvah at 40 Celebration and Reunion at Camp Ramah in Palmer, MA. Dana, now 37, flew alone to spend Shabbat at Ramah, where she was a Tikvah camper, member of the vocational training program, and employee. Matthew, a camper from my 1985 bunk, came with his girlfriend–armed with old yearbooks, newspapers, and enlarged photos of yours truly with much longer, curlier hair! Counselors came to be photographed in front of their old bunks, with their old co-counselors and campers. All in attendance toured the fully accessible Tikvah Village and the Greenberg Tikvah Guest House, built to honor the pioneering efforts of the Greenbergs. They helped make a Tikvah at 40 quilt, played in the 6th Annual Shapell Classic Softball Game (in memory of a camper who died several years ago), and they schmoozed over burgers and dogs.

I have never been much of a reunion guy. But today was different. As the last car pulled out of camp Sunday evening, I looked back on my 16 years with Tikvah, and reflected on just how far we have come. I had a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. Can’t wait for Tikvah at 50, 60 even 70!

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We were pleased to host Stan Goldman, Program Director (Disabilities, and Education, Children, Youth, and Families) and Trustee Barry Schloss of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Highlights included a special tour of the Tikvah Village, Voc Ed Building and Tikvah Greenberg Guest House.  Our guests enjoyed a specially prepared lunch by Chef Sean, in our Voc Ed Building, hosted by Tikvah Director, Howard Blas, Director Rabbi Ed Gelb and National Ramah Director of Development, Avi Friedman. The day concluded with an inspiring meeting with third year Amitzim counselor, Elisheva Layman, Inclusion Specialist,  Elizabeth Chipkin, and four very articulate campers who are Bogrim Buddies and long time bunk mates and friends of a camper who is supported by our inclusion program.

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Members of the Tikvah Program can’t stop smiling! We are so excited to welcome Tikvah alumni, staff and friends to our “Tikvah at 40” Celebration and Reunion in Palmer this Sunday from 2:30 to 7:30. At 2:30, we will be welcomed by our director, Rabbi Ed Gelb. Then, enjoy an art project, Tikvah games and relays or learning with Rabbi Jim Rosen. At 4:15, it’s time for shira and rikud, followed by tours of the Tikvah Village, a visit to “The Tikvah Museum,” and a chance to hang out with old and new Tikvah friends. Our Shapell Classic Softball Game gets underway at 5:45 followed by a BBQ dinner. Let us know you are coming by sending an email to Rhonda Parker at rhondap@campramahne.org ($18 per person; $36 per family). It is okay to pay when you arrive!  See you Sunday!

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I biked 50 miles last Sunday, but that is not big news.  The truly wonderful story is that shul members, riders, some congregational rabbis and cantors, and members of the Tikvah Voc Ed Program came out to support the Tour de Shuls bike rides in both Boston, MA and West Hartford, CT. The Federation of Jewish Mens’ Clubs, long times supporters of the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in New England, created this cleverly named ride three years ago; the ride is fun for bike riders of all ages (nearly 150 participated this year), and it brings together congregants who cheer and provide snacks and drinks to the riders. Proceeds of the ride benefit our Tikvah Program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary on July 11th. Thanks to all who organized the ride, participated, cheered and donated (it’s still not too late! http://www.tourdeshuls.org)

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