Shabbat-O-Gram: 5/2/25

Dear Kingswood families,

As we head into Shabbat, I’ve been thinking a lot about something deeply moving that was shared this week in Israel, on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hirsh — who was kidnapped on October 7 and tragically murdered in captivity — spoke with breathtaking courage. She shared that during his time as a hostage, Hirsh would often repeat a quote that he carried with him:

“He who has a why can bear any how.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche

It’s almost impossible to imagine the strength it must have taken for him not only to hold onto those words, but to offer them to others in their darkest moments. That kind of clarity of purpose — that deep sense of meaning — doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s something that takes root over time, often long before we ever need it.

That idea — the power of knowing your “why” — has been echoing in my heart since hearing her speak. It’s brought me back to one of the most important parts of what we do as camp directors. Yes, this time of year we’re knee-deep in menus and bed deliveries and bus schedules. But underneath the logistics is something much deeper: we’re preparing a space where kids will be exploring who they are and what matters to them.

At camp, we’re here to help kids find their “why.” Their sense of self. Their values. Their character. The thing inside them that gives them strength on the tough days and helps them stay grounded in who they are. And there’s something about camp — the friendships, the growth, the Jewish joy, the moments of challenge and triumph — that makes it the perfect place for that kind of soul work.

After 25+ summers directing Jewish camps, I can tell you: the “why” kids begin to discover at camp becomes part of the foundation they carry for life. It shows up in how they treat others, how they lead, and how they weather life’s curveballs — from bunk drama to real-world heartbreaks.

So as we light candles this Shabbat, I’m thinking of Rachel and Hirsh, of our Jewish family around the world, and of the sacred work we get to do together each summer at Kingswood — helping your kids grow into themselves, one awesome camp day at a time. Read on for a few announcements for the week, camp is just around the corner!

Shabbat shalom,
Jodi