Shabbat-O-Gram: 6/13/25

Dear Kingswood Families,

Yesterday, I was given the treat of seeing camp through Shlomo’s eyes. As he stepped off the bus, now a second-year staff member, he was greeted by shouts of SHLOMO!!! from the returners, and after what seemed like an endless line of hugs, the staff were all walked to their cabins. I finished helping with the bags, and went back out to where the group had been gathered. There was Shlomo, standing alone, his face lit up with happiness. “I knew I missed this place so much Jodi,’ he said, “But I didn’t realize how good it would feel to be back, and how much it actually feels like I’m coming home.”

In that moment, he wasn’t the returning counselor. He was just a kid arriving home. It reminded me of the magic of camp that never gets old, no matter how many summers you’ve been here.

That feeling is everywhere right now, as the final countdown to Summer 2025 begins. Our full staff of 150 has officially arrived, and the ruach (spirit in Hebrew) is palpable. From the moment we first gathered this morning as a community, there’s been an incredible shared energy: a sense that something special and beautiful is about to begin.

But even as we gear up for the best summer ever, our hearts are heavy watching what’s unfolding in Israel. It’s painful and scary, and for many in our community—both here and at home—it hits especially close. While the majority of our Israeli staff arrived yesterday just in time, before the airport closed, we have a few remaining team members there, and we have 20 Israeli campers ready to fly on the 25th to join us for Session I. Our hearts extend to all of you, reading this from Israel. At camp, while we like to protect our ‘camp bubble,’ we don’t turn away from the world. We hold space for it with our staff. We remind each other that building joyful, connected Jewish lives is part of how we respond with hope, resilience, and love.

As Shabbat settles over camp tonight, I’m holding onto that hope. I’ll be joining your children’s incedible role models—our staff—sing, dance, and welcome Shabbat. I’m reminded that while the world feels heavy, there’s something deeply grounding—and occasionally hilariously chaotic—about being with 150 staff who are ready to welcome your kids with open arms, full hearts, and an alarming number of Crocs.

Shabbat Shalom,

Jodi