Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) Summit in Chicago — an international group of professionals and lay leaders who connected to share best practices and the current landscape of communal work. And, during the plenary, I was honored to join a panel that discussed the ways in which we best manage our agency and endure these challenging times.
As I further reflect upon this conference, I am certain that, even during this brief experience, the longstanding spirit of Jewish Detroit is strong — at Tamarack Camps, inside the J and around the degel (flagpole) of Jewish Federation of Detroit; in so many ways, collectively, we remain the North Star to so many other organizations.
And, within an even deeper dive into countless hallway meetings, I was thrilled to engage in so many direct conversations around Tamarack — the steep passion for our camp’s mission, the value of a strong year-round team, and the involvement of our talented board (where I also enjoyed lunch with one of our highly engaged out-of-state members and alumnus, Stefan Teodosic, who, amongst many, exemplifies the spirit of “running the extra mile” for our cause).
When the topic turned to camp and its connection to Israel, I was beyond proud to share that, during this horrific time of war, we created peace for over 200 Israelis who, this summer, called Ortonville home. And, as we approach October 7, we continue to hold them in our hearts. On behalf of our organization, it was an honor to share such a meaningful narrative.
Now, back home from the conference — and already working within the joy of family camps; fall programming; and winter, spring and summer planning for 2025 — I am pausing to extend warmest regards for the upcoming Jewish High Holidays, with heartfelt wishes for health, happiness and peace.
