CAMP ISABELLA FREEDMAN July 10-16, 2017 • July 17-23, 2017 Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
High Holiday Retreats 5778 at Isabella Freedman Rosh Hashanah September 20–24
Yom Kippur September 29–October 1
Register now: hazon.org/highholidays
Pesach Retreat 5778 at Isabella Freedman March 30–April 7, 2018
Fun for the whole family! hazon.org/passover
Table of Contents Orientation Sheet............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Welcome Letter................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 About Hazon...................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Pool, Nurse & Bookstore Hours.................................................................................................................................................... 8 Activity Descriptions A-Z............................................................................................................................................................... 9 Hike Descriptions...........................................................................................................................................................................12 Off-Campus Excursions................................................................................................................................................................13 Schedule Monday, July 10...................................................................................................................................................................15 Tuesday, July 11...................................................................................................................................................................15 Wednesday, July 12.............................................................................................................................................................17 Thursday, July 13.................................................................................................................................................................18 Friday, July 14........................................................................................................................................................................20 Saturday, July 15..................................................................................................................................................................22 Sunday, July 16.....................................................................................................................................................................23 Monday, July 17...................................................................................................................................................................24 Tuesday, July 18...................................................................................................................................................................26 Wednesday, July 19.............................................................................................................................................................27 Thursday, July 20.................................................................................................................................................................29 Friday, July 21........................................................................................................................................................................31 Saturday, July 22..................................................................................................................................................................32 Sunday, July 23.....................................................................................................................................................................33 Tamar Fund.......................................................................................................................................................................................27 Map..................................................................................................................................................................................... back cover
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WELCOME to Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center! Welcome to the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. This beautiful campus has been touching people’s lives since the 1950s, and since 2014 has been the home of Hazon. The word “Hazon” is Hebrew for “vision.” We’re working to create a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community and a healthier and more sustainable world for all. We hope that your stay here will indeed inspire you to reflect, to learn, to celebrate, to recharge, and thus to return to your home and your community with a renewed sense of hope for our world and a renewed commitment to health and sustainability in your own life.
Please read upon arrival If you need anything during your stay, please contact the Retreat Manager on duty. EMERGENCY CALLS: In the event of a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 from your cell phone, OR: 9-9-1-1 from any land line phone, located in the buildings throughout campus. Please familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest phone to your room. You must dial 9 before making any call on our land line phones. After making a 9-1-1 call, please contact a retreat manager at the IF Emergency #: Dial 860-480-3674 from a cell phone. Emergencies only, please. You must dial 9 before making any call on our land line phones.
FIRE SAFETY: Please only light candles at group candle lighting in the main building. Camp fires are only allowed at the fire pit by the lake during scheduled programming and must be put out at the end of the activity. Please see a retreat manager for any questions.
SECURITY: Isabella Freedman is an oasis in a troubled world. And, we are committed to vigilance and preparedness for the unfortunate realities of our society today. Two general guidelines provide the basis for our security program:
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, and throughout campus. You may smoke only at the fire pit by the lake. Please dispose of cigarette butts in the designated cigarette bin.
1. Please wear your name tags at all times. Our staff need to be aware of who should be on our site. 2. In the event of a campus-wide emergency including a bomb threat, you will hear three one-second blasts of a very loud air horn, repeated multiple times. If you hear this, immediately evacuate to the decorative gate at Adamah farm located across the street from the main entrance and remain there until emergency services arrive. Do not use your cellphone or take time to look for others besides children.
FIRST AID: First aid materials are located at Guest Services, in the Lounge, Yurts, Arts and Crafts building and Pool House. A defibrillator is located in the Lounge.
KOSHER: Our Dining Hall is strictly Kosher. Please do not bring any outside food or personal dishware/water bottles/travel mugs into the Dining Hall. Please use togo ware outside the Dining Hall. Exception: Coffee mugs are allowed throughout the main building only. Please place used mugs in the bus bin in the coffee bar. Any personal food requested to be brought into the Dining Hall must be approved by our Kosher supervisor. PARKING: Driving and parking is not allowed on grassy areas. Please only park in the designated parking
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areas: the lot near the main entrance and the lot near the barnyard. CHILDREN: Please make sure that your children are supervised at all times, or are participating in children’s programming associated with your retreat. GEESE: During this season the Mother geese are very protective of their young. Please keep away from the geese and do not feed them. VISITING THE GOATS: During this season, we welcome the babies of our hardworking mother does! You are encouraged to visit the Adamah barnyard during scheduled goat activities. Please only enter into fenced-in areas with an Isabella Freedman staff member present, and please respect any signage and/or directions given by staff members. Please do not feed the goats or visit when a goat is sick, giving birth or about to give birth. We want to be sure that everyone is safe and healthy! BUSING TABLES: Please clear your table after finishing your meal. Bins for compost and dishware are located at the corner of the Dining Hall. COMPOST & RECYCLING: Around campus you will see containers for compost (green), recycling (blue) and trash (black). Items that are compost: All food including bones, paper napkins, paper towels, to-go ware (hot/cold cups, lids, utensils, containers) tea bags, paper wrappers, corks, and wooden coffee stirrers. We use our compost to fertilize our Adamah Farm! GUEST FRIDGE: You may store personal food/beverages in the fridge located in the Sunroom. (these items do not have to be Kosher) Please label your name on all items.
HOT WATER/COFFEE: Due to our Kosher policies, on Shabbat we offer coffee and hot water until it runs out. Once Shabbat ends, our staff make fresh batches. We appreciate your understanding, and we strive to provide enough coffee and hot water through the holiday. GAMES, BOOKS AND MORE: We offer a variety of sport equipment, books, games and toys for your pleasure. Please see a retreat manager to borrow any of these items. Please do not use any bikes located on campus as these belong to Isabella Freedman staff. THERMOSTATS: The thermostats in your buildings/ rooms are programmed to keep you comfortable. You may adjust the temperature by increasing or decreasing the thermostat one or two degrees. LAKE AND SWIMMING / BOATING: The pool is open daily from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM and 1:30-5:30 PM. Use of the lake is at your own risk – life vests are located in the shed by the dock. Please return the vests and oars to the shed and the boats to the rack after use. HIKING: Please stay on Isabella Freedman trails when hiking. We advise telling a friend when you go out on a trail and when you return, carrying a cell phone and water bottle, and only hiking during daylight hours. Trail maps are located at Guest Services. TICKS AND LYME DISEASE: We recommend doing a tick check after spending time outdoors. We have tick removal information available at Guest Services. CHECK OUT PROCEDURE: On check-out day, you MUST move out of your room by 10 am. Kindly strip your bed and place all sheets and towels into the pillowcases. (Please leave mattress pads, blankets and comforters on the beds.)
POTABLE TAP WATER: ALL tap water on campus comes directly from a local well source and is pot-able and delicious!
We hope you enjoy your stay with us! It’s important to us to know both what you enjoyed and ways we could improve our work here. Please do fill out an evaluation form. If you do not receive one, please email evaluations@hazon.org.
JEWISH INSPIRATION. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
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Welcome! Dear Camper, Welcome to the 61stst summer of what began as the Jewish Women’s Vacation Society. Times change, but some things stay the same. We gather on the same lake, amid the same blessed hills, savoring produce from the same earth as the ones who took this journey generations ago. Those first campers had, when young, sojourned to the country to escape work in the sweatshops of the Lower East Side. When Isabella Freedman bought this property in 1956, she intended to allow those no-longeryoung seamstresses rest and renewal in a bucolic setting. And here we are – with rich and rewarding days ahead. In this profoundly beautiful and deeply spiritual place we’ve gathered to learn, converse, laugh, and play. We’ve orchestrated days full of art, crafts, lectures, Off-Campus Excursions, hikes, swimming, and memorable media. We’ll talk about current events and listen to gifted poets. Services will be memorable, ritual inspired by remarkable Torah wisdom. For months, every moment of each day ahead has been pondered and planned. From Elizabeth Yaari guiding us through morning mists at 7:30 AM, as we connect to the dawn in ways you may have never known, to the Night Owl Movies at 9:45 PM, drink deeply. Seize each day as a chance to sing, wordlessly and aloud. We’ll dance together. And drink together. We’ll have campfires and cookouts. Those hungry for culture will see Shakespeare, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, attend Tanglewood, see dance at Jacob’s Pillow. The Berkshires’ cornucopia flowers in summer; we won’t miss out. The Adamah Farm will be the source of freshly grown food. We’ve done our best not to overlook anything but likely you’ll remind us of something we missed. Guest Services in the main building is staffed most hours of the day. If you need anything – from a phone to a Band-Aid – stop by. If you have a complaint, please use the Kvetch box at that desk. If you love something, or appreciate someone’s effort to make this summer a peak experience, drop it in the Kvell slot. We wish you days of leisure, enlightenment, and pleasure, and evenings of grace, comfort, and delight. Look at the bulletin board outside the dining hall for updates in daily programs. We are beyond happy to greet all of you and wish you a camp experience you’ll savor forever. Sincerely, Miki and Marty
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About Hazon THE WORD “HAZON” MEANS “VISION.” Our tagline is “Jewish inspiration. Sustainable communities.” That encapsulates all that we strive to do: We work to renew Jewish life by creating a healthier and more sustainable world for all.
JEWISH INSPIRATION. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
OUR THEME QUOTE IS: “The Torah is a commentary on the world and the world is a commentary on the Torah.” This reflects our belief that turning Jewish life outwards to address some of the greatest challenges of our time is good not only for the world, but also for the renewal of Jewish life itself. OVERVIEW: Hazon was founded in 2000. Today’s Hazon includes not only our own legacy programs, but also those of Isabella Freedman and Teva, with whom we merged in 2013, and Elat Chayyim, with whom we merged in 2006. WE EFFECT CHANGE IN THREE WAYS: • Transformative Experiences: Immersive multi-day programs that directly touch people’s lives in powerful ways • Thought-Leadership: Changing the world through the power of ideas—including writing, teaching, curriculumdevelopment, and advocacy • Capacity-Building: Not just working with people as individuals, but explicitly supporting and networking with great projects and partners in North America and Israel If you’re interested in talking to us about how we might work together in the future – planning a special celebration, organizational retreat, family reunion, life-cycle event or community gathering, please be in touch with Eli Massel, our Director of Outreach, elisheva.massel@hazon.org.
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Pool, Nurse & Bookstore Hours Pool Hours Daily 10:30 AM-12:30 PM & 1:30-5:30 PM Nurse Hours Daily 1:30-3:30 PM Chestnut, Room #1 Bookstore Hours Mon 7/10
12:00-5:00 PM
Tue 7/11
1:30-3:30 PM
Wed 7/12
1:30-3:30 PM
Thu 7/13
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Fri 7/14
12:00-5:00 PM
Sat 7/15
Browsing only
Sun 7/16
9:30 AM-4:00PM
Mon 7/17
9.30AM-4:00 PM
Tue 7/18
1:30-3:30 PM
Wed 7/19
1:30-3:30 PM
Thu 7/20
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Fri 7/21
1:30-3:30 PM
Sat 7/22
Browsing Only
Sun 7/23
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
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Activity Descriptions A-Z See the daily schedule (starting on page 15) for times of activities. Arts and Crafts: Beading Create beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Community Art Project—Create a Shabbat Tablecloth In this workshop session, we will create a Shabbat table cloth for use at with our communal candle blessings. With paints and stencils made with our own hands- we offer the fruits of our imagination and art to elevate the beauty of Shabbat. Flower Arranging Enjoy the floral beauty and bounty of our land in July while making bouquets to decorate Shabbat tables. Fused Glass Design creative Fused Glass earrings and pendants using beautiful, colorful dichroic glass. Open Art Studios Laura will assist you to begin or continue art projects in process. Silk Painting Paint on silk to create gorgeous silk art projects including challah covers, scarves, mobiles and Tree of Life silk wall hangings. When you enter into the quiet space of silk painting and simply observe the spontaneous colors and forms that appear, something about your real self manifests and connects you in mysterious ways to the worlds beyond your personality. Soul Collage Discover an intuitive collage process for self-discovery. Using images from magazines and books, scissors and glue you’ll create a unique card representing an aspect of your soul. You’ll make a card then do readings to explore the meaning revealed in the card. No art experience needed. Story Quilt Squares Share a bit of your life story on a square of fabric decorated with paint, sewing, text and more. Campfire Gather around a bonfire to sing old favorites and eat s’mores. Chair Exercise While seated, be led through movement exercises to enhance blood flow, muscle tone and well-being.
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Activity Descriptions A-Z (continued) Current Events We live the blessing and curse of "interesting times.” There's much to discuss in daily events. We'll strive to be civil as we explore, express our feelings and parse the meaning of the news. Evening Entertainment See description in daily schedule. JOFEE Programs Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming, and Environment Education programs connect people to Judaism, community, and the natural world. Our JOFEE program will present workshops in challah baking, pickling, cheese making, medicinal plant walks, goat milking and farm tours. Grand Conversations Salon Participate in a lively and thoughtful group for facilitated discussions on various topics of human interest, relationships, aging gracefully, art history and film clips, humorous essays – truly an hour of “grand conversations” with your fellow campers! Hikes Experience a variety of guided one hour hikes, from strolls around the lake, and walks on the Appalachian trail, to uphill climbs to the Overlook. Hike descriptions with level of difficulty will be posted on the board outside the Dining Hall. Lectures See description in daily program. Listen to Her Voice Bible Study Join Miki Raver, the author of Listen to Her Voice: Women of the Hebrew Bible to delve into the stories of our powerful foremothers. Masculine Mystique What limits our capacity to express and fulfill ourselves as men. What does it mean today to be a “man”? Memoir Writing Overview Learn the keys to memoir writing from a professional. Nature Connection Experience nature’s subtle soothing effects and enjoy a renewed attentiveness to its rhythms, sounds, textures, tastes and movements through meditation, creative writing and most of all, our imaginations. No experience or prior knowledge necessary. Meeting rain or shine. If it rains we will step into the red yurt. Neurofitness Daily Neurofitness practicums bring together mindfulness and movement exercises that focus on attention, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and more, for a range of abilities, all while having fun! (second week)
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Self Massage Empower yourself for relaxation and healing. Services We offer Orthodox and Egalitarian services on Friday night, Saturday morning and Havdalah. Additional minyans may be arranged upon request. Song Circles Gather after lunch to enjoy sharing favorite songs, accompanied by guitar and rhythm instruments. Spoken Word Workshop Creative expression using the five senses and the written word. Whether you’re a novice or a professional writer, you’re sure to find some grace through expression! Swimming The pool is open daily from 10:30 AM – 12:30PM and 1:30– 5:30 PM. Enjoy a refreshing dip, or just relax poolside. Tai Chi Learn the 8 treasures, simple warm-up movements that massage the energy centers of the body, promote balance, and act as a moving meditation. Advance to the Tai Chi form. Off-Campus Excursions See page 13 for trip listings. Water Aerobics Move gently through the water with guided exercises performed to music. Yoga Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of awareness. Listen to your body; do what works for you. Through breath, conscious movements and meditation, connect with the Infinite. We will relax and stretch body and soul to reawaken and refresh. (first week) Hatha Yoga uses bodily postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dyana) with the goal of bringing about a sound, healthy body and a clear, peaceful mind. (second week).¬ Zumba Feel free inside your body! Open to all levels of ability and mobility. Dance and be happy!
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Hike Descriptions Hikes are repeated for the second week. Each day we plan on taking a light nature walk through the serene forest of the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center, or a stroll through the pastoral hills of Falls Village. Please make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Bug spray is optional, but please do be careful to check for ticks after all nature experiences. Tuesday Walk around the Lake - A beginner level nature walk, on a non-paved surface. The walk will be on mostly flat terrain, following the extension section of the Red Trail. Wednesday Falls Village David Hunt Library - Follow Beebe Hill on a 4 mile round trip walk, past the Adamah Farm, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is a paved route, but does have some steep elevation climbs along the way. Thursday Appalachian Trail - Hop in the van as we drive to the Falls Village trail head of the AT. This 2,200 mile long hiking trail which runs from Georgia to Maine, passes through Falls Village, CT. We will walk a loop portion of the trail, which used to be an old fairgrounds and horse track in the 1920s. Remember to say hi to any hikers walking through Falls Village on their way to Maine or Georgia. Friday The Yellow Trail - Prepare for a more strenuous hike, climbing the Isabella Freedman Yellow Trail. This trail named for the golden aspen trees that line the trail in autumn, the Yellow Trail with a steep incline for the more adventurous spirit. Sunday Drive to Millerton, NY and walk the beautiful Harlem Valley Rail Trail, which is now a paved walking/biking trail, formerly rail road tracks.
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Off-Campus Excursions Wednesday, July 12 NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM, 1PM
The museum houses the original paintings for Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post magazine covers and larger paintings known from the canon of Americana, along with the current exhibition: “Inventing America: Rockwell and Warhol.” Norman Rockwell’s re-constructed studio sits on a hillside where it gazes across a stunning vista of river and mountains. $17 Estimated driving time: 50 minutes each way TANGLEWOOD #1, 6PM
Daniil Trifonov: Schumann, Shostakovich and Stravinsky Daniil Trifonov, piano SCHUMANN Kinderszenen, Op. 15; SCHUMANN Toccata, Op. 7; SCHUMANN Kreisleriana, Op. 16; SHOSTAKOVICH Selection from 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87; STRAVINSKY Three Movements from Petrushka Ozawa Hall $50.40 orchestra, $30.60 balcony Estimated driving time: 1 hour each way Thursday, July 13 SHAKESPEARE AND CO. LENOX, 4:15 PM
Midsummer Night’s Dream The Dell/Outdoors at The Mount (Edith Wharton’s home) $29 includes $2 chair rental (boxed picnic dinner) Estimated driving time: 1 hour each way Friday, July 14 WHITE HART INN LUNCH & SALISBURY STROLL #1, 12:30PM
Salisbury has a picture-perfect main street. Lunch at the inn is a delicious delight. Prix fixe lunch (sorry, not kosher) – cup of soup, salad nicoise or risotto and salad, dessert, coffee, nonalcoholic beverage. $30 inclusive Estimated driving time: 20 minutes each way
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Off-Campus Excursions (continued) Sunday, July 16 TANGLEWOOD #2, 12:30PM
Andris Nelsons conducts Williams, Tchaikovsky and Berlioz featuring violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter John WILLIAMS Markings, for solo violin, strings, and harp (world premiere); TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto; BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique $66.50 front shed /$31.35 back shed Estimated driving time: 1 hour each way JACOB’S PILLOW – “INSIDE OUT”, 4:15 PM
Sit outside on wood hewn benches; tree trunks and picnic tables as you enjoy the finest dancers perform against a backdrop of Berkshire hills at sunset. (Picnic dinner.) Brief Q&A after the performance. FREE ($5 transportation fee) Estimated driving time: 1 hour each way Thursday, July 20 SHARON PLAYHOUSE – FAR AWAY, 1:15 PM
Caryl Churchill’s extraordinary play depicts a chilling world where everyone is at war, and not even the birds in the trees or the river below can be trusted. "I can think of no contemporary playwright who combines such scope of imagination and depth of purpose."-Ben Brantley, New York Times $25 Estimated driving time: 15 minutes each way TANGLEWOOD #3, 6PM
Schubert’s Summer Journey, Program 2: Emerson Quartet – Andrè Schuen, baritone; Thomas Adès, piano; Harold Robinson, double bass; SCHUBERT Auf der Bruck, D.853; Der Wanderer an den Mond, D.870; Nachtstück, D.672; Wanderers Nachtlied II, D.768; Willkommen und Abschied, D.767; Mark-Anthony TURNAGE Shroud, for string quartet; SCHUBERT Quintet in A for piano and strings, D.667, Trout Ozawa Hall $59.40 Estimated driving time: 1 hour each way Friday July 21 WHITE HART INN LUNCH & SALISBURY STROLL #2, 12:30PM
See Friday, July 14 for details. Note: all trips are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Times indicated are when bus leaves. Meet in front of dining hall 15 minutes before listed times.
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Daily Schedules
Monday, July 10 2:00-5:00 PM Check-in Make nametags, sign-up for Off-Campus Excursions and newspapers Great Hall 3:00-5:00 PM Bookstore Open 5:30-6:30 PM Welcome Happy Hour Great Hall
7:00-8:00 PM Smartphone Tutorial Sun Room 7:45-8:00 PM Israeli Dance Back of Great Hall Chana Flikerski 8:00-9:15 PM Opening Circle Synagogue Miki Raver Enjoy meeting camp staff and campers.
6:30-7:30 PM Dinner
Tuesday, July 11 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy Area across from dining hall next to white tent Marty Perlmutter
Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-12:15 AM Beading Arts and Crafts Evelyn Richman
11:15AM-12:30 PM Lecture: The most memorable musicals of Rodgers & Hammerstein Library Diana Basmajian Hear the origins of the early musicals of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein through stories and clips of their most memorable musicals.
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Tuesday, July 11 11:15-12:30 PM Story Quilt Squares Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman
4:00-5:15 PM Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky
12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
Seed Power Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Discover the infinite potential and beauty found in one tiny seed. Art mediums: guided meditation, music, movement, creative writing, collage.
1:45-2:00 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen 2:00-2:45 PM Lecture: What is Adamah? Library Shamu Fenyvesi Sadeh 2:45-3:45 PM Farm Tour Meet in front of synagogue Jacob Weiss 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall
5:15-6:30 PM Grand Conversations Salon Library Dr. Miriam Klein-Kassenoff and Mindelle Pierce 6:30-7:30 PM Dinner 7:45-8:00 PM Israeli Dance Back of Great Hall Chana Flikerski
4:00-5:15 PM Yoga Synagogue Rabbi Malka Mittelman
8:00 PM The Berkshire Hillsmen Great Hall Thrill to the voices of an extraordinary award-winning local 15-man barbershop chorus singing tunes from Irving Berlin to the Beatles.
Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski
9:30 PM Night Owl Movie Library
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Wednesday, July 12 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
11:15-12:30 PM Story Quilt Square Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman
7:30-8:00 AM Goat Morning Goat Barn Say “hay” to our goats.
12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall next to white tent Marty Perlmutter 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen Current Events Library Marty Perlmutter 9:45 AM-12:15 AM Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg 11:15AM-12:30 PM Lecture: Rodgers & Hammerstein's influence on Sondheim and modern American musical theatre Library Diana Basmajian See how Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II affected the evolution of today's greatest musicals, including the work of Stephen Sondheim.
1:00-5:00 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Norman Rockwell Museum (see page 13) Meet outside Dining Hall 1:30-2:00 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of synagogue Yishai Cohen 2:15-3:45 PM Arts and Crafts: Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Medicinal Plant Walk Meet at bench in front of Arts and Crafts Arielle Aronoff Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 4:00-5:15 PM Yoga Synagogue Rabbi Malka Mittelman Open Studios Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman
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Wednesday, July 12 4:00-5:15 PM Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky
7:00-8:00 PM Smartphone Tutorial Sun Room 7:45-8:00 PM Israeli Dance Back of Great Hall Chana Flikerski
Games Sunroom Bronnie Raver 5:00-6:00 PM (BE ON TIME!) Story Exchange with Adamah Library Rebecca Bloomfield and Miki Raver Connect with young farm fellows in a meaningful exchange of life experiences. Discover how much we have in common despite the age difference. 6:30-7:30 PM Dinner
8:00-9:15 PM Storytelling Performance and Workshop Great Hall Danny Chodos Hear a story; tell a story. Experience the age-old delight of storytelling in a hands-on workshop on how to fashion a personal narrative for public performance. 9:30 PM Night Owl Movie Library
Thursday, July 13 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
9:45 AM-11:15 PM Beading Arts and Crafts Evelyn Richman
7:30-8:00 AM Goat Morning Goat Barn Say “hay” to our goats.
9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall, next to white tent Marty Perlmutter
9:45-11:00 AM Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of synagogue Yishai Cohen
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast
11:15-12:30 PM Story Quilt Squares Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman
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Thursday, July 13 11:15AM-12:30 PM Lecture: Harnick and Bock – from Fiorello to Fiddler on the Roof Library Diana Basmajian Get the behind-the-scenes stories about this composing duo who created Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, and Fiorello
4:00-5:15 PM Yoga Synagogue Rabbi Malka Mittelman
12:30-1:30 PM Language Lunch Converse in French, Hebrew, Yiddish, Spanish, Polish or English.
Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg
1:45-2:00 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen 2:15-3:45 PM Challah Making Workshop Great Hall Jacob Weiss 2:15-3:45 PM SoulCollage Arts and Crafts Miki Raver 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 4:30-10:00 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Shakespeare and Company (see page 13) Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Dell outdoors Meet in front of dining hall
Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski
Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky 5:15-6:30 PM Spoken Word Workshop Library Rachel Kann 6:30-11:00 PM– OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Tanglewood #1 (see page 13) Meet outside dining hall 6:00-7:45 PM Happy Hour and Cook-Out Dinner White tent 8:00 PM Fiddler-on-the-Roof Sing-along Library Diana Basmajian Sing along to brilliant music and lyrics by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick as they chronicle the travail of Tevye the Milkman.
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Friday, July 14 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
11:15-12:30 PM Flower Arranging for Shabbat Table Centerpieces Outside Arts and Crafts Laura Yvonne Steinman
7:30-8:00 AM Goat Morning Goat Barn Say “hay” to our goats.
12:30-3:30 – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Lunch at the White Hart Inn and stroll Salisbury (see page 13) Meet in front of dining room
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall, next to white tent Marty Perlmutter
12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-12:15 AM Arts and Crafts: Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg 9:45-11:00 AM Zumba Red Yurt Rachel Kann Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of synagogue Yishai Cohen
1:30-2:00 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen 2:15-3:45 PM Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Enjoy with all your senses the fruit of the Tree of Life and create a wall hanging from silk. Art mediums: role play, creative writing, and painting. Pickling Workshop Great Hall Jacob Weiss 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall
11:15 AM-12:30 PM Lecture: The Future of Musical Theatre Library Diana Basmajian From great revivals to original work, a discussion of what's on Broadway today including Hello, Dolly! and this year's Tony nominees and winners.
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Friday, July 14 4:00-5:15 PM Yoga Synagogue Rabbi Malka Mittelman
7:00 PM Communal candle-lighting and nosh Library Rabbi Malka Mittelman
Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski
7:15-8:30 PM Orthodox Services Library Yishai Cohen
Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky Decorate the Shabbat Ride – adorn the golf cart Outside Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman 4:00-5:30 PM Grand Conversations Salon Library Dr. Miriam Klein-Kassenoff and Mindelle Pierce View and discuss Big Sonia, a documentary about a tiny woman with a huge impact.
Egalitarian Services Synagogue Danny Chodos and Rabbi Malka Mittelman 8:30 PM Shabbat Dinner 9:45 PM Oneg Shabbat – Discussion, songs, stories Great Hall Danny Chodos, Rabbi Malka Mittelman, Yishai Cohen
5:30-5:45PM Mikvah in Lake: Women Dock near swimming area Miki Raver 6:00-6:15 Mikvah in Lake: Men Dock near swimming area Marty Perlmutter
Please wear your name badge throughout the retreat! • 21
Saturday, July 15 7:30 AM Early Bird Stroll to Farm Meet outside Arts and Crafts
Chana Flikerski 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:30 AM-12:00 PM Orthodox Services Library Yishai Cohen 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Egalitarian Services Synagogue Danny Chodos and Rabbi Malka Mittelman 12:00 PM Kiddush Great Hall 12:30-1:30 PM Lunch 2:15-3:45 PM Listen to Her Voice Bible Study Synagogue Miki Raver Interactive study 2:15-3:45 The Masculine Mystique – Men’s Discussion Group Library Marty Perlmutter
4:00-5:15 PM Shabbat Nature Connection Meet outside synagogue Elizabeth Yaari 5:15-6:30 PM Life Stories Library Ida Lewis and Mindelle Pierce Hear the remarkable stories of two campers’ parents redemption and survival. 6:30-7:30PM Dinner 7:30-9:15 Storytime Continues – Share Stories from Your Life Synagogue Danny Chodos 9:15 PM Havdalah Library Rabbi Malka Mittelman, Danny Chodos, Yishai Cohen 9:45-10:30 PM Singer Songwriter Concert Great Hall Chanie Kravitz 10:30 PM Night Owl Movie Library
4:00-5:15 PM Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky Games Sunroom Bronnie Raver Play Scrabble, card games, and board games. 22 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Sunday, July 16 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari 8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall, next to white tent Marty Perlmutter 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:30-10:30 AM Closing Circle for First Week Campers Synagogue Miki Raver 9:45-11:15 AM Beading Arts and Crafts Evelyn Richman 9:45-10:45 Zumba Red Yurt Rachel Kann 9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of synagogue Yishai Cohen 11:00 AM Bus Leaves 11:15 AM-12:30 PM Story Quilt Squares Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman
11:15 AM-12:30 PM Lecture: Saving the African Elephant Library Marty Perlmutter The price of raw ivory is dropping; markets are closing; but poaching continues and the peril to wildlife persists. What can we do help? 12:30-1:30 PM Lunch 1:00-5:30 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Tanglewood #2 (see page 14) Meet outside dining hall 1:30-2:15 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of synagogue Chanie Kravitz and Noam Young 2:15-3:45 PM Picklemaking Workshop Great Hall Jacob Weiss Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Experience the ease of painting on silk and create a scarf to wear on Shabbat. 3:45-4:00 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 4:00-5:15 PM Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky
Please wear your name badge throughout the retreat! • 23
Sunday, July 16 4:00-5:15 PM Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg
8:00 PM Campfire Fire Pit Sing along with Eric Phelps on guitar; s’mores for all!
5:15-6:30 PM Spoken Word Workshop Library Rachel Kann
9:30 PM Night Owl Movie Library
6:30-7:30 PM Dinner
Monday, July 17 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall, next to white tent Marty Perlmutter
Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of synagogue Yishai Cohen
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-10:45 Zumba Red Yurt Rachel Kann 9:45-11:15 AM Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg Neurofitness Lecture Library Emily Hodos
11:15 AM-12:30 PM Lecture and book signing: She is Wisdom: A Celebration of the Feminine Divine Library Miki Raver Connect with your Inner Wisdom through fine art, sacred text, and meditation. Open Art Studios Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman 12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
24 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Monday, July 17 1:45-2:15 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of synagogue Chanie Kravitz and Noam Young
4:00-5:15 PM Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky
2:15-3:45 PM Cheesemaking Workshop Great Hall Jacob Weiss
5:15-6:30 PM Happy Hour Welcome and Opening Circle for Second Week Campers Great Hall Miki Raver
Water is Life Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Experience the flow of water from the beginning of time and celebrate ways in which it nourishes us inside and out. Art mediums: guided meditation, music, movement, creative writing. Neurofitness practicum Synagogue Emily Hodos 3:00-5:00 PM Registration for Second Week Campers Great Hall Make nametags, sign-up for Off-Campus Excursions and newspapers 3:45-4:00PM Snack Back of Great Hall
6:30-7:30 PM Dinner 7:30-8:00 PM Orientation for Second Week Campers Library Emily Glick 7:00-8:00 PM Smartphone Tutorial Sun Room Noam Young 8:00 PM Defiant Requiem Great Hall Patti Kenner and Maestro Murray Sidlin Documentary film and Q&A about profound artistic courage at Theresienstadt
4:00-5:15 PM Story Quilt Squares Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman Yoga Synagogue Raya Ioffe Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski
Please wear your name badge throughout the retreat! • 25
Tuesday, July 18 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
1:30-2:15 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of synagogue Chanie Kravitz and Noam Young
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall next to white tent Marty Perlmutter
2:15-3:45 PM Farm tour and Adamah overview Meet in Great Hall Jacob Weiss
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast
2:15-3:45 PM Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Create a silk wall hanging inspired by the nature around you.
9:45-11:00 AM Beading Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg Neurofitness practicum Synagogue Emily Hodos Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen 11:15-12:15 PM Story Quilt Squares Arts and Crafts Laura Yvonne Steinman 11:15 AM-12:30 PM Lecture: Broadway Belters and Torch Mamas Library Laura Wetzler 12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 4:00-5:15 PM Open Art Studio Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman Yoga Synagogue Rya Iofee Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky 4:00-5:00 PM Memoir Writing Overview Library Wendy Fairey
26 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Tuesday, July 18 5:15-6:00 PM Grand Conversations Salon Library Dr. Miriam Klein-Kassenoff and Mindelle Pierce 6:00-7:30 PM Hawaiian Happy Hour and Dinner White tent
8:00 PM Laura Wetzler Concert Great Hall 9:30 Night Owl Movie Library
Wednesday, July 19 7:30-8:00 AM Goat Morning Goat Barn Say “hay” to our goats.
9:45-11:00 AM Beading Arts and Crafts Evelyn Richman
7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
Yoga Synagogue Rya Iofee
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall next to white tent Marty Perlmutter 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen
11:15 AM-12:30 PM Open Art Studio Arts and Crafts Laura Yvonne Steinman Lecture: Bookmarked: Reading My Way from Hollywood to Brooklyn Library Wendy Fairey 12:30-1:30 PM Lunch 1:00-5:00 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Norman Rockwell Museum (see page 14) Meet outside Dining Hall
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Wednesday, July 19 1:30-2:15 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of synagogue Chanie Kravitz and Noam Young
5:15-6:00 PM Stress Reduction with 3-Minute Daily Exercises Synagogue Evelyn Goldberg
2:15-3:45 PM Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski
6:00-6:30 PM Glass Blowing Demonstration Outside Synagogue Evelyn Goldberg
Place of Healing Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Discover the healing power of nature and prayer through a story of illness and isolation. Create your own place of healing to return to as you need it. Art mediums: role play, creative writing, collage.
6:30-7:30 PM Dinner
Medicinal Plant Walk Great Hall Arielle Aronoff 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 4:00-5:15 PM Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg 4:30-8:30 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Jacobs Pillow outdoor dance performance (see page 14) Meet outside dining room
7:45-8:30 PM Shechinah Oracle Cards Synagogue Rabbi Rayzel Raphael Overview and reading of Shechinah Oracle Cards with their creator 7:00-8:00 PM Smartphone Tutorial Sun Room Noam Young 8:30-9:30 PM Piano concert Great Hall Richard Devens Richard Devens is a classically trained pianist who is active as a vocal, choral, dance, and instrumental accompanist, as well as a solo performer. He has performed at Alice Tully Hall. Devens loves music from all periods, but has a special passion for the Romantic period. 9:45 PM Night Owl Movie Library
5:15-6:30 PM Community Art Project/Create a Shabbat Tablecloth Tables Outside Synagogue Rabbi Rayzel Raphael 28 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Thursday, July 20 7:30-8:00 AM Goat Morning Goat Barn Say “hay” to our goats. 7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari 8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall next to white tent Marty Perlmutter 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-11:00 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Yishai Cohen 9:45-11:15 AM Neurofitness practicum Synagogue Emily Hodos 9:45 AM-12:15 PM Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg 11:15 AM-12:30 PM Collect Spices to Make Havdalah Spice Packs Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman
11:15 AM-12:30 PM Lecture: The Tibetan Bon Religion and Pre-Rabbinic Judaism Library Dr. Jonathan Kramer 12:30-1:30 PM Language Lunch Converse in French, Hebrew, Yiddish, Spanish, Polish or English. 1:15-4:30 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Sharon Playhouse (see page 14) Far Away by Caryl Churchill Meet outside Dining Hall 1:30-2:15 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of synagogue Chanie Kravitz and Noam Young 2:15-3:45 PM Neurofitness Lecture Library Emily Hodos Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Create spectacular flying birds with silk fabric and paper. Challah Making Workshop Great Hall Jacob Weiss
Please wear your name badge throughout the retreat! • 29
Thursday, July 20 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 4:00-5:15 PM Yoga Synagogue Rya Iofee Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky Fused Glass Arts and Crafts Evelyn Goldberg 5:15-6:30 PM Community Art Project Tables Outside Synagogue Rabbi Rayzel Raphael Current Events Synagogue Marty Perlmutter
6:00-11:00 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Tanglewood #3 (see page 14) 6:30-7:30 PM Dinner 7:45-8:00 PM Israeli Dance Back of Great Hall Chana Flikerski 8:00-9:45 PM Kosherdawg Jewish Bluegrass Concert and Beloved Operatic Arias Recital Great Hall Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein with Rabbi Rayzel Raphael Bringing together Americana, Blue Grass and Jewish liturgy – this original music will lift you up. Plus Lily Arbisser, a New York City-based soprano will join us for a recital of beloved operatic arias. 10:00 PM Night Owl Movie Library
30 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Friday, July 21 7:30-8:00 AM Goat Morning Goat Barn Say “hay” to our goats.
12:30-3:30 PM – OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS Lunch at the White Hart Inn and stroll Salisbury (see page 14) Meet in front of dining room
7:30-8:15 AM Nature Connection Meet outside Red Yurt Elizabeth Yaari
12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
8:15-9:00 AM Tai Chi Grassy area across from dining hall, next to white tent Marty Perlmutter 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:45-11:15 AM Chair Exercise Beige Yurt Chana Flikerski Hike Meet at benches and chairs in front of synagogue Yishai Cohen Neurofitness practicum Synagogue Emily Hodos Arts and Crafts: Beading Arts and Crafts Evelyn Richman 9:45 AM-12:30 PM Flower Arranging for Shabbat Outside Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman 11:15 AM-12:30 PM Lecture: Insights into Health and Longevity Library Dr. Jonathan Kramer
1:30-2:15 PM Song Circle Benches and chairs in front of Synagogue Chanie Kravits and Noam Young 2:15-3:45 PM Silk Painting Gazebo Elizabeth Yaari Experience the ease of painting on silk and create a head scarf to wear on Shabbat. Make a Havdalah spice pack Outside Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman Pickling Workshop Great Hall Jacob Weiss 3:45 PM Snack Back of Great Hall 2:15-3:45 PM Water Aerobics Pool Chana Flikerski 4:00-5:15 PM Yoga Synagogue Rya Iofee Decorate the Shabbat ride (golf cart) Outside Arts and Crafts Laura Evonne Steinman Please wear your name badge throughout the retreat! • 31
Friday, July 21 4:00-5:15 PM Poetry Reading Library Ana Frajilich-Zajac Esteemed award-winning poet and scholar will transport you with her poetry. 5:30-6:00 PM Mikvah in Lake: women Dock near swimming area Miki Raver 6:00-6:30 PM Mikvah in Lake: men Dock near swimming area Marty Perlmutter
7:15-8:30 PM Orthodox Services Library Yishai Cohen Egalitarian Services Synagogue Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein 8:30-9:45 PM Shabbat Dinner 9:45-10:30 PM Oneg Shabbat Great Hall Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, Yishai Cohen
7:00-7:15 PM Candlelighting and nosh Library Miki Raver
Saturday, July 22 7:30 AM Early Bird Stroll to Farm Meet outside Arts and Crafts Chana Flikerski 8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast 9:30 AM-12:00 PM Orthodox Services Library Yishai Cohen 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Egalitarian Services Synagogue Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein
12:00 PM Kiddush 12:30-1:30 PM Lunch 2:15-3:45 PM Listen to Her Voice Bible Study Synagogue Miki Raver Interactive study The Masculine Mystique – Men’s Discussion Group Library Marty Perlmutter
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Saturday, July 22 4:00-5:15 PM Neurofitness practicum Beige Yurt Emily Hodos
6:30-7:30PM Dinner 8:00-9:15 PM Song and Story Circle Library Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein and Miki Raver Sing and share stories from your lives.
Ping-Pong Shaded area near pool Gil Grodsky Games Sunroom Play Scrabble, card games, and board games. Shabbat Nature Connection Meet outside synagogue Elizabeth Yaari 5:15-6:15 PM Self-Massage Library Rya Iofee
9:15 PM Havdalah Library Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, Yishai Cohen 9:45-11:00 PM Party like it’s 1956! Dance Party and Ice Cream Social Great Hall DJ Ali Schecter DJ and dance therapist will lead lively dancing to the 50s hit parade
Sunday, July 23 8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast 9:30-9:45 AM Pack your box lunch 9:45-10:45 AM Closing Circle Synagogue Miki Raver 11:00 AM Bus leaves
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Leaders Miki Raver, camp director, has been a Jewish communal professional for decades, including as Director of Lifelong Learning at the Marin Jewish Community Center, National Membership Manager for Hadassah and Group Leader at the 9second St. Y. She served as Director of Senior Programs at Isabella Freedman in 2008-09. Her critically acclaimed gift book, Listen to Her Voice: Women of the Hebrew Bible, is a Jewish bestseller. Her new book, She is Wisdom: A Celebration of the Feminine Divine, was released this year. Miki lives with her husband, Marty Perlmutter, in Burbank, California. Marty Perlmutter, camp co-director, current events facilitator, has worked as a video producer, interactive exhibit designer, writer and new media consultant for over four decades. Perlmutter built popular video exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science, Lawrence Hall of Science and New York Hall of Science and produced award-winning multimedia products. He has consulted to HBO, AT&T, MIT, Harvard, and Mass General Hospital. Marty taught at Tufts, NYU, San Francisco State and Cogswell College. He is currently an activist working to save Africa’s elephants using social media to reduce demand for ivory. Marty loves to paint. Diana Basmajian, lecture series presenter, first week, is a producer and director for television and theatre. She is the Executive Producer and Artistic Director for Playbill Theater Network, a new digital media company presenting filmed versions of fulllength live plays. As a theatre director, Diana has directed and developed shows with Tony-winners Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof ), Jonathan Tunick (Follies), and Austin Pendleton (The Little Foxes); Tony-nominee Kate Baldwin (Hello Dolly), and Emmy-winners Paul Miller (Tony Awards) and Eileen Fulton (As the World Turns), among others. Diana has been a member of the musical theatre faculties of Westminster Choir College, The New School Summer Immersion program, and Northwestern University’s National
High School Institute, teaching both musical theatre and acting. Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, camp rabbi second week, Jewish renewal services, is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical school and currently Rabbi at Beth-El in Newark, Delaware. He was an assistant editor for the High Holiday prayer book published by the Reconstructionist Press. Micah’s musical and liturgical leadership have inspired hundreds of Jews to enter the world of Jewish prayer and song in North America, Europe, Israel and Africa. Micah’s music and songwriting embraces the Jewish Reconstructionist spirit by bringing new melodies and contemporary meaning to ancient sentiments and Jewish life. He is a founding member of Shabbat Unplugged, a musical troupe presenting musical Shabbat Services. His Jewish Bluegrass CD, Kosherdawg, was released this year. Jesse Beller manages the bookstore at Isabella Freedman, online sales and e-commerce at Hazon. org and various and sundry other merchandising projects throughout Hazon. Before joining Hazon and moving to the Isabella Freedman campus, Jesse worked for over a decade in video production and post-production, with stints in TV, feature films, advertising and marketing, and new media. Jess Berlin manages the Programs Team at Isabella Freedman as the Senior Program Manager whose aim is to consistently deliver exceptional programming to all retreat guests. This role feels like a natural fit for Jess as she is a strong believer in the power of multi-day immersive experiences as a tool for creating long-lasting positive change in a person’s life. She has a lifelong passion for Judaism and spirituality, having spent four years studying and teaching in Israel as well as several months studying meditation in India. After graduating from Queens College with a degree in Urban Planning, she served as a key administrator at American Jewish World Service and AVODAH and as a farm educator at Eden Village Camp.
34 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Rebecca Bloomfield, Adamah Story Exchange facilitator, is the Director of Adamah, Rebecca recruits, teaches, and mentors Adamah fellows. Since being an Adamah fellow herself in the Fall of 2005, Rebecca has taught at The Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, California, managed the Organic Farmer Training Program at Michigan State University, and operated her own small farm business, Bloomfield Farm, in Ottawa, Canada. Her values of good food, strong community, and the connection to something-greater has brought her back to Adamah. Daniel Chodos, story telling performer, teacher, egalitarian services cantor/leader, worked for thirty years in film and television as an actor, dialogue coach and writer. Weaving through that Hollywood career, he also taught Theater at Temple University and at Dartmouth College. He lives in Los Angeles, teaching Speech at Pasadena City College, with a heavy emphasis on storytelling. He has proudly survived “RK Syndrome” (rabbi’s kid) by racking up many hours of service to Jewish communities and on synagogue pulpits. He currently serves as Cantor and Torah Reader for Burbank Temple Emanu-El. Yishai Cohen, orthodox services, song circle and hiking leader, is currently the Director of Jewish Life and Leadership at the Scheck Hillel Community School in Miami, FL. Previously, Yishai was the director of Teva programs at Isabella Freedman, taught at the Hebrew Academy in Albany, NY and worked as a campaign manager in the Jewish federation system. In his spare time, Yishai enjoys playing guitar and singing Jewish music, identifying airplanes overhead, and relaxing on the beach with his wife Rachael and his three children, Eden, Sella and Zac. Yishai is currently in a rabbinical studies program with Rabbi Chaim Brovender of Jerusalem.
grew up among books. Her mother, the famous Hollywood columnist Sheila Graham, was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last love – he died in their living room in 1940. Chana Flikerski, chair exercise, water aerobics, Israeli dance teacher, was born in Israel. She is a mother of three adult children and a grandmother of a five year old girl named Georgia. She has been a French teacher at a private school throughout her career and is very passionate about Middle Eastern dance. Dr. Ana Frajlich-Zajac, poet, has lived in New York since 1970, after emigrating from Poland with her husband and son in 1969 because of anti-Semitism. She received her MA from Warsaw University in the Polish literature, and her Ph.D. in the Slavic Department of the New York University in 1990. Frajlich retired as Sr. Lecturer at the Department of Slavic Languages at Columbia University, where she taught Polish language and literature. She is an esteemed author of 12 books of poetry, two of them bilingual Polish–English and Polish -French. Emily Glick, retreat manager, entered the Hazon community by way of Teva at Isabella Freedman. It was here that she nourished her love of living and working in community, and found ways to tie together her passions of spirituality and social justice. Prior to this Emily studied Social Thought & Political Economy at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A portion of her time in college was spent studying Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Haifa. While in Israel she taught at the Leo Baeck School for Coexistence and led programming at various community centers throughout the city.
Dr. Wendy Fairey, lecturer and memoir workshop leader, was a professor of English and the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Brooklyn College. She is author of three books including Bookmarke. Wendy
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Leaders (continued) Evelyn Goldberg, fused glass teacher, will teach us to make creative fused glass earrings and pendants using beautiful, colorful dichroic glass. Evelyn has been creating blown glass creations since 2002, and fused glass beauties since 2006. When Evelyn creates her glass art, she feels that G-d is infusing healing powers into her works. At the age of 43, Evelyn graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and passed the national exam as a Registered Nurse. At 50 years young, she earned a Master’s Degree in Health Education and became certified as a Health Education Specialist.
maintain good health, prevent injuries and reverse disease. She has worked with hundreds of clients providing relief from pain, aiding the body’s natural tendency to heal imbalances, preventing suffering and restoring health.
Gil Grodsky, Ping-Pong instructor, played recreational Ping-Pong in college. Ten years ago, his physician strongly recommended that he return to Ping-Pong for right and left brain balance. Gill pays 2-3 times a week and has competed in tournaments. Gil enjoys the challenge of the sport and the high quality people he’s met who share his passion for Ping-Pong.
Patti Kenner, producer of the documentary Defiant Requiem, was also the executive producer of Ahead of Time: The Extraordinary Journey of Ruth Gruber. She runs Campus Coach, a charter bus company. Patti works for social justice with an emphasis on behalf of Holocaust survivors, with personal dedication to improving their lives. She is on the board of many philanthropic organizations.
Emily Hodos, Neurofitness instructor, second week, has been working with children and adults in a variety of professional settings since 1990. As the owner of Tendril Kinetics, Emily offers a range of services: presentations, training, community classes, and private client services, all focused on the importance of movement and sensory experience for healthy brain function. Emily received a B.A. in Psychology from Naropa University and professional training in Brain Gym®, Rhythmic Movement Training™ and Bal-A-Vis-X®. In addition, Emily draws on her background in sensory integration and mindfulness studies. Raya Ioffe, Yoga instructor, second week, is a Cornell University Biology graduate. She is a registered yoga instructor, a NYS licensed practicing massage therapist and a holistic health coach trained by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the Holistic Nutrition Lab. She specializes in helping clients get out of digestive distress, allergy free nutrition and cooking, and autoimmune disease management via natural healing modalities. Raya loves to help
Rachel Kann, Zumba and spoken word teacherperformer, is a poet, dancer, shamanic apprentice and currently a Kohenet trainee. Her latest book is “A Prayer on Behalf of the Broken Heart.” Her latest album is “The Upward Spiral.” She is the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program 2017 Outstanding Instructor of the Year. Visit her at rachelkann.com
Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff, Grand Conversations Salon facilitator, fled Nazi Europe (Kosice, Slovakia) as a small child in 1941. Dr. Klein Kassenoff has a degree in English and a doctorate in education, has taught World Literature, English Literature, American Literature and Essays for over 30 years. Miriam is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami. Miriam is currently an Education Specialist for the Miami Dade County Public Schools and Professor for the Melton Adult School of Learning in Miami, Florida. Presently, Miriam is working with Mindelle Pierce on a memoir collection of miraculous love stories in the time of the Holocaust. Dr. Jonathan Kramer, lecturer, second week, is an academic interventional neuroradiologist who has had an unusual life’s path. He started a medical clinic in 1999 for the Tibetan Bon refugees living in the Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan mountains, near the Tibetan border, at the Men-ri Monastery. Dr. Kramer has the honor to be personal physician to His Holiness, the Menri Trizen, Abbot of the Men-ri Monastery and Spiritual Leader of all Bon who at 91
36 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
continues to be a meditation instructor to the Dalai Lama. Dr. Kramer is a graduate of Yeshiva University and the SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Chanie Kravitz, performer and song circle leader, is a recording artist and multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles. She was raised in orthodox Jewish tradition, meaning that Chanie was not encouraged to sing in front of men. Instead of being silent, she wrote, co-produced and independently released her debut album, Raging Quiet, in 2015. The album explores personal and spiritual aspirations. Alongside her work as a recording artist, Chanie specializes in early-childhood music education. She is also an accomplished teacher of voice, piano and guitar. Chanie completed seminary in Jerusalem, Sfat and New York and is always looking for opportunities to further her knowledge of Torah. Rabbi Malka Mittelman, camp rabbi first week and yoga teacher, serves as a spiritual care counselor for Skirball Hospice, a program of the Los Angeles Home for the Aging. With her husband Daniel Chodos, she co-founded B’nei Mishkan, a service to non-affiliated Jews seeking study and worship. She was ordained in 2006 through the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA. She studied at San Francisco Dancer’s Workshop while earning a B.A. in Fine Art from UC Berkeley in the 1970’s. Malka is also a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, a film editor of several short films and features, and a proud mother of two young men. Eric Phelps, campfire leader, has pursued his musical interests throughout his life as a songwriter, composer, singer, and performer. He has played more than 150 concerts in the US and Europe in a wide range of styles, including fusion, folk, rock and blues. Eric is leader of the band River Rhapsody which features original music and covers of adult contemporary songwriters. When he’s not making music he stays busy as a nonprofit organizational consultant specializing in fundraising and strategic development. Eric lives with his family - Emily, Elijah and Gabriel - in Hadley, Massachusetts.
Ira Pierce, current events facilitator, is a senior civil engineer. He specializes in certifying that facades on NYC’s tall buildings are safe or require remediation to make them safe. He leads a group of environmental specialists on soil clean-up programs that meet the requirements of federal, state and city regulations. Since 1989, Ira has been teaching new American immigrant graduate engineers, architects and planners at Cooper Union School of Engineering how to obtain professional employment. Mindelle Pierce, Grand Conversations co-facilitator, has taught as a remedial reading specialist for preschool to college level. She has been part of the “transcending trauma” project at the University of Pennsylvania that examines the intergenerational impact of the Holocaust. Mindelle Pierce is currently working on a collection of memoir love stories in the time of the Holocaust. Rabbi Rayzel Raphael, community art project leader and performer is an “unorthodox” rabbi with many talents. She has been the spiritual leader of three congregations, served as a chaplain and is an award winning songwriter/liturgist with five recordings to her credit. Rabbi Rayzel has a private practice in Philadelphia where she counsels couples and helps them prepare for life cycle ceremonies. Ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College she studied Religion at Indiana and Brandeis Universities - and in Israel at Pardes and at the Hebrew University. Rabbi Rayzel is a visionary artist with soul. Her most recent creation is a deck of papercut Shechinah Oracle cards researched from Jewish texts. Evelyn Richmond, beading instructor, worked in the NY Public Schools for 31 years as a language arts, social studies teacher, guidance counselor and teacher trainer. Expressing herself through drawing and painting is one of her lifetime sources of joy and happiness. She attended Music and Art High School and returned to art seriously over 10 years ago. The Long Beach Art League and the Hewlett-Woodmere Library display many of her works.
Please wear your name badge throughout the retreat! • 37
Leaders (continued) Shamu Fenyvesi Sadeh is the co-founder and director of Adamah. He teaches Judaism and ecology, turns the compost piles, maintains the orchards, supervises and mentors staff and Adamah Fellows. His wife Jamie and kids Yonah, Ibby and Lev keep the bees, help harvest and pickle.
Laura Wetzler, lecturer and performer, is an award-winning singer-songwriter who performs contemporary folk, Americana originals, World Jewish Roots Music in Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino along with the great classics of the American songbook.
Aliza (Ali) Schechter, last night dance party DJ and facilitator, is motivated by the knowledge that movement is medicine. She is dedicated to sharing the joy of dance with people of all ages and abilities. Aliza currently works at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale as a dance/movement therapist, providing dance therapy to seniors with a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities.
Elizabeth Yaari, Nature Connection and Silk Painting Workshop facilitator, is a nature lover, artist, and co-founder of Explora-Torah. She has facilitated in over 70 sanctuaries, community centers, museums and schools. Elizabeth uses the arts and nature to engage participants in authentic self-expression, co-creativity and deep understanding of the natural world. She enjoys creating sacred circles for people to heal, learn, grow and evolve.
Maestro Murray Sidlin is a conductor, concert innovator and educator. He is the founder and president of the Defiant Requiem Foundation, creator of Illumination Concerts and the conductor and creator of the concert/drama: Verdi at Terezin. Laura Evonne Steinman, community artist / educator / activist, loves to access the creative gifts that each person has to bring to a space. She does this by facilitating art making with people of all ages on farms, places of worship, centers and more. Laura Evonne’s main medium is textiles, sewing large banners, collages and other items for rituals and activist gatherings. She staffs many programs at Isabella Freedman including Camp Teva, MiniVacations and Camp IF.
Noam Young, song circle leader, smart phone tutor, served as communications coordinator for the USC Shoah Foundation where his work included speechwriting for Steven Spielberg and adapting Holocaust survivors’ testimonies for publication. He currently is a Documentation Specialist for Insulin Algorithms. Noam is the founder of Signal Artists, a bespoke artist-services company based in Los Angeles. His professional interests include songwriting, music production, artist development and branding. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, recording artist Chanie Kravitz.
Jacob Weiss is thrilled to be a JOFEE Fellow at Isabella Freedman, working with the retreats team. Jacob studied Political Science and Fine Arts at Yeshiva University and then went on to receive his Chef’s training at the Natural Gourmet Institute. He has spent his time since then cooking at various restaurants in New York as well as taking time away from the kitchen to work on farms around the country.
38 • Camp Isabella Freedman • Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
you make it possible. THE TAMAR FUND Retreats have the power to change lives. At Isabella Freedman, we have a commitment to making Jewish retreats financially accessible. Hazon works to create a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community, and a healthier and more sustainable world for all. Retreats are at the heart of what we do best. Each year we offer thousands of people the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community. Through food, the outdoors, and the environment, we reframe and renew Jewish life; we inspire those who are already Jewishly involved and bring new people through the door; and we strengthen institutions and communities. It costs about $150 per person per day for most of our retreats at Isabella Freedman. For some members of our community, especially young adults, that fee can be a barrier to participating in a program that could change their lives. A $180 scholarship from the Tamar Fund is often enough to make a $450 retreat affordable. Even a small gift goes a long way. We are committed to making our programs accessible to all interested people to the greatest extent possible, regardless of their ability to pay. Towards that vision, Hazon awards over $110,000 in financial aid each year, much of it unfunded. The Tamar Fund provides need-based financial aid to ensure that people from across the spectrum of the Jewish community have access to retreat experiences at Isabella Freedman.
"Throughout my young 20s, as I was exploring the world, Judaism and the expanses of my own identity, Isabella Freedman retreats were my steady anchors. Here, I could let go of the outside world and be present in beautiful land with beautiful people, a place where I could simply be and connect. Isabella Freedman's generous scholarships made these experiences possible. I thank Isabella Freedman with my full heart."
Natalie
The Tamar Fund is in loving memory of Tamar Bittelman, z”l who attended the Food Conference in 2011. Torah, Jewish community, ecology, and DIY food were values that Tamar held dear in her own life, and she very much appreciated the intersection of these values at the Hazon Food Conference. Sharing a meal with Tamar, particularly a Shabbat or Chag meal, was an experience filled with kedushah, where one was effortlessly and joyfully escorted to “a different place.” Your gift to the Tamar Fund makes it possible for everyone to take part. Please contact Gina Schmeling, Director of Development at 646.781.7571 or gina.schmeling@hazon.org to discuss giving opportunities. You can also visit the donation box outside of the bookstore. Thank you!
donate today. thank you!