YOUNG JUDAEA WINTER BREAK CAMP counselors Josh Tambor, foreground, and Seth Schechter, take to the air during a dance program at the camp. Other counselors were Laura Lyman, Aliza Tuttle, Hadas Horenstein, Jaclyn Rubinchik and Noa Goldenberg.

Winter camp flies high

By Deborah Moon

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The Young Judaea Winter Camp at Shaarie Torah was so successful that plans already are under way to repeat it during winter break next year.

A diverse group of 35 campers, from several synagogues as well as unaffiliated families, participated in four days of activities and projects focusing on Israel.

Hadas Horenstein, who developed the idea for the camp after attending YJ’s Tel Yehuda leadership training camp, recruited four of her fellow leadership campers and two Portland teens to join her as camp counselors. Horenstein’s mother, Shaarie Torah Education Director Dorice Horenstein, served as the camp director. Staff included the seven teens, three art specialists and Shaarie Torah caterer Meirav Goldner, who prepared the kosher food for campers as well as a Shabbat dinner for campers and their families.

Dorice Horenstein praised the teens for their strong leadership and enthusiasm in sharing their love of Israel with the campers.

“It was beautiful. It will surely happen next year,” said the director.

Counselor Noa Goldenberg said: “I was so proud to teach kids about my homeland (Israel). As an Israeli, to see American Jewish kids with so much pride and joy about Israel was a gift.”

Campers learned about and experienced Israel through arts, sports, dance, music and food.

For Hadas Horenstein, the camp fulfilled her hopes for passing on her passion for Israel to a younger generation.

“I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to give back to the community that gave to me all my life in an enthusiastic and spirited way,” she said. “It was so fulfilling to be making a difference in my campers’ lives and to feel like I truly brought them closer to Judaism and Israel while having the most fun time. The impact we made was huge and I hope the camp continues for many years.”