By Rabbi Paul Kipnes

In a time of anxious unsurety about the present and future, while our Israeli siblings prepare for a protracted war against Hamas forces pledged to destroy the Jewish State and the Jews, and as a weakened world begins to wonder about Israeli plans while conveniently (and quickly) forgetting about the heinous Hamas massacre in Israel in the holy day of Simchat Torah, Congregation Or Ami gathered at Camp Alonim for Family Camp 2023/5784. 

We sought reflection and renewal, learning and laughing, simultaneously to forget for a moment while also to refocus with clarity on both the beauty of being Jewish and on our deep concern for our extended family (namely, Israel) and for ourselves here. 

What was it like? Read reflections of the participants:

Will Springer writes:
Congregation Or Ami’s family camp continues to captivate me year after year with its magical and spiritual essence. The camp provides the perfect setting for deep conversations that create lasting memories — about family values, Israel, and Jewish community.  The retreat balances family time with adult time, fostering connections with kids as well as newfound friends. 

Set against the backdrop of nature, the retreat offers a much-needed escape, allowing for self-reflection and communal celebration. The Havdallah ceremony around the campfire is a highlight — an enchanting experience filled with soulful songs and the joy of making s’mores.

Congregation Or Ami’s family camp is a haven of spiritual growth and meaningful connections. It’s a transformative weekend where magic happens, bonds deepen, and traditions are joyfully shared. I wholeheartedly recommend it to those seeking a retreat that rejuvenates the spirit. Can’t wait for the next one!

Mason Klein (8th Grade) writes:
Family Camp is not only an amazing way to get know those both around you and Judaism, but you get to know nature better. The Camp Alonim campus is beautiful and has all kinds of reminders that we are a small part of all the nature around us. There are many kinds of life all around, ranging from deer to that one tree with a bunch of rocks in it. 

The activities are amazing with the perfect balance of having time with others and your family, while still giving you some time away from your parents. There are many games that encourage all sorts of good things, such as teamwork and social skills. It is overall an amazing experience and I love going there every year and connecting with all kinds of people.

Jessica Ardi writes:
Family Camp with Or Ami is something my family and I have been looking forward to all year long and it did not disappoint. Surrounded by nature, growing our knowledge of Judaism, and solidifying lifelong friendships… what could be better than that? With our day filled with singing, games, campfires, and prayer, it was truly magical. Or Ami captures an essence that our souls crave. We’re counting down the days till next year. 

The Kibrick Family writes:
It was the perfect amount of activities. You didn’t have to do everything. They gave you more of a choice. — Fiona (2nd Grade)  

It was really fun and not too busy. — Lily (6th Grade)

I enjoyed having a great time with my family and time with other adults while my kids got to play. — Keenan

I started camp tense from a long night and morning. Sometimes, these group social activities drain me. Instead, today, I could feel my tension melt as we balanced family time, group time, quiet time, and adult time. — Melissa

A Weekend of Wonder

Family Camp — Or Ami’s annual retreat offering learning, connecting, spiritual growth, and unadulterated fun — grew out of the creativity of our awesome planning team headed by Rachel Fox, Andrew Fromer, and Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway, with Rabbinic Intern Sam Thal, Cantor Kyle Cotler, and Rabbi Paul Kipnes, and the amazing staff — Amanda Front, Rabbinic student Sarah Klein, and Sammy Rabinowitz.

The retreat is made possible with the support of the Neshama [soul] Initiative, established by the Judovits Family, Anonymous [paying it forward in memory of Joan and Richard Katz], the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, and the Rabbi Paul Kipnes Discretionary Fund.