Howard in the News

This year, the crowd got larger and the money raised grew too, at the 2nd Annual Tour de Shuls held on Father’s Day.

For those unfamiliar with the term, “shul” is another word for synagogue.
The fundraiser, hosted by Beth El Temple, brought out more than 100 cyclists, runners and walkers from 20 participating synagogues, schools and youth groups in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Lunch and entertainment followed.

The goal is to raise money for Jewish special needs campers to attend Camp Ramah’s Tikvah Program.

Last year’s inaugural tour brought in $3,000 and, according to event co-chairman David Diamond, this year’s draw was going to hit the $4,000 mark. Former campers like Josh Starr showed up to help hand out water to participants and see old friends.

“I’m seeing people I haven’t seen in years,” he said. “It’s great to see so many familiar faces.”

Starr, who attended Camp Ramah’s Tikvah program for 15 years, said being there “was an experience I will never forget.”

Originally, he said “my sister (Jessica) went there and she loved it. The first time I was so homesick. I just wanted to leave.”

He quickly grew to love it.

“We would have so much fun,” he said. “Friday nights we partied. It was insane.”

Starr was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to problems with development, such as delayed speech, learning disorders, certain physical characteristics and more.

Those with Williams Syndrome are often social, like Starr, and have unique skills. He can play both trombone and the drums and recently did a guest conducting spot for the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

He lives independently in an apartment in town and takes the bus to CIGNA in Bloomfield, where works in the mailroom. He credits the Tikvah program with helping him to develop the skills he needs for his job.

“It taught me how to grow up, gave me skills to learn how to be on my own, like cook,” he said. “It prepared me to handle responsibilities, like working in the camp mailroom.”

Since 1970, Camp Ramah has offered the Tikvah program to meet the social and religious needs of developmentally challenged Jewish adolescents. Tikvah, when translated, means “hope.”

The program provides campers with all the benefits of a positive camp experience. There is swimming, boating, sports, arts, dance, dramatics, and more, all under the supervision of specially trained staff.

“We have really great staff members. The kind you want your kids to marry,” said Howard Blas, director of the Tikvah program for 12 years.

He, too, started as a counselor. His children are now part of the camp staff.

“This was the first of any special needs program for Jewish campers in the country,” he added. “Herb and Barbara Greenberg founded the program at the camp. Others slowly started to develop. We are proud to be the pioneers.”

Tikvah campers are integrated into the rest of the camp life at Ramah.

“Special needs campers go to events and things alongside the rest of the camp,” said Nancy Rosen. “They’re all buddies.”

She and husband, Rabbi James Rosen, the senior rabbi at Beth El, have a son, Dani, who has special needs. Dani volunteers at Camp Ramah and participates in some of the Tikvah activities. He goes to camp two days a week and works with a friend to deliver the camp mail.

Their daughter, Ariella, worked there for 11 years, and for a time was an assistant unit head.

“It’s a nurturing environment with a wonderful sense of family,” Rabbi Rosen said. “They have a solid commitment to help each individual realize their potential.”

Camp Ramah is located in Palmer, Mass., one hour west of Boston. It is one of a dozen similar camps in the United States and Canada. In addition to regular activities, campers learn Hebrew, study Jewish heritage and go to services.

Camp Ramah operates under the auspices of the Jewish Theological Seminary and serves as the camping arm of the Conservative movement of Judaism.

Beth El Temple is an egalitarian congregation affiliated with the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism. The temple has more than 950 families and 2,400 members.

Beth El is at 2626 Albany Avenue. Call 860-233-9696, visit http://www.bethelwesthartford.org or find the temple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com).

Visit Camp Ramah New England’s website (http://www.campramahne.org) for more information about and the Tikvah program.