HUC-JIR Alumni Ambassadors: A Summer of Mentorship and Learning at Camps Nationwide

As the summer of 2024 comes to a close, we extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated Alumni Ambassadors who brought the spirit of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion to Jewish camps across North America. This year, 100 alumni embraced the opportunity to represent HUC-JIR at over 25 camps, including all 14 URJ camps and nine others.

Throughout the summer, on behalf of HUC-JIR these ambassadors shared their camp experiences through Instagram takeovers, contributed to our "Letters from Camp" blog, and spread the word about the rewarding career paths that an HUC-JIR education leads to. They mentored teens, CITs, staff, and fellow colleagues, helping to nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders and referring them to HUC-JIR.

Additionally, our ambassadors served in a variety of roles at camp including as faculty, summer staff, year-round staff, and community guests. Throughout the summer they participated in all aspects of camp life, such as teaching Torah, leading tefilah, telling stories, enhancing song session, offering pastoral guidance to campers and staff alike, and engaging in the magical play and community building that makes camp so special.

We kicked off this ambassadorial journey with two inspiring learning sessions designed to equip our alumni for their time at camp. Sivan Zakai, Ph.D., Sara S. Lee Associate Professor of Jewish Education, led a session for campers and counselors in a Post October 7th world, Tools for your Israel Education Toolbox, focusing on her research to help us understand where campers are coming from and how they comprehend the events in Israel over the past year.

Rabbi David Adelson, '99, D.Min. '16, Dean of New York, provided insight into pastoral care with his session on Tools for your pastoral care toolbox: Slowing down and caring across difference. This session focused on helping alumni process their own Jewish identities and Israel journeys while preparing to guide campers and staff. These sessions laid the groundwork for a summer filled with meaningful tefilah, uplifting song, enriching learning, and joyful moments.

If you met a future leader this summer or at any point, we encourage you to refer them to us at huc.edu/refer.

Here's to the warmth and connection our alumni brought to camps, and the lasting impact they've made on the Jewish community!