This summer I had the privilege of celebrating URJ Greene Family Camp’s 50th anniversary along with a majority of the Avodah ‘1983 crew. For me, GFC is more than a camp – it’s where my Jewish identity was shaped, where I served as a counselor and later as Camp Committee Chairman, and where I formed friendships that continue to anchor my life.
Walking back on camp reminded me how timeless the Greene experience is – the cabins, the songs, the laughter. But what stood out most was the feeling of wholeness. Reconnecting with friends, I felt how strong those bonds are and how camp still shapes who I am today.
Here are what a few of my fellow Avodahnikim have to share about their reflections:
“Everything had changed yet nothing had changed. GFC was almost unrecognizable since the days when I had spent 6 summers there approximately 40 years ago. But reconnecting with the people I was close to at that time did not feel like reconnecting at all. It felt like we had never left. It felt like we were just together yesterday. It felt right. I can still feel it, and I hope it lasts until the next time we can be together again in that special place.” -Brian Benjamin
“My initial hesitancy to join the reunion dissipated within seconds of entering the Chadar Ochel. The warm embraces of friends and acquaintances who I haven’t seen or talked to in decades energized me, making the next several hours pure joy.” -Jeff Kaplan
“Being at the GFC 50th celebration with my cohort (many of whom were recognizably decked out in Debbie Laves Lowey-inspired Avodah t-shirts) who shared some or all of the 10 summers I spent at camp felt like coming full circle. Rekindling some neglected but still deep friendships, and laughing with the incredibly funny and bright group over camp, college, and adult escapades, were the highlights of the reunion for me. Most of all, I was struck by how Loui Dobin and camp leadership had, over the years, imagined and then brought into existence the vibrant and loving camp community that represented the “real world” for generations of campers coming of age at GFC. I am filled with gratitude – thank you to the Camp Committee and everyone else who made this fantastic reunion happen.” -Devorah Tirschwell
For me, wholeness is also seeing Greene’s magic continue L’dor Vador – from generation to generation. My kids were campers and counselors too, and their closest friendships come from Greene. What a special gift to share.
As we reflect on Rosh Hashanah, may we all find moments of wholeness, peace, and gratitude for experiencing the magic of GFC.
Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah,
Carol Levin Margolis
Camper 1978-1982, Avodah 1983, Counselor/Staff 1984-1985, Camp Committee Chairman 2016-2020
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