When the last of the FamilyCampers leave this August,

the usual tranquility of Herzl Campin the off-season will be replacedwith the sounds of bulldozers,cement mixers and constructioncrews. Yes, it’s true; after 63 yearsof wear and tear, camp is beingexpanded, renovated and rebuilt.Far more than a facelift, this head-to-toe overhaul will add 20 percentmore camper capacity, create a fullyaccessible camp, and relieve over-crowding and waiting lists. New pro-gramming space ensures a seat forevery camper in the Mercaz (out-door synagogue), room to play onheavy-dew days, and more chancesto sing, dance, craft, paint, swim, sailand just hang out with friends.

“We are thrilled with the waythe community has made HerzlCamp a priority even in these toughtimes,” Camp Director Anne Hopesays. “It is a bad time for the stockmarket, but a good time to invest inour children’s future.”

Because of the scope of the pro-ject, the expansion will take placeover two off-seasons. The total pro-ject is expected to cost $8 million

and to be completed in 2011. “Certainly the economy and

other financial concerns haveaffected us, but we’ve seen thatthis project touches the hearts ofso many,” Mike Fiterman, CapitalFundraising Cabinet Chair says.“Our friendships, our marriages,our identities were forged there.We have to make sure that ourchildren and grandchildren havethat chance.”

Herzl Camp’s unique statusas a Zionist, community-built,independent camp have broughtsupport from national organiza-tions like the Grinspoon Institutefor Jewish Philanthropy and theAvi Chai Foundation.

“Herzl Camp has been pro-ducing creative, talented Jewishleaders for 63 years. It’s been aprivilege to connect with so manyof them and to see the kind ofcommitment of time and moneythey are willing to make to ensureHerzl’s future,” says Hope. “It inspires me to do the best I canby every one of today’s campers.It’s clear that these days at camp arethe most formative days of their

lives. These are the moments andthe friendships that last a lifetime.”

Historic expansion to break ground in September

In This Issue…

Enrollment not affected by economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Herzl increases scholarships by 50% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Experts enhance learning at Camp in 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Director’s Clipboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .3

Dylan lyrics to be auctioned at Christie’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Renovation creates fully accessible camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Camper living spaces expanded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Additions address over-crowding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Knowledge and passion fuel success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

First-year fundraising goal nearly reached! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Nostaligic? Come back to Camp! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Scholarship report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .11

SPECIAL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN EDITION

HAKSHIVU! HAKSHIVU!

Published for friends of Herzl Camp Summer 2009

New layout highlights waterfront viewsand access for campers of all abilities

Worries that families wouldkeep children home this sum-

mer to save money have provenunfounded. This summer is the sec-ond largest enrollment in the historyof the camp - 690 campers, ages 7-17,will gather in Webster, Wisconsinthis summer.

We heard from many familiesthat camp is a part of Jewish educa-tion that could not be skrimped on,even when they are cutting back onother things,” Anne Hope, CampDirector says. “It’s effective Jewisheducation that they beg to attend.”

Scholarship needs increased dra-matically this year, but the Herzl

Family came to the rescue. “We expected a big increase in

requests, so in order to stand by ourtradition of getting every child tocamp, we set a goal to distribute atleast $50,000,” Neil Fink, ScholarshipCommittee Chair says. Applicationsfor need-based scholarship throughHerzl’s completely anonymousreview process increased by 30 per-cent.

Traditional scholarship sourceswere strained due to economic con-ditions and increased need. Howev-er some made Jewish camping apriority and increased awards.

“Because the community hasresponded so generously, we are in agood position to help our families,”Camp Director Anne Hope says.“We’ve increased our awards by$18,000 over last year, and we arestill working with every family to getthem to camp this summer.”

Hakshivu! Hakshivu! is a semi-annual publica-tion of the Herzl Camp Foundation. Herzl Camp,a 501(c)3 charity, is a trans-denominational,Zionist, Jewish overnight camp, celebrating its63rd camp season in 2009.

OFFICERSLauren Kaplan Sue Roether

President Vice PresidentJason Grais Stacie Usem

Treasurer Vice President Hope Kalin Amy Friedman

Secretary Vice President

PAST PRESIDENTSDr. Velvel Greene Donna LevitonGeorge Kaplan * Mark AdelmanHarvey Ansel Jeffrey SchachtmanJulius Berezovsky S. Allen FriedmanMichael B. Fisher * Debbie KrovitzPaul Stein Daniel SpillerMerrill Fischbein Pennie ShapiroMickey Greenberg Jeff UsemBonnie Heller Amy Cytron

BOARD OF DIRECTORSRichard Bachrach Floyd KnightMike Barry Steve LeventhalLisa Capp Stacy MosowCassie Feldman Mike NeimanMike Fine Lisa RatnerBruce Fink Sam RosenNeil Fink Peter ShanedlingMike Fiterman Mary Jane ShapiroBarb Friedman Jim SmithTodd Geller Stacy SimonKim Gelperin Larry SolomonHarold Goldfine Bonnie SteinMargie Goldfine Marty StillmanSteve Gottlieb Jerry WaldmanJennifer Gray Mark UsemLarry Kelner Dori Weinstein

HONORARY PRESIDENTHarry Rosenthal*

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTHoward Silver*

HONORARY DIRECTORSBeth Mindelsohn Bachrach Harold SmithJoseph Fremland* Mickey SmithDr. Miriam Rosenthal* Cecelia WaldmanRose Rosenthal* Irving Waldman*

* of blessed memorySTAFFAnne Marvy Hope, Camp Directoranne@herzlcamp.org

Gary Kibort, Director of Operationsgary@herzlcamp.org

Sarah Gruesner, Assistant Director sarah@herzlcamp.org

Holly Guncheon, Development Director holly@herzlcamp.org

Drea LearDevelopment & ProgramCoordinator drea@herzlcamp.org

Herzl Camp Association7204 West 27th Street, Suite 226

St. Louis Park, MN 55426952/927-4002 www.herzlcamp.org

Summer 2009 2 Hakshivu! Hakshivu!

HAKSHIVU! HAKSHIVU! CAMP NEWS

Herzl increases scholarship dollars by 50%

Enrollment unaffected by economy

Aided by a committee of Jewisheducators, Herzl Camp formally

adopted programmatic goals to stan-dardize Jewish learning at camp.These guidelines help staff designprogramming to ensure that allaspects of Jewish living, ritual andtradition are covered over acamper’s career at camp.

This year, special programsenhance the curriculum with topicsranging from panel discussions with

Holocaust survivors to learning tocreate rap music out of Torah por-tions with the Bible Rapper, a Jewishmusic instructor.

Ongoing staff training this yearis built around a theme of “YourPost-Camp Career.” Each weekexpert volunteer instructors sharejob search insights, exploringoptions in Jewish professionalcareers, and helpful tips to navigateearly career choices in a recession.

Experts enhance learning at camp in ‘09

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I?

And if not now, when?

We all know this famous lessonthat Rabbi Hillel taught us. I’ve

thought of it often over the past fewmonths.

After more than a year of plan-ning, studying, and reaching out tocamp friends and alumni to deter-mine what camp needs to be in thefuture, we began talking with poten-tial donors in August 2008.

It’s difficult and nerve-racking toask anyone to part with their hard-earned dollars. I was not sure Icould do it, but I firmly believe thatJewish camping is the answer tomuch of our communities’ concerns.Campers grow to be adults who par-ticipate in Jewish life: they marryand raise children as Jews, they joinJCCs and synagogues, they donate toFederations. Their lives are enriched

and deepened by being part of theJewish community. So with thatbelief propelling me forward, I start-ed going with our campaign volun-teers and soliciting donations.

I found out people love campmore than I knew. And more impor-tantly, they also know from their ownlives, their children’s and grandchil-dren’s experiences that camp is vitalto their current practice and identity.It was inspiring, even fun, to ask forsupport for Herzl Camp!

Then in October, the financialmarkets plummeted. It became reallyhard for me to ask for donations.But I found that people still lovecamp and they still know that campcreates the solutions to these seem-ingly intractable problems thatplague our community.

Still, as I was feeling the samefinancial burdens as our donors, Iconsidered Hillel’s words. I realizedthat Camp was established in 1946

with ourfounders’ dol-lars shortlyafter WWIIended and with recent memories of breadlines andtent cities during the Depression. Istarted thinking of today’s effort inthat context.

So to answer Rabbi Hillel: Whynow? Because now is when it needsto be done––camp is crowded, wait-ing lists are growing, and the upsideof the economy is that constructioncosts are down. And why me?Because I care about my children’sJewish life. And why all of us?Because it is time to stand on theshoulders of those who came beforeus and make sure that Herzl Campthrives in the future. Why? Becausea thriving camp community creates avibrant, growing Jewish community.And that’s something I don’t want togo without.

Hakshivu! Hakshivu! 3 Summer 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT

ANNE HOPE

I have always said that my love forHerzl Camp doesn’t stem from an

attachment to buildings but rather aconnection with the spirit that encom-passes everything Herzl Camp offers.

In 2005, my family went to the first-ever Family Camp at Herzl. We were soexcited to have an opportunity to be atcamp for a Shabbat. It had been 17years since I had slept in a bunk bed ina cabin, since I showered in the Haks,and since I had prayed at the Mercaz.

The weekend was amazing andalso extremely eye opening! I was stillable to feel the ruach, yet couldn’t helpbut notice how run down camp was!Many of the buildings at camp existedbefore Herzl Camp bought the land inWebster. Some are more than 80 yearsold. For many years now, we have beenputting band aids on buildings to getthem through to the next summer.

That weekend was pivotal forHerzl Camp. The board members whowere in attendance left camp with anew agenda: to ensure that Herzl Campwould thrive for the next 60 years.

Since then, the Herzl Board hasmethodically determined the path forour future. We hired our first develop-ment director, Holly Guncheon, to helpus navigate this new territory. Webegan with the creation of a strategicplan that identifies the areas that Herzlwill focus on in the next 5 years. Weformed a master planning committeeand, with the help of our architects,developed a master plan for HerzlCamp. We have been using that mas-ter plan to execute our dream.

We have since hired an Architect,an Owner’s Rep, and a Contractor. Abig thank you to Gary Weinstein forchairing the Master Planning Commit-

tee and to ToddGeller who ischairing theBuilding Commit-tee. Each is made up of talented indi-viduals who brought their expertise toHerzl. We are very grateful for theirtime and dedication!

Our Campaign Chair, Mike Fiter-man has done a fabulous job. In thesedifficult economic times, Mike has beenan eternal optimist and pragmaticleader. His devotion to Herzl’s legacywill see us to our goal!

As Theodor Herzl said, “If you willit, it is no dream.” Well, we have adream and we certainly have the will.We are building this camp for your chil-dren, for your grandchildren, and foryour great grandchildren. Todah Rabahto all of you who join us in building thisdream!

LAUREN KAPLAN

DIRECTOR’S CLIPBOARD

She’s not sure what made her keepa song penned by a fellow

camper so many years ago, but nowLisa Heilicher is putting this buriedtreasure to good use! Back in the1950s, Ms. Heilicher received BobbyZimmerman’s submission to theHerzl Herald, the camp newspaper,in her capacity as the paper’s editor.What made her file away the orginalis not known, but years later, whenBobby Zimmerman hit the worldstage as Bob Dylan, holding onto thesigned work seemed like a goodidea!

Ms. Heilicher is an alum,camper parent and grandparent, aswell as a past board member. Withher long history of active support,it’s no wonder that she has chosento donate this poem to Camp withthe express direction that the piecebe sold and the proceeds used tofund the Here’s to Dear Old HerzlCapital Campaign. The two-sided,hand-written and signed poem orsong is reproduced at right.

This work will be auctioned offby Christie’s Auction House on June23 in its semi-annual pop culturesale. The reserve is set at $10,000,with other Dylan pieces selling for asmuch as $70,000 in recent years.Simeon Lipman, Curator of the sale,is intrigued by the work and makingit a featured item in the catalog.“This is probably the earliest workby Bob Dylan to be sold. It’s in sur-prisingly good condition, and a com-plete, signed work is rare.” Aninteresting story reported by theAssociated Press in May.

Dylan’s work has been rising invalue recently. As early as 1970, anew area of study in academiasprung up around Dylan’s work andhis impact on music and culture in

the 1960s. Today, col-lege courses on BobDylan’s art, works andpolitics are common-place. This academicinterest fuels the saleprices of originalworks as researchersseek fresh insightsinto Dylan’s art. Infact, one researcherwent so far as to saythat, “Bob Dylan didfor music what Ein-stein did for physics.”That may be true, butof course, only one ofthose Jews is a HerzlCamper!

Bob Dylan’srecent CD, Tell TaleSigns, featured aphoto of him and agroup of friends atHerzl Camp in 1957.Like many youngJews living in smallisolated communitiesacross the Midwest,Dylan spent his sum-mers surrounded byJewish friends andculture at Herzl Camp.His time at Herzl isdocumented in sever-al biographies andarticles.

Summer 2009 4 Hakshivu! Hakshivu!

Penned while at Camp and saved for 53 years by donor

Dylan lyrics auctioned at Christie’s to raise funds

CAMP NEWS

Founded on Zionist principles, HerzlCamp is a place where all Jews

come together to play, to pray and tolearn. Living up to those ideals overthe years has created a communitythat spans the Midwest and beyond,connects youth from the least obser-vant homes with friends in the mostobservant, and reach-es out in a welcomingway to interfaith fami-lies. This formula hascreated a vibrant,thriving, and growingcamp and alumni com-munity.

In one area, HerzlCamp has fallen shortof fulfilling the dreamsof our founders: chil-dren with physicalchallenges. While our property is per-fectly suited for people who usewheelchairs, our 60-year old buildingsare not. The Here’s to Dear Old HerzlCampaign creates a fully accessiblecampus: the first accessible Jewishovernight camp in the Midwest.

“Given the scope of our project,it was clear that we had a chance totruly welcome every Jewish child atCamp,” says Lauren Kaplan, currentPresident and Strategic PlanningCommittee Chair. “Knowing ourunique history of service and scarceopportunities available, our boardmade accessiblity a priority.”

Over the years, Herzl Camp hasworked with camper families to ensurethat all children had access to a Jewishcamping experience. “When a familyapproaches us, we say ‘Yes, your childcan come to camp,’ ” Camp DirectorAnne Hope says. “But we aren’t offer-ing an equal or independent experi-ence.” Independent use of thebathroom, showers, cabins, program-

ming space and the waterfront are notpossible at camp now. “We do the bestwe can, and we know that our familiesappreciate that but our community cando better by these kids.”

The Here’s to Dear Old Herzl Cam-paign addresses all these areas. Thewaterfront is made accessible by

tram—an outdoor ele-vator. Support forwaterfront accessibili-ty will be providedthrough the Paul Adel-man Foundation,which has dedicatedthe proceeds of this

summer’s golf tournament to the Here’sto Dear Old Herzl Campaign.

Adding a new lobby to the existingMarpeah (infirmary), enables us tomodify the interior to provide indepen-dent access to the building, examrooms, bathrooms and isolation sleep-ing rooms. Moreover, every new cabinand shower house is fully accessible.

“We firmly believe that every Jew-ish child belongs at camp. It was sur-prising to learn that there wasn’t acamp able to accommodate camperswith physical disabilities,” says Direc-tor Anne Hope. Though recently CampNewman Swig, a Jewish overnightcamp in California, finished renova-tions that allow it to serve childrenwith physical challenges, until then,Jewish children were sent to non-Jew-ish camps.

Herzl Camp’s long history ofreaching out to serve campers withphysical issues creates a bank of expe-rience to draw from as programming is

adapted to fitchildren withphysical chal-lenges. Whenrenovations arenearing com-pletion in 2010,a task force ofparents, educa-tors, and inclu-sion expertswill be assem-bled to beginassessing andimplementingadaptations tothe Herzl pro-gram to betterfit the needs ofchildren withphysical chal-lenges. Fortu-

nately, we have resources to build onwith the goal of creating a programthat is successful from the start.

“Rather than battling our facilityto serve a child, I’m looking forward toa facility that supports a high-qualitycamp experience for all,” says CampDirector, Anne Hope

Hakshivu! Hakshivu! 5 Summer 2009

A rarity in Jewish camping, Herzl open to physically challenged campers

Renovation creates fully accessible camp

CAMP NEWS

With new tram and beach chair, Pearl Pergament’s trip to thewaterfront will no longer be a bumpy ride. Left: Pearl and friendMaya Smith during Friday picnic lunch last summer.

Top priority in the Here’s to DearOld Herzl Campaign is given to

camper living spaces: cabins andbathrooms. “Modernizing, upgrad-ing what we have is key but theoverriding concern is adding bedand programming space for all thekids who want to come to camp,”Mike Fiterman, Capital FundraisingCabinet Chair says. Record numbersof campers in recent years have pro-duced long waiting lists. “Sadly, thekids who decide to try camp late inthe game are the ones who miss out.They are the kids we need at campmost!”

Over the next two years, mostcabins will be replaced with larger,more efficient buildings. Each willfeature a screened porch that servesas meeting place, lounge, mudroomand game room on heavy dew days.The porches will seat 20 and thecabins will sleep 14. When com-plete, the camp will sleep an addi-tional 70 campers—a 20% increase.

“We chose this number verypurposefully. It brings our Chadar(dining hall) to full capacity, allowingour long-standing tradition of eatingall together as one camp to contin-ue,” Lauren Kaplan, current BoardPresident and Chair of the StrategicPlanning Committee says. “We

heard from campers, staff,alumni and parents that thecommunity built at camp isdependent on communalmeals.”

New cabins will includesignificant improvements in

ventilation. Many will be locateddeeper into the nearby woods aswell. Some will also be fully insulat-ed. This strategy keeps camperscooler and more comfortable duringthe hot summer months and alsoexpands the use of the cabins intothe spring and fall.

“Herzl’s viability as a communityretreat center is dramaticallyincreased with minimal additionalcosts,” Gary Kibort, Director ofOperations says. “Additional dol-lars in retreat rentals keep over-head low and camp tuition incheck, always our top priority.”

Noticeably absent in the cab-ins are bathrooms. “It was veryclear from our community sur-vey’s that current campers, staffand parents prefer the rustic expe-rience of showerhouses,” Kaplansays. This came as a surprise butmaintaining the Herzl Camp

tradition is paramount to campers,staff and alumni. So instead, theexpansion adds two new ADA com-pliant Haks (restrooms/shower hous-es). “It’s a 100% increase in showersand bathrooms with just 20% morein campers,” says Hope. “We will allbe happy with the change.”

Cabins and new Haks arearranged in Kfarim (village or clus-ters) to create community gatheringspaces. “Each Kfar shares a centralfirepit and gathering space, promot-ing more interaction between cabingroups”, Hope says. This layout issimilar to the “new cabins” built inthe late 1980s.

The expansion places a premi-um on preservation, re-use andgreen design. Several cabins will bemoved to other areas of camp to beused as group or staff meetingspaces. Smaller cabins are convert-ed to staff and guest housing. Bath-rooms may utilize solar heat andrecycled rain water for flushing.

“Maintaining as much of the tra-dition and history of Herzl as possi-ble, along with our desire to beenvironmentally friendly has guidedus through the design process,” saysTodd Geller, Building CommitteeChair.

Simple but spacious new cabins house 20% more campers

Camper living spaces improved and expanded

CAMP NEWS

Summer 2009 6 Hakshivu! Hakshivu!

Left: Front view of new cabin. Right: Cabin layout shows largeporch, high windows and generousstorage space.

Popular demand preserves traditionalwalk to the showers

The good news is that Herzl Camptoday is crowded. There is no

better sight than our beloved campoverflowing with happy Jewishyoungsters—singing, dancing, play-ing, laughing, and learning.

The bad news is that HerzlCamp today is crowded. Program-ming space does not accommodateour current camper load, let alone20 percent more added in this cam-paign. The George Kaplan Mercaz,our outdoor synagogue, seats 350,but we have 525 at camp today. Webring benches from all over campand those without seats stand forservices. Amanut (arts and crafts) isan activity that most campers don’thave the opportunity to choose.There’s room for 15 campers at atime and there’s not enough time inthe day for those interested in mak-ing a craft such as a mezuzah or can-dle to do so. And that’s not eventaking into account the possibility ofrain when every camper needs aplace to play indoors!

To provide a high-quality campexperience to our current camper-

load plus an addi-tional 20 percent thatCamp will houseafter the cabins andbathrooms arerebuilt, Herzl Campwill add and expandprogramming spacesin the Here’s toDear Old HerzlC a m p a i g n .The followingadditions andre n o v a t i o n sare scheduledover the nexttwo winters.

While keeping our existingAmanut building, dedicated toRichard and Judith Spiegel, we areadding a “twin” building and con-necting the two with a deck set up tofunction as an outdoor classroom.Additionally, an existing ScreenedPavillion will be converted to adance class space. This complexwill be the new Fine Arts Pavillion.

The Waterfront will be expand-ed to include dock space for more

speed boats and sail boat anchor-ages. This creates an expandedfocus on lake activities like sailingand boating.

An indoor gym will be added.This building will provide ampleindoor play space on heavy dewdays, as well as space for all-campactivities safely accommodating upto 650 campers and staff. Set in awooded area near the softball field,three sides of the building opencompletely, allowing an “open-air”experience even in the rain.

The Alex and Daisy MainsMarpeah (infirmary) will be expand-ed to include more exam rooms andisolation sleeping rooms.

A new Ozo Mo will be built. Theexisting Mo (lounge) will be pre-served for future use as a HerzlMuseum.

Finally, housing for staff withfamilies will be added. Thisenhances our program offerings withexpert staff such as Rabbis orartists. Though we have many inter-ested in serving camp this way, wecannot house them. The wealth oftalent in the Herzl Camp alumni andparent pool will be put to use toenhance program quality.

Space for all in services, chugim, and on heavy dew days

Additions and renovations address over-crowding

Hakshivu! Hakshivu! 7 Summer 2009

CAMP NEWS

New Mercaz will feature shade sails,seats for 600 & backs on the benches.

Amanut expanded to a Arts ands Crafts Pavilion, doubling art offerings.

Summer 2009 8 Hakshivu! Hakshivu!

Alumni, staff and experts create and execute historic expansion plan

Wealth of knowledge and passion fuel success

CAMP NEWS

The planning and groundwork forthe Here’s to Dear Old Herzl

Campaign have been in the works fornearly two years. During this thor-ough and meticulous, but alwaysruach-filled process, many volun-teers have devoted countless hoursto creating Herzl Camp’s future. Ifyou are one of the many who sharedyour hopes and dreams for Herzl inone of our community surveys, thenyou too have played a vital role inthis historic expansion.

While there’s been much com-raderie and levity at times, thesededicated friends of Herzl Camphave given selflessly to ensure thesuccess of this plan. We are fortu-nate and grateful to have so manytalented alumni to draw from. Toextend a small honor to these folks,we’ve listed their names below. Wejust wish we hadn’t lost track of thenumber of hours they’ve given!

Strategic Planning CommitteeLauren Kaplan, ChairAmy CytronStacie UsemSue RoetherNeil FinkSteve LeventhalLynn PerlSam RosenPennie ShapiroJerry WaldmanGary WeinsteinAnne Hope, StaffHolly Guncheon, StaffScott Kaplan, Grinspoon Consultant

Master Planning CommitteeGary Weinstein, ChairAmy CytronMike FitermanTodd GellerJason GraisLauren Kaplan

Dan MosowMike NeimanLarry PepperBeth Pfeifer Howard RostonMike SchechterGary Kibort, StaffSchmidt Copeland Parker Stevens,

Architects

Building CommitteeTodd Geller, ChairBrian KahnLauren KaplanLarry PepperBeth Pfeifer Sam RosenHoward RostonAnne Hope, StaffGary Kibort, StaffJohn Gockel,

Owners RepresentativePartners and Sirny, ArchitectsKraus Anderson, Contractor

Capital Fundraising CabinetHarold and Mickey Smith,

Honorary ChairsMike Fiterman, ChairMike BarryAmy and Todd CytronBob EzrilovBruce FinkJack FitermanAmy and Todd GellerJason GraisHarold GoldfineSteve GottliebBonnie and Steve HellerTom HoffmanMike HorovitzLauren and Danny KaplanSteve LeventhalDavid MagyLisa RatnerTodd SchachtmanJeff SchachtmanPennie Shapiro

Jim SmithBonnie and Arthur SteinJeff UsemJerry WaldmanRon ZamanskyAnne Hope, StaffHolly Guncheon, StaffDrea Lear, StaffDavid Sharken, Grinspoon Consultant

National focus aids campaign

When Herzl Camp was accepted bythe Grinspoon Institute for Jew-

ish Philanthropy in 2007, hopes werehigh. “We knew that rebuilding Jewishcamps was their top-priority,” saysPennie Shapiro, Development Co-Chair.“We are proud that Herzl Camp has metevery expectation and raised morethan every other camp in our Grin-spoon cohort.”

The Grinspoon Institute has provid-ed consultants to facilitate a thoroughstrategic planning process and techni-cal consulting in managing the Here’sto Dear Old Herzl Campaign. These in-kind consulting services saved count-less dollars in a typical campaign’soverhead.

Incentive matching dollars havebeen offered. The first matching gift of$100,000 was secured in January 2009.The second matching opportunitybegins in June and provides a addition-al $85,000 in capital support.

Another national organization, theAvi Chai Foundation, is supporting theHerzl campaign with a $1 million inter-est-free construction loan. “The selec-tion process for this gift was a strigentone and Herzl passed with flying col-ors,” Treasurer Jason Grais says. “Weare very proud that our track record offiscally prudent management was rec-ognized by Avi Chai Foundation.”

Even in the face of great economic uncertainty, the

campaign to renovate andexpand Herzl Camp hasinspired unprecedented sup-port.

“Herzl Camp has given somuch to so many of us,” Capi-tal Fundraising Cabinet Chair,Mike Fiterman says. “It’s anhonor to be a part of this effortto get more kids to camp andto ensure Camp’s legacy con-tinues for the next genera-tions.”

With three months to gobefore breaking ground, HerzlCamp has raised 75 percent ofits first year goal. The HerzlCamp Board of Directors hasled the way. Collectively, theboard has pledged over $1 milliondollars to this expansion and renova-tion.

“We are very proud that ourboard has made this their top-priori-ty,” Lauren Kaplan, President of theHerzl Board says.

Reaching this point ensures thatwe can break ground this fall andputs us in a strong position to takefull advantage of record-low interestrates and a steep slump in the con-struction industry.

“This is an ideal time to build,”Todd Geller, Building CommitteeChair says. “As we are competitivelybidding the entire project with along list of Wisconsin and Minnesotasub-contractors, we are cautiouslyoptimistic that we’ll see pricingcome in lower than our estimates.”

“The conversations we are hav-ing are inspiring,” Mike Fitermansays. “Make no mistake, it’s toughout there but our donors are saying

that this is a priority that needs tobe addressed now, not later. We allknow that a 5-year pledge madetoday will be paid off in better times,and our values inspire us to give toensure our youth are educated andraised up as Jews.”

Each conversation with aprospective donor has led to storiesabout the impact of camp: Fromcoming as a staff person with noJewish roots and discovering anabiding love for Judaism, to falling inlove with a spouse in front of Cabin23, to the joy and comfort of lifelongfriendships formed in rickety bunks.And each commitment is inspired bythe desire to ensure that thosethings continue today and in thefuture, just as they did in the past.

“I support this campaignbecause I firmly believe that Herzl iscreating the future of the Jewishpeople. It’s not something that wecan leave to chance,” says Todd

Schachtman, alumni, camperparent, and Capital FundraisingCabinet member.

Alum Laura Condon Leventhal is committed to thiscampaign because, “HerzlCamp planted the seed ofJudaism in my heart.” Lauraattended Kadimah in 1986.

Campaign pledges arepaidover 3 to 5 years. Matchingdollars are available throughthe Grinspoon Institute forJewish Philanthropy.

Dedication opportunitiesare available throughout camp,recognizing gifts from $5,000 to$1 million. Some examplesinclude:

Gymasium $1,000,000 Waterfront $500,000Fine Arts Pavillion $500,000Kfar (cabin village) $250,000Cabin $100,000Haks $50,000Mezuzah $25,000Cabin screen porch $18,000Fire Circles $18,000Benches $5,000

“I encourage our donors to con-sider coming together as a family todedicate a cabin or some other areathat inspires you,” says Fiterman. “Iwas fortunate enough to have theability to name the Beit Chai for myparents. Bringing my dad to campfor the dedicaion is a memory I’mgrateful for every day.”

To learn more about the cam-paign and what your donation cancreate at Camp, call Holly Guncheonat 952/927-4002 or any CapitalFundraising Cabinet member listedat left on page 8.

Hakshivu! Hakshivu! 9 Summer 2009

CAMP NEWS

Despite recession, donors pledge support for Dear Old Herzl

First-year fundraising goal nearly reached!

Inspired to help?Success begins with you.

If Herzl Camp has given youthings you value, give back today.

Call Holly at 952/927-4002 or email holly@herzlcamp.org

Summer 2009 10 Hakshivu! Hakshivu!

Visit, stay, remember and celebrate with Herzl Family

Feeling nostalgic? Come back to Camp!

CAMP NEWS

Alumni CampAugust 7-9, 2009

Family CampAugust 13-16, 2009

Register today at www.herzlcamp.org/alumni

or by calling the office at 952/927-4002

Knowing that many of you have not celebrated a Shabbat at Herzl Camp in many a year and knowing

that saying hello to an expanding, renovated and rebuiltcamp also means saying good-bye to our well-loved, well-used cabins and spaces, we’ve added two weekendopportunities to come back and relive your camp daysthis summer: Family Camp and Alumni Camp.

Family Camp is back! Once again, bring your kidsand enjoy all that Herzl Camp has to offer. We’ll haveseparate programming for children and adults each dayas well as time to play and relax together as a family.You can take a bike ride, explore the woods, and kayakthe crystal clear water of Devils Lake. Sing-alongs andmarshmallow roasts highlight the evenings, and theAnnual Talent Show is not to be missed.

Family Camp is a great way to introduce your littleones to Herzl, and as always, campers under 7-years oldare free. It’s also a way to share what is so special aboutcamp with grandma and grandpa.

You can rent a cabin or stay in an air-conditionedroom in the Fiterman Beit Chai. Either way, you can’tbeat the price for four days of fun. Family Camp is just$200 per adult, depending on lodging choice.

Alumni Camp is for grown-ups only—age 21 to 102are welcome and wanted at this fun-filled weekend! Wewill share all the activities you remember from yourcamp days. The day starts at the flag circle and contin-ues with all your favorites: swimming, boating, biking,climbing wall and more.

Share Shabbat again the way you remember:dressed in white, joining the singing caravan as it picksyou up at your cabin, services at the Mercaz overlookingthe lake. It’s all waiting for you this summer at AlumniCamp!

Sign up today at the Herzl website or call the officefor more details. Alumni Camp starts at $120 per persondepending on your lodging choice. We’ve got room for175 in total, but it’s filling fast so register now.

Scholarship DonationsYour days at Camp were precious. Your experiences at Herzl Camp shaped your life. You credit Herzl Camp

for much of your Jewish identity today and want to be sure every child has the same opportunity. This iswhat we heard from you when we asked for your help to meet the huge increase in scholarship need this year.Collectively, you contributed over $55,000, and we distributed it to 120 campers—that’s 17% of our campers.

Your gifts paid for 550 days at camp this summer. Our most sincere Todah Rabah to you.

Herzl Scholarship Funds:

Barbara & Lee Bearmon Fund

Becker Family Fund

hanc & Harriet Davis Family Fund

Cy & Sally Ettinger Fund

Fiterman Family Fund

Bonnie & Steve Heller Fund

Horovitz-Hirschthal Scholarship Fund

Mindy & Brook Leventhal Family Fund

Elliot & Eloise Kaplan Fund!

Rodich Family Scholarship Fund!

Rosenthal Scholarship Fund!

Sylvia & William Schachtman Fund!

Shields Gelperin Family Fund for

Teva Trek Scholarships !

Michelle Solle Kadimah Fund!

Lawrence Spiegel Scholarship Fund!

Herb & Joyce Wolk Memorial Fund

Individual Gifts:

Anonymous (2)

Sandy & Edward Abramson

Bonnie & Al Abrahamson

Andi & Floyd Adelman

Barb Adelman

Nancy & Keith Alper

Shirley & Harvey Ansel

Loni & Darrell Ansel

Susan Ansin

Jan & Fred Apple

Monica & David Arnstein

Richard Bachrach

Kerry & Scott Bader

Fern Badzin

Amy & Stan Baratz

Wendy Fox & Jeff Barin

Marcy & Bruce Barrick

Michelle & Neville Basman

Roz & Sid Bearman

Jane & Steve Benowitz

Vonnie & Jeff Berc

Janet Bercovitz & Garth Gersten

Gail & David Berwald

Elyse & Randy Block

Shirley Bloomfield

Patricia & Martin Blumenreich

Linda & Miles Braufman

Eileen & Howard Bream

Pat & Jerry Brodkey

Millie Wolkowicz & George Chaitkin

Marilyn & Harvey Chanen

Mitzi & Sol Center

Chickie & Jules Cyril

Jonathan Edelman

Dory & Isaac Einisman

Marilyn & Marvin Engle

Linda & Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui

Shirley & Wally Feldman

Bruce Fink

Bobbi & Merrill Fischbein

Midge & Barry Frailich

Toba & Allen Freeman

Bob & Penny Galinson

Jake Garber

Phyllis & Phil Garon

Archelle Georgiou & David Feldshon

Sheril & Philip Gilberstadt

Linda Glaser

Penny & Art Glassman

Barb & Steve Godes

Esta & Jerry Gold

Tracy & Randy Gordon

David Gotlieb

Marilyn & Dean Greenberg

Shelley Kornblum &

Mickey Greenberg

Dr. Carol Grabowski &

Joel Greenwald

Anne B. Hunegs

Sandy & Mort Greenberg

Bobbi Gruman

Judy & Andy Halper

Phyllis & Buddy Harris

Barbara & Ronnie Harris

Christine & Seth Hausman

Anne & Bruce Hope

Yvette & Robert Hyman

Gary Javitch & Family

Marcella & Jim Kahn

Hope & Jeremy Kalin

Sue & Harvey Kaplan

Lauren & Danny Kaplan

Pat & Harold Kaplan

Esther & Reuben Kaplan

Sylvia & Sam Kaplan

Bea Karp

Fay & Mitchell Kaye

Judy & Orrie Kessel

Reva & Ben Kibort

Mickey & Bobby Kirshbaum

Michelle Horovitz & Adam Klarfeld

Tara & Martin Kloner

Joey & Dan Kristal

Tammi & Elliot Lazarus

Andrea Lear

Sheri & Steve Lear

Sanford Lederfine

Paula & Marshall Lehman

Mindy & Brook Leventhal

Barbara & Steve Levie

Donna & Harvey Leviton

Rhoda & Tom Lewin

Helen & Ron Lifson

Sybil & Bill Lipschultz

Lois Liss

Alex Locke

Sandra & Miles Locketz

Barbara & Mitchell Luskin

Rhoda & Don Mains

Scott Marvy

Sally & Sheldon Masnek

Millie Mastbaum

Rabbi Yocheved Mintz

Sue & Chuck Muscoplat

Nathan Neff

Phyllis & Charles Newman

Sarah Norsted & Bobby Cohen

Sue & Michael Oreck

Sondra & Gordon Pearlman

Lyz Peck

Ruth & Merle Potash

Lora & Rabin Pournazarian

Stuart Price

Jenny & Max Puchtel

Barbara Raport

Pauline & Barney Ratner

Helen & Sheldon Resig

Nancy & Kevin Rhein

Jessica Rodich

Rachel & Brad Rose

Andrea & Fred Rose

Sari & Larry Rosen

Timmie Rosen

Amos Rosenbloom

Allison & Logan Rosenthal

Elliot Royce

Alli & Tony Rubin

Roz Rubenstein

Jessica Rudnick-Kaseff &

Barry Kaseff

Gayle Saeks

Sheva & Tom Sanders

Joanne & Doug Savitt

Mike Savitt

Janice & Jeff Schachtman

Sharon & Richard Schwab

Darlene & Nate Schwartz

Louise & Jerry Segal

Alyssa Brody-Seidler & Paul Seidler

Cynthia & Jack Seiler

Karen & Meir Serfaty

Merle Shapiro

Pennie Shapiro

Dianne & Leighton Siegel

Laura Silverberg & Bob Ellis

Erin Simon

Wendy & Marty Shragg

Beth Shyken

Maraline & Gordon Slovut

Marsha & David Soshnik

Bonnie & Arthur Stein

Robin & Henry Stein

Randy Steinman

Zoe Stern

Jay Sternberg

Faye Stillman

Liba & Tom Stillman

Robin Taple

Yamit & Barb Taragan

Debbie & Howard Toberman

Harriet & Arnold Usem

Stacie & Jeff Usem

Judy Belzer & Jerry Waldman

Julie & Brian Weisberg

Lillian Weitz

Mona & Jeff Winston

Kathy & David Wohl

Keren & Ilan Wolf

Jodi & Paul Wolk

Norma & Shawn Wolk

Sandy & Joe Wolkowicz

Natalie & Drew Zamansky

Teri & Barry Zoss

NON-PROFIT ORG

U. S. POSTAGE PAID

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Permit No. 575

HERZL CAMP ASSOCIATION

7204 West 27th Street, Suite 226St. Louis Park, MN 55426952/927-4002 www.herzlcamp.org

During the vibrant 63-year his-tory of Herzl Camp, there

have been many exciting times andevents. In my opinion this cam-paign is the most exciting in mylifetime—perpetuating HerzlCamp’s legacy for the next 63 yearsand generations to follow.

We are all involved in and giveto a variety of charitable causes.Why am I chairing this campaign?Simply put, Herzl Camp is one ofthe most precious jewels in thecrown of the Midwest Jewish community. It provides our camperswith an experience of thousands ofyears of Jewish tradition from reli-gious services to prayers at meals,to the fun and vibrance of Jewishyouth and traditions that define thetrue meaning of Jewish community.

Herzl Camp goes well beyondthe camp experience. Camp buildsthe Jewish leadership that will beour community of tomorrow. Theskills and traditions implanted in theminds, hearts and spirits of ourcampers and staff give them theknowledge and confidence toachieve great things not just in the

general community, but also in theJewish community.

Why are we doing this now?These are difficult economic times,and many charities are having diffi-culty raising funds. We have beenplanning this campaign for the pastseveral years, sometimes postponingit in the interest of other causes.Herzl Camp, this precious jewel thatwe have entrusted with our childrenand the legacy of our Jewish commu-nity for over 63 years, can no longerbe neglected. If we do not prioritizethis now and do what it takes toguarantee the Herzl of tomorrow, thevalues that we cherish are at risk.

We are well on our way to suc-ceeding. We have commitmentsfor $3.2 million of the total $8 mil-lion goal, which guarantees thatwe break ground this fall! Now allwe need is your help. I would loveto have you involved. You knowyour name is on the wall in an oldcabin; it’s time to put it on a newcabin, too. I need your help finan-cially and with contacts to friendsand family who might want to par-ticipate in helping a place that hasgiven so much to all of us. To be

part of this historic campaign,please call me or Holly Guncheon at952/927-4002.

With three generations of Herzlcampers in our family, I am veryproud to chair this effort as a way ofgiving back to Herzl for all that I, myfamily and our community havereceived. I ask you to join me inthinking about all that Herzl Camphas meant to you and your family,and how each of us needs to givethose gifts back to today’s campersand future generations to guaranteethis legacy lives on.

“Here’s to Dear Old Herzl”

Mike

Here’s to dear old Herzl—building our future

An open letter from Mike Fiterman, Capital Campaign Chair

Mike & Linda Fiterman with their grandkids