Girls Gather for Winter Retreat

Close to fifty girls enjoyed a special Chanukah this year with the sixth annual Jewish Girls Retreat (JGR) Winter Camp. Girls from as far as Atlanta, Montreal, and even Alaska, flew in for the five-day Jewish Girls Winter Retreat which was held at the Dunham’s Bay Resort in Lake George, NY.

This year’s theme was “Yes We Can!” Girls from various Jewish backgrounds were encouraged with songs and activities promoting “tracht gut vet zein gut” and positive thinking. The packed schedule included laser tag, swimming, performing arts, yoga, crafts, Jewish learning workshops, discussions, and a dance night with a DJ. “[My daughters] both made lasting friendships and were high on Yiddishkeit,” said one parent, Nicole Brackman.

The retreat welcomed back YALDAH magazine publisher and long time JGR staff member, Leah Caras (nee Larson) along with her husband, Rabbi Michael Caras. Leah directed the winter retreat program and Rabbi Caras was the Head Chef. Head Counselors Sarah Hirsch and Mushky Kesselman led campers in joyous cheers and meaningful lessons. Thanks to all of the wonderful staff, this year was an amazing success bringing girls new friendships and a spiritual experience not to be forgotten.

At this year’s retreat, the exciting announcement was made that plans have begun to establish a building fund to purchase a new, permanent campus for JGR. Until now both summer and winter retreats have been held at rented facilities. With the camp’s continual growth, Directors Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber are working towards the future of a “Home for JGR”.

The Jewish Girls Retreat offers a three-week summer camp and weekend winter camp, and is a project of YALDAH Media, Inc. and Chabad of Southern Rensselaer County. For more information or to purchase a “brick” towards a “Home for JGR” visit www.JewishGirlsRetreat.net.