A Spark That Became a Flame: Igniting a Lifelong Passion for Yiddishkeit
Sara grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a Conservative Jew in a home connected to Jewish tradition. She celebrated Shabbat and holidays with her family and attended the Conservative Hebrew school. Around second grade, her connection to Yiddishkeit began to shift when she transferred to the local Jewish day school run by the Chabad shluchim.
Even with this change, Yiddishkeit remained a part of her life rather than the center of it—until the summer of 2017. Encouraged by the Chabad shluchim, she took a leap and attended Camp Gan Israel Poconos. That summer changed everything.
At CGI Poconos, Judaism wasn’t just something she learned about; it was something she lived. The energy of camp was electric, from the heartfelt Shabbat singing to the daily mitzvah challenges. Her counselors radiated joy in their Yiddishkeit, showing her what it meant to live as a proud Jewish girl. She left camp that summer with a fire in her heart and a determination to grow.
Sara returned for the next five summers, each year deepening her commitment. The values she absorbed at CGI Poconos followed her home, shaping her identity. Slowly, she embraced more mitzvos—starting with tznius, dressing modestly out of pride. By the end of her fifth summer, Sara had become fully frum.
With her new path clear, Sara knew the next step was crucial for her growth. Though it meant leaving home and moving across the country, she made the life-changing decision to enroll in a Jewish high school. It wasn’t an easy transition, as she faced new challenges and adjustments, but the strength she gained at camp gave her the confidence to push forward and embrace this next chapter of her life.
Over the years, Sara’s passion for Yiddishkeit has only grown stronger. She has spent her summers working in CGI day camps, sharing the joy of Judaism and the values she learned with younger girls. Now, she’s an active leader in her high school community, organizing programs and events that bring her peers closer to their roots and help them connect with their Jewish identity.
This summer, she’s returning to CGI Poconos—this time as a counselor. The same girl who once stepped into camp wide-eyed and searching is now stepping into a role of leadership, ready to inspire the next generation just as she was inspired. She looks forward to creating an environment that promotes joy, and a deep connection to Yiddishkeit for all her campers.
Sara’s story is a testament to the power of Jewish overnight camp. When done right, it does more than inspire—it gives Jewish girls the conviction to stick with their Yiddishkeit, even when it means taking bold steps toward their future.
