YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Mosh madrichimot (counselors) are known for their boundless energy, huge hearts, and passionate idealism. They collectively create a summer and year-round curriculum meant to inspire and empower campers. Tzevet (staff) grows each camper’s individual strengths, building their leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. They are supported by year-round staff who train and advise them.
Graduates of Camp Moshava and Habonim Dror leadership programs go on to engage in the community, becoming leaders and activists in social justice and Jewish communal organizations during and after college.
SUMMER LEADERSHIP
YEAR-ROUND STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND LAY COMMITTEES
The Habonim Dror Camp Moshava Board and its committees are comprised of highly dedicated alumni, parents of campers, Habonim-Dror ma’apilimot (youth leadership) and friends of Mosh who volunteer their time, energy and support. Please email the Board President if you’d like to pitch in.
Click below to learn about the impact that Camp Mosh has had on their lives.
Kate Epstein; At Large
My two kids love Mosh so much and it has given them a powerful sense of independence, positive Jewish identity, and social justice—and great friends! Being one of Mosh’s stewards and donors is my personal investment in the future of the Jewish left, and the Mosh kids give me hope that better days are to come.
Judy Gelman; Chair of the Scholarship Committee
On a hot August day when I was nine, my mom and two of her friends took their daughters on a tour of Jewish camps. We toured two girls’ camps where everyone wore uniforms and trudged from activity to activity holding balls, bats, rackets, and oars, looking bored, tired and identical. Then we came to the old Mosh in Parole, MD. The facilities were so basic that two families didn’t get out of the car. But as luck would have it, we drove up at the exact moment that revolution had been called. The joy and excitement and boundless energy I saw sold me immediately. It helped to know that my grandparents had been integral to starting Annapolis Camp Gordonia, Habonim Dror’s predecessor, and that my aunt, uncle and mom were campers in the 30’s and 40’s. Mosh was the first major choice I ever made, although at the time I had no idea it would mold my lifelong friendships, my values, my Judaism, and my politics. What Mosh gave me and later my three kids is something I am still repaying with my service on the Board and especially by chairing the Scholarship Committee. As I saw at first glimpse long ago, Mosh is just not another summer camp.
Eli Glaser; At Large
I grew up going to Mosh, first as a camper and later as a counselor, and met many lifelong friends there (including my future wife!). I loved the freedom and agency that Mosh provided and it helped give me a strong Jewish identity and an appreciation of social justice. I joined the board of directors because I want to ensure that my sons, nieces and nephews have the same opportunity as me to enjoy the wonderful, supportive atmosphere that exists at Mosh.
Penina Handelsman; At Large
Jill Hertzler; At Large
Working for social justice through a Jewish lens is how I live my best life - both professionally and personally. After more than ten years as a perinatal social worker in Seattle, I turned to fundraising to ensure the financial stability of organizations working to support vulnerable people. I am now the Director of Development at Jews United for Justice (JUFJ.). My great grandparents established Jewish summer camps that were in operation for over 65 years before I was born - subsequently, I have a deep, abiding appreciation of the power of camp on shaping Jewish identity. I have two children - one who calls Camp Mosh his second home. Watching him grow into a young adult and seeing how his Mosh family and Mosh experiences have shaped and supported him has been consistently comforting and exciting.
Paul Nash; VP, Finance
I first came to Mosh in 1979 thanks to a family friend recommendation to my parents. While it’s hard to define, anyone who has lived it knows what Mosh Magic is and it stuck with me through my years as a chaniach, two years on tzevet and now as a parent with three kids who have gone (one still does) to Mosh and a grateful Board Member. It’s been a vital part of my Jewish identify, my relationship to Israel and my connection to our community. It will teach you have to think, how to relate to the world around you and how to be a better member of our global community.
Mieka Polanco; At Large
As an Israeli who grew up in the Peace Movement, Camp Mosh is the best way I can share with my children and community the social and political values on which I was raised. At Mosh, ideology and action are fused with Hebrew and leadership, making it a grounding experience for those who attend, and one that gives me hope for our shared future. Mosh challenges our children – who subsequently challenge us – to think about big picture issues, question assumptions, be fearless, take a stand, practice Tikkun Olam. I am thankful and proud to be part of the Mosh Board.
Rafi Pristoop; At Large
Mosh has always felt like my home away from home and has been one of the most influential parts of my life. My father attended Mosh as a youth and first brought me there when I was 15 months old and he was the camp doctor. As a camper, I gained self confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of justice and idealism. I went on to become Merkez Chinuch and then Rosh Machaneh. My closest friends are the ones I went to Mosh with. The experience shaped me into who I am today working as a doctor in Washington, DC.
Pam Stone; President
When I first met my husband and he talked about his Mosh friends, I thought it was so weird that someone in his mid 20s still had his camp friends at the center of his universe. Little did I know that his Mosh friends would become my dear friends, and Mosh would become a focal point in our family's life. I feel confident that our children, now in their early 20s, will have the same lifelong connections with their Mosh friends that my husband has with his. Mosh is a life-changing experience; it builds community, reinforces important Jewish values and beliefs, and encourages and teaches young people to take responsibility for themselves and the world around them. In this crazy time, how can we not do all we can to preserve the Mosh of today and secure the future for the Mosh of tomorrow? Mosh has had such a life-changing impact on all who have experienced its magic. Even though I wasn't fortunate enough to experience Mosh as a camper, I am proud to be a member of the Mosh family!
Simone Levy; Tzevet (Staff) Representative
My name is Simone and I have been a Moshnik since 2010. Ever since that fateful year, Mosh has had my heart. As someone whose best memories in life took place at Mosh, I want the current campers to feel that same magic. I wanted to be on the Mosh board because I care deeply about the place that I have invested much of my childhood and adulthood in, and I want to help make Mosh the best place it can possibly be.
Sarah Joyce; Tzevet (Staff) Representative
Hi, I'm Sarah Joyce from Reston, VA. I went on Workshop last year, and I'm currently a freshman at the College of William and Mary. I've been going to Mosh since 2013, and I can truthfully say that it has completely changed my life for the better. Mosh has made me a much more caring friend, informed person, and has connected me to Judaism in ways that I never expected would be possible. I wanted to be on the board because I want everyone that goes to Mosh to have the same incredible experiences and opportunities for growth that I have had. I think Mosh functions best when members of tzevet are at the table for decision-making processes, because we care so much about the chanichimot and want them to have the best summer ever, every summer.
Talia Frank; Eizor (Year-Round Programs) Representative
Mosh has been a part of my family's story for many decades. I first came to Mosh in 2009 with my sister and Mosh has been a huge part of my life ever since. I was excited to run the eizor so that I could shape Mosh year round and being on the board is a great way for me to have autonomy over the community that I care about.
Yoad Merin; Eizor (Year-Round Programs) Representative
My first encounter with Mosh came as a visitor rather than a camper when my family came to visit my older brother (also a Mosh board member), and pretty quickly I knew that this was the place for me. Aside from the lifelong relationships and powerful connections I've gained, Mosh has helped me become who I am today. Whether it's seeing friends at board meetings, or enjoying the physical beauty of our campsite, I love all things Mosh!
Ben Begleiter; At Large
I've been a Mosh parent for eight years. My kids love Mosh and think of it as their second home. Mosh teaches inclusion, responsibility and social justice. I view my role as a board member to be helping to support the next generation of leftist Jewish leaders.
Emily Greenblatt; VP, Administration
Thoughts to come!
Ezra Hollander; Young Alumni Representative
Thoughts to come!
Abby Hoffman; At Large
Thoughts to come!
Marissa Lehman; At Large
I started going to Mosh as an eight-year-old in 2002. Almost two decades later, I can reflect upon the impact it had on me. During my 14 years at Mosh, I learned how to be a confident and independent thinker. I learned how to fight for what is right. I developed relationships that will last me a lifetime. I am proud to serve on the board of such a magical place.
Dekel Merin; VP, Facilities
Thoughts to come!