A Herzl Hanukkah … in Israel!
December 12, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under General Posts.
By Tracy Altman
The Herzl community does not compare to any other! Herzl alumni are spread across the world and with all the traveling I do, I’m certain to see someone from camp on each of my trips. The best thing about this community is how inclusive everyone is and how people see the importance of inviting others to share holidays and Shabbat meals together. After 13 years at camp, hundreds of campers later and best friends across the globe, there’s almost no way to explain how great it is to sit down with camp friends for any kind of event.
Living in Chicago I am surrounded by Herzl people. Whether it’s Jared Rosenbloom, Danny Pesis and Brad Benenson who live directly across the street or Jessica Treinish who is about a 20 minute walk, there’s always someone to talk about camp and share a meal or holiday with. Recently I hosted a Shabbat dinner and eight of the ten people there went to camp. The other two did well to hold their own but inevitably had to participate in some camp talk during the evening. I applaud the non-Herzl folk, they have heard so many stories overtime and am glad they can feel comfortable and even add to Herzl stories that they’ve heard.
One of my favorite camp gatherings that sticks out during this time of the year was when I was visiting my brother in Israel a few years ago during Chanukah. Brian and Craig Basman were in their second year of medical school, Carly Alexander was in her first, Yamit Taragan was working and living there, Dan Usem was studying abroad and Laurel Herold was on a post-college program. Brian was insistent that we have latkes at the Chanukah party and that I make them! I’m not a latke-maker so I picked up the box version from Target and schlepped them to Israel to make for the party. I learned three things that night: 1) Cooking latkes is NOT my thing but making them with Yamit clearly makes it better and messier! 2) The art of getting pomegranate seeds out of the shell is whacking it with a large spoon until they all drop in the bowl (it actually works!!) 3) Getting together with camp people in Israel is incredible! There’s something so exciting about seeing each other there and celebrating Jewish holidays together.
Another great memory of gathering with Herzl alumni was when Herzl asked people to host Sukkah parties in various cities. I was living in Washington DC at the time and the Cukiers were our hosts for the night. I think 10 of us went to their apartment and walked in to see handmade signs/drawings outside the apartment and Herzl garb spread out on the couch and chairs. It was such a fun night getting to relive great memories, reconnect with my Papa Ozo (Aaron Cukier) and laugh a lot at ridiculous camp stories. The following year when we had another sukkah party, it was hosted by Daniel Chait and Evan Jacobson. I think everyone would agree that the highlight of that night was when the boys showed off some dance moves that Jenny taught them at camp.
Clearly with Herzl alumni spread around the country, there has to be someone who wants to light the menorah with you, go to services together or share a Shabbat dinner. Take some time to think about people you haven’t seen lately from camp and how you guys can get together to share a holiday with. All you need is one camp memory to get you started and the night goes on from there.