1st Night Memories – Contributions to Something Called C.A.S.T.
My earliest memory related to Jacobs Camp dates to 1968, when my Bar Mitzvah gifts included a large number of white cards announcing that contributions in my honor had been made to something called CAST (Camp Association of Southern Temples). I confess that I had...
What does “Olim” mean?
What does “Olim” mean? I’m not asking for a Hebrew-to-English translation. I’m asking in a much narrower way that’s relevant only in Utica, Mississippi: what does it mean to be an Olimer? The answer to that question has come full circle for me over the last 30 years....
NFTYx Gives Rise to Fun and Festive Programs for NFTY-SO
Hey everyone! It’s Lilah, the NFTY Southern Programming Vice President this year! We’ve had a short break in programming during September but now we’re coming back with some exciting virtual events! My position as PVP has definitely been interesting to navigate with...
These campers can’t wait for Summer 2021!
On the Road to Welcome Home, we wanted to hear what some of our campers are most excited about for next summer! Take a listen! Camper 50 & 51 https://vimeo.com/472841709/d38d635812 Eden: "I'm most excited about going on the Blob and I'm also excited to make new...
Zerizut: Getting Psyched for Camp!
Wow! As I am writing to you, over 350 campers are registered to be welcomed home to Jacobs Camp in the summer of 2021. Over 250 on the first day alone! I’m reminded of a middah, a soul-trait, that we practice in mussar, Jewish spiritual discipline: zerizut. That word...
More Than the 2 Months in Utica…
At the Kabbalat Shabbat after camp was cancelled, I spoke about the importance of our community. I said "We work together, we play together, and sometimes we grieve together." These past weeks have dealt a little of each. I cannot address our camp community without...
1971 ’til Today: HSJ Molds Strong Jewish Role Models
As a child, I did love Judaism and going to Temple. I looked forward to getting dressed up in my shiny patent leather shoes, following my parents and entering the gorgeous sanctuary at Temple Sinai in New Orleans. While I didn’t fully understand what it was all about,...
Jacobs Just Got a SUPER UPGRADE! Meet David: The Facilities Committee Chair
My name is David Zapletal, originally from Jackson, MS, now residing in New Orleans, and I am serving as the Facilities Committee Chair. Like the lucky few, I met my wife Rella one summer at Camp and we have two future campers, Ari and Meyer. So our family’s strong...
Sights, Smells, and Sounds – My Day in Lake Charles
It’s been a little over a week since I traveled to Lake Charles to volunteer with NECHAMA for Hurricane Laura clean up, but the sights, smells, and sounds still linger with me. The Sights Driving into the city, all around I could see the signs of a devastating...
In Our Darkest Times – Nechama Will Always Be There
I’m proud to serve as the Operations Director of Jacobs Camp in Utica, MS. We are the home of Jewish Joy in the Deep South. In 2016, Baton Rouge was a disaster area after a horrible flood. My wife Anna (Camp Director) and I knew that we needed to go and check on our...