Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

"House" of Prayer at Camp JRF: Built by the campers in Summer, 2006.What is a Jewish summer camp without any prayer books? What’s a summer camp with empty shelves in its library?

As part of the JRF “Book Shelf” program, we are inviting donors to provide one set of Kol Haneshamah (the Shabbat and daily prayer book) for a donation of $50. The set retails for $57 and JRF will cover shipping. For a minimum donation of $100, two or more sets will also include personalized dedication bookplates in memory of or in honor of a loved one or an occasion. Make your donation online. (When you donate online, make sure that you write “Camp JRF Book Shelf” in the “Designation” field.)

The siddurim dedicated through this appeal will permanently reside at Camp JRF. Your support will send a special message of caring and support from your family and your community—one the kids will note every week of camp as they begin prayers in the outdoor sanctuary that they built themselves.

Camp JRF began at a leased facility near Chicago four years ago and borrowed siddurim (prayer books) for the then one session of camp. This past year, after the purchase of the new 130-acre facility in the Poconos of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the camp again contacted a number of congregations and borrowed Kol Haneshamah, the Reconstructionist siddur for Shabbat. Two hundred and eighty campers and sixty-five staff attended the two sessions of Camp JRF last summer and used those books, which were again returned to their respective congregations. The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF) asks your help this year. Camp JRF needs a minimum of 250 sets of siddurim.

To learn more about The JRF “Book Shelf” Program, please call Barry Nove, Director of Development at 215-885-5601 x 19.