Finding Good Fortune Right Here at SAC!

“De Tu Patada Veremos Hayre”, or “Through your Step” you will Find Fortune” was the theme for summer 2022 at SAC. Now, coming up with a meaningful theme is one thing, but getting campers to connect to a theme is another thing. In fact, a camp theme is only as good as the camp program is. Well, lucky for SAC, we have Al and Zack!

Through the amazing program this summer led by Al Benoliel our Head of Education, and Zack Ben-Ezra our Program Director, campers got a chance experience first-hand how the Sephardic Jews transitioned from the old world of the Ottoman Empire into the modern Sephardic communities in North America and Israel. This was done by taking the campers on a magical journey, retracing the footsteps of their ancestors via music, cuisine, games, stories, and lots of fun activities. We’d like to share some highlights from this journey with you:

Sephardic Music Day – This new program walked us through the rich tradition of Sephardic music and the influences of the outside world on the Jews of the land. The renowned Sarah Aroeste taught us all about the wonders of Ladino music, and Professor Bryan Kirchen was back at SAC to lead special Ladino classes with campers.

Sephardic Baking Program – In keeping with our Sephardic heritage, campers had the opportunity to bake Sephardic delicacies such as bischochos and borekas. Joy Maimon with a full support team ran this very exciting (and DELICIOUS) program.

Pike Place Market – This activity enabled campers to experience hands-on what makes Seattle such a special place. Campers got a glimpse of the various aspects of the city with a focus on the symbiotic relationship between the city and the Sephardic community who call it home.

Immigrasion (Immigration) – As part of our focus this year on Sephardim building their lives in America, we had the most amazing Immigrasion experience. Campers relived bits of what the immigration process looked like back in the days. They worked together as a team, solved problems, arrived at Ellis Island and used knowledge gained at camp (like Ladino) in this Sephardic adventure!

Israel Day – The campsite (and campers) changed colors to blue and white. The music switched to Israeli songs and Shuli’s humus, falafel and shawarma were probably the best Israeli food served ever. Campers went through stations to experience the Sephardic Israeli life, with a new great addition of a real Taboon Pitot Workshop led by our Israeli director Kenny.

This year’s program was nothing less than remarkable!  Thanks to all the staff that contributed to its success, and especially to the campers, who were excited, engaged, and eager to relive the journey of the Sephardic Jews – following their footsteps, feeling fortunate, and enjoying a meaningful summer.

-Elana Marom – SAC Staffing Director