Located in Petaluma, California, Camp Be’chol Lashon stands as a unique haven for young individuals who have grown up feeling like societal outliers due to their diverse backgrounds. T
his summer, the camp welcomed campers with extraordinary stories, such as one young individual hailing from Oakland, California, who has a white Jewish mother and a Black and Muslim father. Another camper, adopted by a white Jewish woman in Uganda, now resides in Montana.
These children, like many others at the camp, have found solace and a sense of belonging in this near-magical space nestled within the rolling hills of Marin County.
As the only sleepaway summer camp specifically catering to Jewish children of color, Camp Be’chol Lashon provides a safe environment where open and candid conversations on race and identity can flourish.
For Isaac Harrison, a 10-year-old from Oakland, his previous experience at a traditional Jewish summer camp was marred by bullying from fellow campers due to his Black heritage.
In a heartfelt admission, he expressed his disappointment, stating, “There were no kids of color there. Some kids kept saying that you can’t be both Black and Jewish.
They said that you can’t be two things. They were just being really mean, but here no one’s mean like that.” These words were spoken by Isaac, a young boy who found solace and acceptance in Camp Be’chol Lashon.
Jennifer Harrison, Isaac’s mother, breathed a sigh of relief upon discovering this camp. She confessed, “If camp this summer didn’t work out, we were going to be done with Jewish camps.
My child was suffering.” For the past 14 years, this camp has provided a sanctuary for children like Isaac, where they don’t have to constantly justify their identity or suppress any part of who they are.
In fact, the camp serves as an extended family for its campers, many of whom are the sole Jewish child of color in their hometowns, often regarded more as a curiosity than a fully embraced member of either the Jewish or Black communities.
It is worth noting that most Black Americans identify as Christian, and as a result, several campers have recounted uncomfortable encounters with Christians attempting to proselytize them.
Baileigh Davis, an 11-year-old from Houston who comes from a lineage of Black Jews spanning three generations, shared her experience, stating, “If it’s just Black people and you say that you’re Jewish, they just don’t get it.”
The U.S. Jewish population has historically been predominantly white, as evidenced by a 2020 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, which revealed that 92% of Jewish adults identify as white.
However, there are indications that the Jewish community in the United States is becoming more diverse, particularly among younger generations.
The survey found that while only 8% of all Jewish adults identified with a nonwhite category, this number rose to 15% among those aged 18 to 29. This shift towards greater diversity is reflected in various aspects of Jewish life, including summer camps.
At one such camp, a daily lesson on global Jewry is conducted, exposing campers to the rich and varied history of Jews around the world. For instance, on Pirate Day, campers learn about Jews who were expelled to the Caribbean during the Spanish Inquisition and subsequently became pirates.
This educational approach not only fosters a sense of pride and connection to Jewish heritage but also highlights the multicultural nature of the Jewish community.
In fact, some of the campers themselves have Jamaican heritage, such as Josiah Spencer, a 15-year-old camper who is the grandson of Diane Tobin, the founder of the Be’chol Lashon organization, and the son of Sarah Weinberg, the camp director.
This example serves as a testament to the increasing diversity within the U.S. Jewish population and the efforts being made to ensure that all members of the community feel included and represented.
Josiah, a student attending a Jewish day school in San Francisco, aptly describes the camp as a familial environment that fosters a sense of belonging and comfort even outside its premises.
This sentiment is further emphasized by the Passport to Peoplehood booklet distributed to each child upon arrival. This booklet, designed to encourage self-reflection and cultural exploration, prompts campers to delve into their nationality, ethnicity, and favorite foods.
Notably, when asked if languages other than English are spoken at home, numerous hands shot up, showcasing the camp’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Spanish, Zulu, Swahili, and Bulgarian were just a few of the languages mentioned, highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures present within the camp.
While the majority of campers hailed from northern California, it is worth noting that children from states as far-reaching as Texas, Montana, and New Jersey also joined the camp, with one even traveling all the way from South Africa.
This geographical diversity further enriches the camp experience, exposing campers to a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds.
“We were looking for a place where (Isaac) could celebrate both of his identities,” expressed Rashad Harrison, Isaac’s father, in a formal tone. He emphasized the scarcity of African American spaces that embrace Judaism.
The campers, after a busy day, assembled in the art room, surrounded by their creative projects such as mezuzahs and menorahs they had crafted during their time at camp.
The evening’s entertainment was a game called “Jewpardy,” which featured questions that reflected the diversity of Jews, including notable Black Jewish musicians like Drake.
Following the delightful indulgence of evening s’mores, 8-year-old Abey Levine, a white Jewish boy from New Orleans, took the stage and delivered a captivating rendition of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” The campers erupted in cheers and lifted Abey onto their shoulders in celebration.
Abey’s brother, Major, who is both Black and Jewish, also attended the camp. Their mother, Vanessa Levine, explained that they had extensively searched for Jewish camps across the nation that fostered diversity.
Later that night, the group gathered in a circle around the firepit, their arms intertwined, swaying in unison as their voices harmonized in a Hebrew prayer, beseeching God’s protection over them.
In the idyllic setting of a camp nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, a group of 60 campers, ranging in age from 7 to 18, embarked on a series of adventures that would leave an indelible mark on their young lives.
Guided by their shared enthusiasm, they traversed a charming wooden drawbridge, meandered through lush grassy hillsides, and eventually arrived at the tranquil embrace of a glistening lake.
Here, the campers, brimming with youthful exuberance, eagerly plunged into the refreshing waters, their laughter echoing in the air.
Some among them, armed with nothing more than their resourcefulness and creativity, attempted to catch fish using rudimentary homemade fishing poles, delighting in the thrill of the chase.
However, it was not just the allure of nature that brought these young souls together; it was also a shared sense of community and spirituality.
On Saturday mornings, the campers were granted the luxury of sleeping in, before donning pristine white outfits in preparation for a meaningful Shabbat service.
Led by the wise and compassionate Sarah Weinberg, the campers were guided through prayers that emphasized the importance of compassion, empathy, and the responsibility to care for one another. In this sacred space, the campers experienced a profound sense of unity, transcending their diverse backgrounds and identities.
For Okech Odola, a 13-year-old camper hailing from New Jersey, the camp provided a unique opportunity to forge connections with individuals who shared his Ethiopian heritage.
Odola’s father is of Ethiopian descent, and at camp, he had the privilege of meeting a group of fellow campers who were also adoptees from Ethiopia.
The significance of this encounter was not lost on him, as he eloquently expressed, “It feels like we are all together — we are different but the same at the same time.” This sentiment was echoed by Ruby Beerman, a 14-year-old camper from Marin County, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection with her Ethiopian culture.
For her, the chance to meet others with similar stories and experiences proved to be a deeply enriching and validating experience.
In this extraordinary camp, nestled amidst the beauty of nature, the campers found solace, joy, and a sense of belonging. Through their shared adventures, spiritual reflections, and cultural connections, they discovered the power of unity and the beauty of diversity.
Each moment spent in this idyllic haven became a cherished memory, etching itself into the hearts and minds of these young campers, who emerged from this transformative experience with a renewed sense of self and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
In reflecting on her experiences as a young individual, Satya Sheftel-Gomes, now 22 years old, recalls a sense of alienation and solitude that permeated her life.
The constant reminder that she was different and did not belong due to her affiliation with various minority groups left her feeling isolated.
However, she discovered solace in a unique place, a camp where individuals from diverse backgrounds and multiple minority groups could find a sense of belonging. heftel-Gomes, who has been attending this camp since the age of 11 and is now a counselor, highlights the camp’s curriculum that specifically focuses on Jews of color.
Unlike other Jewish institutions, this camp takes its participants on a journey across the map, showcasing the various locations where Jewish people have resided throughout history. For Sheftel-Gomes, this camp holds immense significance as it provided her with the language to articulate and understand the experiences she had encountered without comprehending their underlying reasons.
She explains that her family background, with her well-known grandmother in the San Francisco Jewish community and her Black father and grandfather, further emphasizes the importance of the camp in her life. Initially, when she had fewer connections, Sheftel-Gomes felt like a solitary figure amidst a vast sea of individuals.
However, through her involvement in the camp, she has come to realize that she is not alone in her experiences and that a community of diverse individuals exists, united by their differences.
Be’chol Lashon, an organization that derives its name from the Hebrew phrase meaning “in every language,” is dedicated to upholding and celebrating the diverse nature of the Jewish people across the globe.
This mission is rooted in the belief that Judaism transcends geographical boundaries and encompasses individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.
While the majority of Jewish people in the United States are of Eastern European descent, it is crucial to recognize that Jews can be found in Africa, Iraq, China, India, and many other countries.
Unfortunately, the misconception that being Jewish equates to being white has been prevalent in the U.S., disregarding the rich tapestry of Jewish identity.
One inspiring example of the global Jewish community is Apiyo Bocast, an 11-year-old girl who was adopted in Uganda and currently resides in Bozeman, Montana with her mother.
Apiyo, adorned with vibrant turquoise beads in her hair, has experienced a profound sense of joy and belonging at camp. She recently participated in a morning lesson that shed light on a remarkable Jewish community in Uganda, which has faithfully practiced Judaism for over a century.
This exposure to the diverse expressions of Jewish identity has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Apiyo, fostering a deeper connection to her own heritage while also fostering an appreciation for the global mosaic of Jewish life.
Apiyo expressed that being a part of this camp makes them feel more embraced by the world. One notable characteristic of the camp is the presence of campers who identify as mixed race.
Aesa Masliyah, a 16-year-old from Oakland, exemplifies this diversity as their grandparents hail from various backgrounds including Iraqi, Israeli, Ashkenazi, Jamaican, and Dominican. Jonah Tobin, a 25-year-old counselor from San Francisco and the son of founder Diane Tobin, emphasizes that Judaism is not limited to a single appearance or practice, stating that there is no singular type of Jew.
Inspired by her own adoption of Jonah into their family of six, Diane Tobin established Be’chol Lashon, the organization responsible for the camp.
The camp incorporates Jewish traditions such as lighting candles for Shabbat and participating in the Havdalah ceremony, which signifies the conclusion of the Sabbath. It is during this ceremony that the two-week camp session also comes to an end.
As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, the group gathered together, forming a circle around a pole adorned with words of peace in various languages, such as Hebrew, English, and Spanish. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and acceptance as campers embraced one another, their arms wrapped tightly around their newfound friends.
In the midst of this heartwarming scene, the Havdalah candle was ceremoniously lit, casting a gentle glow upon the faces of those present. It was a moment that symbolized the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. For many, this camp experience held a special significance, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
Among the campers was Isaac Harrison and his family, who found solace and optimism within the camp’s welcoming embrace. Jennifer Harrison, Isaac’s mother, spoke of the profound impact this experience had on their lives.
She expressed the natural concern that every parent feels when sending their child away, entrusting them to the care of others. However, what set this camp apart was the incredible diversity and inclusivity it fostered.
The sight of so many different backgrounds and perspectives represented within the camp community held immense meaning for the Harrison family.
Jennifer emphasized the importance of having her child grow up in an environment where he could see himself reflected in the world around him.
This camp experience provided Isaac with the knowledge that his unique experiences and identity were not only valid but also celebrated.
It was a powerful affirmation that he could be both of the things he had been told he couldn’t be. This newfound sense of self-assurance would undoubtedly shape Isaac’s outlook on life, enabling him to navigate the world with confidence and pride.
In the twilight hours, as the Havdalah candle flickered, the campers bid farewell to one another, promising to return next summer.
Their time together had been transformative, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. The camp had become more than just a physical space; it had become a sanctuary of acceptance and understanding. It was a place where differences were celebrated, bonds were forged, and dreams were nurtured.
As they dispersed, each camper carried with them the invaluable lessons learned and the cherished memories made. With hope in their hearts, they embarked on their respective journeys, forever grateful for the transformative power of this extraordinary camp experience.