(Courtesy of Camp Shalom) The sounds of children laughing and playing can be heard loud and clear as one walks through Camp Shalom, in Spring Valley. Camp Shalom, under the leadership of Rabbi Yehoshua Gold for the past 11 years, has established itself as a premier day camp serving Bergen County and beyond. “A Summer of Fun the Torah Way” is not only the motto of the camp but it reflects the principles by which the camp is guided.

While Camp Shalom has always emphasized Torah study with daily chinuch periods, this year the camp is making a significant step toward enhancing the Torah environment on its campus by opening the Camp Shalom Beis Medrash. Rabbi Gold explained, “The Beis Medrash will be a dedicated Makom Torah where both staff and campers can take advantage of extra learning opportunities. We want our staff to know that when they have a free period they will now have the ability to learn Torah and be inspired. The campers will also be exposed to the beauty of a Beis Medrash.”

The Beis Medrash program will be led by two members of last summer’s camp chinuch staff, Rabbi Zev Goldberg and Rabbi Andrew Markowitz. Rabbi Goldberg is the rabbi at Young Israel of Fort Lee and Rabbi Markowitz is the associate rabbi at Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn. Both rabbis are also popular teachers at Bruriah High School in Elizabeth. Rabbis Goldberg and Markowitz are the proud parents of multiple Camp Shalom campers.

Rabbi Zev Goldberg noted, “I am really looking forward to the opportunity to create an atmosphere in camp where Torah permeates the halls. Many young adults are searching for jobs over the summer where they can make an impact yet also remain immersed in Torah. The Camp Shalom Beis Medrash will allow young men and women to inspire the campers while dedicating serious amounts of time toward Talmud Torah.”

Rabbi Andrew Markowitz added, “I am thrilled to be further expanding the Torah atmosphere in Camp Shalom. Not only is it important to have more learning opportunities for the staff but this program will model for the campers the importance of Torah study even in the summer when school is not in session.”

Rabbi Gold is proud that Camp Shalom will be the first day camp in the area to host a Beis Medrash. “I have no doubt that the program will be transformative for both our staff and campers.”

If you are high school or college student and would like information regarding the program, please email [email protected].