Camper’s Photo from Photography Intensive Selected for International Competition

At Tel Yehudah, teens spend all summer uncovering, building, and strengthening their connections to other Jews. It’s in how we eat and sleep, play and pray. From an afternoon of chofesh to an overnight excursion, teens build bonds that are strong enough to support each other not just for the summer, but for the rest of their lives. Last summer, a TY camper captured one of these moments and received international recognition for it.

Each year after campers return home, we get emails and texts about what the summer meant to them, how it felt to spend so much time doing things they love in a loving Jewish community, but last summer was the first time that we created the opportunity to capture what that Jewish connection looks like.

During our inaugural 2-week CampSight Photography intensive, TY campers worked with world-renowned Israeli-American artist, Zion Ozeri to develop their interest and skills in photography. Through the customized curriculum Ozeri developed with the Jewish Lens—a program designed to engage students in learning about the values that are important in their Jewish communities—and Beit Hatfutsot (Museum of Jewish People), teens captured life at Tel Yehudah.

This intensive included taking part in an international photography competition that targets worldwide Jewish teens. The competition’s theme was: My connection to Jewish people. TY camper Abbey Trincere’s photo, Summer Camp, was selected by a designated committee in Israel.

We’re excited to offer the 2-week CampSight Photography intensive again next summer and thrilled that Ozeri will be back to mentor another group of talented shutterbugs. It’s a great opportunity for more TY campers to be a part of this competition, which came to be when Ozeri partnered with the Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies, an organization that works to grow the sense of belonging to the Jewish people. Together they initiated the Jewish Lens @ Beit Hatfutsot Photo Competition.

Ozeri will also help campers gain a strong understanding of the photography process, including planning, execution, post-production, and exhibition planning, and do so in a uniquely Jewish setting, where they can enjoy the best of camp at Tel Yehudah, including music, sports, Israel education programs, Shabbat, and spending time with their friends. Working with Ozeri’s guidance, campers will create a complete photography portfolio by the end of the intensive.