A Community Letter from Ben Portnoy
Dear Cohen Camps families, alumni, staff, and friends,
Thank you for all the kind notes and encouragement you’ve sent since we shared the news of Jonathan Cohen’s upcoming retirement. Like so many of you, I am feeling deep gratitude for his leadership, for the legacy he and the Cohen family have built within the Jewish camping field, and for the strong, spirited community we all get to be part of.
I’m honored to step into this role with Jonathan’s friendship and support, alongside each of our incredible Directors:
- Amy and Becca at Camp Pembroke
- Aaron at Camp Tel Noar
- Lauren at Camp Tevya
- Mindee with Dor L’Dor Israel/Travel Programs
- Stacey with Kadima Teen Leadership
- Barbara in Development
… and our whole year-round Cohen Camps team, our dedicated Board, and all of you.
My Camp Story
I’ve been part of this community since before I was born. My own camp story started when my mom joined Tevya as a camper in 1967. I later attended Tevya with my two older siblings, where I went from camper to counselor to Camp Director – and even met my wife, Margo. Those summers shaped my Jewish identity as a friend, a leader, and now a parent of young kids. I carry that spark every day, and it’s what fuels my excitement and commitment to lead the Cohen Camps into our next era.
When Jonathan talked to me over a decade ago about joining the Cohen Camps full-time, he made sure I knew what I was signing up for. “Working for camp is a lifestyle. Are you sure you want to do this?” I was as sure then as I am now – The Cohen Camps is where I belong.
Looking Ahead
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to experience Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya in moments large and small. Each camp shines with its own personality–and the clear vision and purpose of its Directors. Pembroke’s sisterhood is an unbreakable connection. Tel Noar’s heart and warmth are unmatched. And Tevya’s community and spirit are famous. There’s a reason 93-97% of our campers return every year!
My goal is to enhance what makes each camp special while fortifying our shared heart and mission: creating camp communities of life-long belonging fueled by Jewish values where youth, teens, and adults grow into their best selves.
Forward, Together
I believe in partnership and transparency. In the coming months, I’ll be reaching out to hear your ideas, learn from your experiences, and imagine what’s ahead together. We’ll build on our strengths, make each summer (and all the moments in between) more meaningful than ever, and strengthen our financial strategies to keep camp accessible and excellent for generations to come.
I am thrilled and honored to be on this journey with you – our campers, parents, grandparents, thousands of alumni worldwide, year-round and summer staff, and friends.
Im ruach v’lev,
With spirit and heart,
P.S. Want to honor Jonathan?
We’re collecting personal messages to share with him.
Your gift will honor his leadership and help fuel the values he’s nurtured across generations.
