Jewish movement shutters network, all trips for the 1st time in 70 years due to coronavirus; at least 1 Conservative camp also cancels

Organizers are faced with dilemma between thousands of kids missing out on summer highlight and losing a key community building tool, or potentially helping spread the disease

But amid COVID-19 crisis, most Jewish camps have yet to announce whether they will open this summer

But directors aren't yet worried that programs will be substantially hindered — even as synagogues are shuttered, day schools are closed and some international travel is banned

Benedito Araujo de Souza converted to Judaism in 2016 and seized the opportunity to celebrate his identity, regardless of age

For many American Jews the summer retreats are key experiences fostering lifelong connections. One man began a decades-long friendship with a music icon, and wrote a book about it