History

In the 1950s, a group of people dedicated to Israel and its ideals, who were also committed to Judaism and to educating children about their religion and culture, worked diligently to build the foundations of Camp Judaea. This vision of Lila Reisman, Roz Soltz, Herman Popkin, Malcolm Minsk and many other pioneers is the reason why Camp Judaea is here today. In 1961, we acquired our own camp in Hendersonville. In its infancy, Camp Judaea was jointly owned by the the Zionist Organization of America, and Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

We are an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization affiliated with Young Judaea Global, the world’s premier Zionist youth movement. Throughout our history we have instilled a strong Jewish identity and love for Israel in generations of children and young adults. Each summer we serve campers from throughout the southeastern United States, Israel, Europe and South America.