URJ Camp Newman Dedicates $4 million Koret Conference Center

November 7, 2016

URJ Newman-new-welcome-centerThis past Shabbat, the Union for Reform Judaism’s Camp Newman dedicated the Koret Conference Center at URJ Camp Newman, a sacred new space for the Northern California Jewish community to enjoy immersive year-round Jewish experiences. The Koret Conference Center’s completion is a critical phase in the major development project completing the Jewish retreat center at URJ Camp Newman.

The $4 million grant from the Koret Foundation is the largest single gift URJ Camp Newman has ever received and one of the largest in the history of the Reform Movement’s camping system.

Jim Heeger, URJ Camp Newman Board Chair Jeff Farber, CEO, Koret Foundation (reading Torah) Adi Dardikman, Shalicha for Camp Newman & Congregation Rodef Sholom Rabbi Erin Mason, URJ Camp Newman Camp Director
Jim Heeger, URJ Camp Newman Board Chair; Jeff Farber, CEO, Koret Foundation; (reading Torah) Adi Dardikman, Shalicha for Camp Newman & Congregation Rodef Sholom; Rabbi Erin Mason, URJ Camp Newman Camp Director; photo by Alaina Yoakum.

URJ Camp Newman is in the midst of a $30 million campaign to create a year-round facility and enhance Jewish life for the entire Northern California Jewish community. Over $20 million has been raised to date, enabling completion of core infrastructure upgrades and construction of 10 new buildings for housing and program space, including the Osher Residence Hall, Albert & Janet Schultz Plaza, and future site of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund Pavilion. Camp Newman’s Advisory Board is now focused on raising the funds needed to build the Campus Center, a year-round dining and multi-purpose community facility.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President, addressing the URJ North American Board of Trustees and Dedication Attendees.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President, addressing the URJ North American Board of Trustees and Dedication Attendees; photo by Alaina Yoakum.

Dedicated on September 24, 2016, the Osher Residence Hall was funded by the Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation, while the Schultz Plaza was funded by the Albert & Janet Schultz Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and the Pavilion was funded by the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.

Participants at the special Shabbat service and dedication included members of the Koret Foundation Board, URJ North American Board of Trustees, the URJ Camp Newman Advisory Board, and camp community.

URJ North American Board of Trustees ; photo by Alaina Yoakum.
URJ North American Board of Trustees ; photo by Alaina Yoakum.

“With the Koret Conference Center at Camp Newman, our vision is becoming reality – a premier year-round retreat setting for Northern California Jewish organizations, families, and individuals to connect with each other through immersive Jewish experiences,” said Ruben Arquilevich, Camp Newman’s Executive Director. “Based on the demand we’re seeing in new retreats, there is clearly a need for this unique local resource, combining state-of-the-art facilities, over 485 acres of wilderness, sacred spaces, and a thoroughly Jewish environment.”