We are so excited to be welcoming back Ilana and Matt Lipman to camp this summer; and, of course, their four wonderful children. Ilana and Matt added so much to our camp program in 2019, and we can’t wait for them to share their expertise and ruach with our campers again this summer!
Ilana will be back as our Jewish Life and Learning Professional, overseeing Judaics and tefilla (prayer), and ensuring that all aspects of camp life are enriched with Jewish values and rituals. Ilana is a lifelong Jewish educator and currently teaches at Yachad High School in Modi’in. Ilana grew up in the Young Judaea camping movement, but she has quickly become a beloved part of the CSS community! Ilana’s favorite ice cream flavor is Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, and her favorite TV show is Shtisel.
Matthew is originally from London, England. He loves practicing his American accent, but most Americans tell him it isn’t very good!! Matthew is an Israel Educator and works in several college gap year programs teaching students about Zionism, Israeli history, politics, and culture. He is an avid soccer (but he calls it football) fan and enjoys listening to 90’s pop music while running through the streets of Modi’in.
Both Ilana and Matthew earned Master’s degrees in Jewish education from Hebrew University as well as certificates of advanced Jewish text study from the Pardes Institute of Jewish studies. Before immigrating to Israel, they taught Jewish Text, Study, and Practice at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. They live in Modi’in, Israel, which is halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They love hiking, going to the beach, and having family workouts together!!
