Everyone that has been on a Perlman summer will tell you there is no better way to spend your summer than at the B’nai B'rith Perlman Camp. 

When signing up for full Perlman, I was so excited for the friends I was meeting and the memories to be made. After many months of challenges, Perlman became more of a dread than a promise. The morning of ILTC, that feeling of excitement came back. I was restless and I couldn’t wait for my 2 hour flight to be over. 

When I arrived, it felt like thousands of teens like me filled the Newark Airport. Reuniting with CLTC 1 friends and meeting new friends around the order felt comforting, but also overwhelming as I couldn’t remember anyone’s names. 

My Perlman summer was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions: Happiness, overwhelming, homesickness, and pride. 

As the days go on, I make new friends, and actually start to remember their names. Things were looking up. Music was blasting all the time, friends everywhere, great staff, and immersive experiences that you couldn’t get at a regular sleepaway camp. 

Perlman shabbats were like no other. Pictures at the Perlman sign and Havdalahs under the tree felt magical, especially with my new best friends arm and arm with me. “If not now, when?” The big question of ILTC that made me think a lot about myself and my experiences. Not only did I help lead a holiday program, I got called to the Torah as a B’nai Mitzvah. 

As ILTC ends and it is time to say goodbye, I reflect on the time I had and the people that now are a part of what makes me whole.

International Kallah started and all new opportunities and people showed up. I made new friends from Michigan, Colorado, Maryland, and Connecticut. Limmudim with Happie and Miriam will forever be in my heart.

Unfortunately, I had to leave International Kallah early due to personal circumstances. Missing the last two weeks of Kallah is one of my biggest regrets. No more Havdalahs under the tree, no more “Meet me at the hammocks”, no more Dr Pepper and Veggie Straws from Shuk. 

Being on (almost) Full Perlman gave me a few things to think about: First, the people make the place. Second, live in the moment no matter what is trying to distract you. Third, I now have friends all over the world: Canada, Spain, Ukraine, South Africa, Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. 

As a now Perlman summer alumni, listen to me when I say to go on BBYO Summer because it’ll genuinely change your life.