In this episode, Rob Goodwin sits down with longtime Tevya alum Ina Meyer Portnoy, whose family spans multiple generations at Camp Tevya. Ina shares how a spontaneous visit to camp in the late 1960s changed her life, leading to years as a camper, counselor, swim instructor, and eventually Assistant Girls’ Head Counselor in 1975.
In this warm, memory‑rich conversation, Rob sits down with longtime Tevya alumni Karen Friedberg Fass, whose family connection to Camp Tevya stretches back to 1951. Karen shares stories from her siblings’ early years at camp, her own arrival in 1961, her time as one of Phyllis Tanen’s girls, and her crowning as Tel Chai Queen in 1970.
Together, Rob and Karen explore how Tevya has evolved across the decades — from strict dining hall rules and Hebrew lessons to counselor shows, game days, and the changing culture of camp life. Karen also reflects on the joy of watching her children and grandchildren continue the Tevya tradition, creating a true three‑generation legacy.
Host Rob Goodwin continues his conversation with Jeff Blasbalg, Cohen Camps board member and Tevya alum. In this second half, Jeff reflects on his introduction to camp in 1985, family traditions, visiting day memories, and the enduring magic of camp friendships. Together, they explore how camp culture has evolved while still preserving its core spirit.
In this episode, host Rob Goodwin welcomes Jeff Blasbalg, longtime Camp Tevya alum and current member of the Cohen Camps Board. Jeff shares his journey from camper in 1985 to leading the Community Engagement Committee today. Together, they reflect on camp memories, fundraising initiatives, and the evolving challenges facing summer camps in the post-COVID era.
In this episode, Rob Goodwin reconnects with Scott Sparr, a seven-year Camp Tevya veteran whose journey spans camper days in the early ’70s to formative summers working in the kitchen. Scott shares a series of remarkable Tevya encounters — from a subway sighting in Boston to a deeply emotional Shiva call on Long Island — that highlight the enduring bonds of the Tevya community.
Together, Rob and Scott reflect on:
Whether you were at Tevya in the ’70s or decades later, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of how camp connections echo across time and geography.
In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Rob Goodwin sits down with Lynn Shapiro-Eisenstein, a proud Tevya parent and alum, to explore the evolving culture of Camp Tevya across generations. From iconic Birya shirts to the changing rituals of visiting day, Lynn shares vivid stories, deep nostalgia, and her family’s enduring connection to camp life.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Lynn’s journey from camper in 1979 to CIT and counselor
The legacy of her mother, Shelly Shapiro, Tevya’s director from 1984–1993
How camper swag and social media have transformed the camp experience
Visiting day: then vs. now, and the push to revive old-school traditions
Emotional resilience and homesickness—then and now
The power of camp friendships and multi-generational bonds
In this episode, Rob Goodwin sits down with longtime Tevya alumna Linda Schnall Hill, whose Tevya journey began in 1978. Linda shares vivid memories of early camp life, the friendships that shaped her, and the traditions that defined generations of campers. From Color War to Game Day, from Songfest to Tel Noar rivalries, this episode is packed with stories that capture the spirit, humor, and heart of Camp Tevya.
Linda reflects on being captain of Galil in 1982, her years on the athletic staff, and the unforgettable moments that bonded campers and counselors alike. Rob adds his own stories — including legendary Color War breaks, softball walk‑offs, and the infamous “dining hall fire” prank that didn’t quite go as planned.
This episode is a nostalgic ride through Tevya history, tradition, and community.
From camper to director, Matt Brand shares his journey through Camp Tevya, the evolution of Color War, Kadima, Dor L’Dor, and the magic of summer traditions. A must-listen for alumni and camp families.
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