Shalom!

My name is Sam Pollak, and I’m excited to be the Judaic Studies Director at GUCI! This is my second summer in this position, and I’m thrilled to be able to work with our counselors again to help our campers learn and explore Judaism as they grow in their Jewish identities.

Jewish learning at GUCI has had an enormous impact on me. I started attending GUCI as a camper in 2002, and have since gone to Israel with my camp friends, participated in the Avodah program, and now am in my seventh summer as a staff member. Over my years on GUCI staff, I have been a counselor, Tikkun Olam (social action) Specialist, T’fillah (prayer) Specialist, Avodah Unit Head, Head Songleader, and, most recently, Judaic Studies Director. I have fond memories of learning during our Judaic programs when I was a camper, and planning and running them as a staff member has been very meaningful for me.

During the year, I am studying to become a rabbi at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. I also grew up in Cincinnati, and I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn and work in the communities that helped shape me as a Jew. My positive experiences as a young Jew in Cincinnati for my many summers at GUCI are, without a doubt, some of the main reasons I am currently on the path to become a rabbi.

In my spare time, I like cooking, playing guitar, reading, and practicing my Hebrew. Keep an eye out for me this summer working through the Hebrew translation of the Harry Potter series!

I’m looking forward to learning with the camp community this year, and I’m feeling blessed to spend yet another wonderful summer at GUCI, my home away from home!