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Canadian Young Judaea

Canadian Young Judaea (CYJ), founded in 1917, is Canada’s largest Jewish youth movement. CYJ's mission is to be inclusive and a pluralistic movement that permits members to embrace their Jewish identity and love for Israel. CYJ uses values such as Tikkun Olam, leadership, and respect to empower members within the community. Canadian Young Judaea has established summer camps, year-round programs to Israel, and educational platforms to reinforce their educational and social mission.  

Organizational History

1910-13: First Young Judaea Club

In Montreal, Canada, Bernard “Dov” Joseph organized the first club with his friends. He sought to expand the movement throughout Canada. In 1913, Young Judaea expanded to Toronto, Ontario.

1917-25: The Establishment of 75 Young Judaea

On December 23^rd, 1917, Bernard “Dov” Joseph attended the 15^th Zionist Convention in Winnipeg. He expressed the need for and the formation of the Young Judaea National League of Canada. This conference was a pivotal moment in the CYJ movement because 75 clubs across Canada were established.

1928-32: A.M. Klein

Canadian poet, A.M. Klein, was active an active member in the national scene of Young Judaea. He was the editor of “The Judaean," which was the Canadian Young Judaea's weekly newsletter, and the educational director of the movement. In the 1931 yearbook, he composed the aims and ideals of the movement in the lead article.

1933: Summer Camps

A new resolution was passed in 1933 at the National Convention. The movements’ priority was to establish summer camps throughout Canada. The goal was to simulate Israeli colony life.

1940's-60's: Young Judaea's First Camps

Camp Hagshama in Quebec (1942)

Camp Kadimah in Nova Scotia (1943) 

Camp Shalom in Gravenhurst, Ontario (1948)

Camp Biluim, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada (1951)

Camp Solelim in Sudbury, Ontario (1965)

Camp Hatikvah-Massada in British Columbia (1956)

1950: Hanoar Hatzioni

At a National Convention in Toronto, another new resolution was passed, making Hanoar Hatzioni Young Judaea’s official affiliate in Israel. The movement wanted to educate CYJ members by sending them to Israel to study. 

1951: The Machon

The Machon was the first contingent to make Aliyah in Jerusalem. Six CYJ members went to study in Israel- Herb Horwich, Harvey Narrol, Ben Zion Shapiro, Elliot J. Markus, Leo H. Marcus, and Herman Cohen. The Machon trip was the first to meet with Young Judaea's founder, Dov Joseph, that year in Jerusalem.  

1967: Six-Day War

Members of Young Judaea volunteered in Israel during the Six-Day War.

1971: Biluim Israel

Biluim Israel ran its first six-week summer program in Israel.

1990's: Increasing Movement

The enrolment at all CYJ camps started to increase in number, and infrastructures were improved. In the late 1990’s CYJ saw an expansion of its Israel Programs, which increased the number of CYJ members in Israel to over 200.

Young Judaea Summer Camps

As of 2016, there are 5 summer camps in Canada that are affiliated members of Canadian Young Judaea - Camp Shalom, Camp Solelim, Camp Kadimah, Camp Hatikvah, and Camp Biluim. Each camp is targeted to a different age group. The camps strive to impart a sense of CYJ’s values and love for the state of Israel and love for Judaism in a different ways.

Camp Shalom

Camp Shalom, founded in 1948, is a summer facility for Jewish kids who are between the ages of 7 and 13 years old. It is located in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The current camp director is Adam Shulman. The camp has four different sessions- July session, August session, full session, and sneak preview. The camp runs informal Jewish programming, and specialized activities.  On Shabbat, campers pray in Synagogue and eat kosher meals. After the age of 13, campers move to Camp Solelim.

Camp Solelim

Camp Solelim, founded in 1965, is a not for profit summer camp. It is located just outside of Sudbury, Ontario. The current camp director is Shauna Waltman. The camp is a six-week summer program for Jewish teenagers between the ages of 13 and 14. Campers participate in Jewish cultural experiences and educational programs about the history of the State of Israel.  Educators and specialists come from Israel and around Canada to facilitate work sessions and camp projects. After the age of 14, campers move to Camp Biluim.

Camp Biluim

Camp Biluim, founded in 1951, is Canadian Young Judaea’s National Leadership institute for 16 year olds. The camp is located in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. The current camp director is Guy Korngold. Campers who attend this camp come from Camp Solelim, Camp Kinneret, Camp Kadimah, and Camp Hatikvah. The camps mandate requires campers to explore their personal relationship to Israel, Judaism, and their community.

Camp Hatikvah

Camp Hatikvah, founded in 1956, is owned and operated by the Camp Hatikvah Foundation. The local Jewish community in 1947 purchased 40 acres of property in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. The camp is occupied by Jewish youth between the ages of 6 and 16. The camp offers 3 different sessions- July session, August Session, and full summer. Liza Rozen-Delman has been the camp director since 2007. Campers participate in an educational and recreational experience. Some activities include water sports, arts and crafts, archery, basketball, current events, drama, music, and nature.