Meet Oranim Merakezet: Jacqueline Claire Hajdenberg

(but call me Jackie!)

Jackie grew up in Maitland, Florida just outside of Orlando and has attended Camp Judaea since herSayarim summer in 2007. After completing Bogrim in 2010, she attended Tel Yehuda and then came back to CJ to participate in the MIT program in 2013.

“That summer (2013) inspired me to continue working at camp, and later to go on YoungJudaea Year Course in Israel. Every summer working with these kids has been a privilege, and I love seeing how much everyone has grown over the course of the school year and over the course of the summer.”

Last summer, Jackie had an amazing experience working with Offarim and Oranim, and wanted the chance to take on a new leadership role at camp. She is working hard to revamp the educational curriculum for Oranim as the new Merakezet, and she’s excited to see what this summer will bring.

Jackie has just completed her first year of college at Barnard College at Columbia University where she worked as an Opinions columnist for the Columbia Daily Spectator and was an active member of the Columbia/Barnard Hillel. She also volunteered in the pediatric ward at Harlem Hospital Center almost every Friday. She enjoyed overcoming the challenges the first year presented, learning from her difficult classes, and creating a new network of friends.

“I’ve been waiting to come back to camp all year!”

O-o-O-O-O-O-ORANIM, O-o-O-O-O-O-ORANIM!