One Very Happy Camper — In memory of Julius Eisen z”l
This article was authored by Jeremy J. Fingerman and published by The Jewish Journal. Click Here to read the original version.
This week, we bid farewell to a true prince among us — a mensch in every sense of the word, a ray of sunshine who embodied the spirit of community in every fiber of his being. We lost not just a valued colleague and cherished friend, but the heart and soul of our community — a one-of-a-kind happy camper, Julius “Julie” Eisen z”l.
In organizational life, it has always been about the people — the ones around the table who lead with both vision and compassion. Julie first took his seat at the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s table in 2004, and over the past two decades, he did much more than simply occupy that space. He infused it with his boundless optimism, curiosity, creativity, and an infectious positivity that lifted us all. Julie wasn’t just part of our board; he was the heartbeat of our mission, a constant reminder of why we do what we do.
Just 10 months ago, on October 5, only two days before the world changed for all of us, we shared a special visit with Julie and Susan Eisen in their sukkah. It was an afternoon tea that now feels like an exquisite memory. As we gathered in person and on Zoom, current and former FJC board members reflected on Julie’s profound impact personally and organizationally, and several themes emerged:
• His fresh insights, unwavering encouragement, and positive energy were a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
• He welcomed and mentored each new board member, offering guidance, perspective, and support.
• He set the tone for every gathering, never hesitating to jump into the circle, to dance, to celebrate, and to remind us of the true essence of camping.
• Julie was a steadfast partner for our professional team, bringing wisdom, passion, and an outlook that always saw the light, even in the darkest times.
Julie spoke of his deep belief in the transformative power of camp:
• “No other activity gets as deeply into the soul of a young child as Jewish summer camp. It’s the most enduring, the most enjoyable, and nothing has a more positive, long-term impact.”
• He told us, “Sometimes when I can’t sleep, I think about my time at camp. I find a sense of peace, a joy that things will work out.” His days as a happy camper stayed with him throughout his life, a constant source of comfort and joy.
• Julie believed in the ripple effect of our work at FJC, saying, “You never know how your actions will lead to impact. Because of what camp did for me, I followed my heart… I believed in our mission and I am very proud of how FJC has really made an impact.”
About 12 years ago, Julie joined me on a visit to one of the new specialty camps launched by FJC, Eden Village Camp, an organic, sustainable farming camp in Putnam Valley, N.Y. We were captivated by its organic garden, where small plots represented each of the 12 Hebrew months. During Av, rose bushes flourished, symbolizing both the thorns of sadness, adversity, and destruction observed during the mournful fast day of Tisha b’Av and the comforting rosebud that represents the promise of joy and happiness of the Jewish day of love that follows on Tu b’Av.
Even when faced with heartbreaking loss or difficult challenges, Julie embodied renewal, love, generosity, and menschlichkeit and remains a sterling model for us all. We feel blessed and grateful for all he did for our Jewish world.
In our profound sadness, we overcome the thorns and we cling to Julie’s light — his positive outlook and energetic spirit. His legacy, like a rosebud in full bloom, will forever be part of our camp community. We will carry forward his unwavering belief in the power of camp, the joy it brings, and the lives it transforms.
Julie Eisen was, and will always be, our very happy camper.
Jeremy J. Fingerman has served as CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) since 2010. Jeremy, a former board Vice-Chair of JPRO (the network of Jewish communal professionals), received the 2023 Bernard Reisman Award for Professional Excellence from Brandeis University. He and his wife, Gail, live in Fort Lee, NJ and have a son and a daughter who recently gave birth to their first grandchild in Jerusalem.
