How fortunate are we to be part of a special community that celebrates our shared religious, geographic and cultural heritage in such a unique and meaningful way? For over 50 years, Jacobs camp has been the thread that has woven all of us together into a beautiful tapestry that represents Deep South Judaism. As the camp chair, I have the amazing opportunity to regularly visit with people who love HSJ. It is especially fun for me when I meet someone new and then connect immediately because of our shared love of camp. During Chanukah we celebrate a miracle in our shared history. For many of us, Jacobs Camp is a miracle in the Deep South.

At this time of year, I am thankful for the many gifts that Jacobs Camp has brought into my life. Among them are lifelong friendships, a strong desire to make the world a better place, and a solid Jewish identity. I am thankful for my grandparents and their peers for their vision. I am thankful for my parents and their peers for what they created. I am thankful for my peers who made camp special for me and continue that sacred connection. I am thankful for my kids and their peers who carry on the tradition and will continue to pass it on for generations to come. And I am thankful for Henry S. Jacobs Camp.

Gary Lazarus currently serves as the Chair of the Camp Committee, starting in 2020. Gary lives with his sons, David and Evan, in New Orleans, LA.