Text “Ramah” to 20222

Text “Ramah” to 20222
Posted by Sarah Kass
 
One of my memories of the North American Jewish Day School Conference in January of 2010 was its coincidence with the worldwide efforts to send relief to Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake.  In particular, I recall the texting campaign enabling individuals to make a $5 or a $10 contribution to the Haiti relief effort directly from a cell phone.  I remember thinking the time had come when events and conferences would no longer begin with the words, “Turn off your cell phones!” Rather, cell phones had become devices able to help not hinder participation. I wondered when this technology would make its way into the work of the Jewish day schools and overnight summer camps.  This morning I learned from Rabbi Mitch Cohen, Director of the National Ramah Commission, this day has arrived.  Here’s what Rabbi Cohen wrote:
Dear Partners,
 
Our Mobile Giving system is now live. Anyone with a US cell phone (we are investigating Canadian options) can text the word “Ramah” to 20222 and $5 will go to support Tikvah and all the Ramah special needs programs (Breira, Yofi, etc.) through the Ramah Bike Ride (messaging  and data rates may apply). You may also include your name and camp if you would like to be listed among the Ride’s supporters.
 
While we still are encouraging website donations through www.RamahBikeRide.org (over $100,000 has been raised to date!), we recognize that hundreds more Ramahniks and Ramah supporters who choose not to give to this website might be willing to show their support through this new cell giving technology.
 
We are now discussing how to best get the word out (it’s already spreading via Facebook networks). Feel free to share this message, with the important caveat that those who don’t pay their own phone bills MUST first get their parents’ permission.
 
This is an exciting new experiment in viral philanthropy for Ramah and we look forward to seeing the results.
 
Mitch
 
This bold effort for Ramah’s even bolder efforts on behalf of many of the neediest members of our community gives each of us—no matter our age or means–the chance to help build a more inclusive Jewish community.
So this week, when you are moved to tell your students, colleagues, family members to turn off their cell phones, pause, and, consider first inviting them to text “Ramah” to 20222.  You do not need to be a “Ramahnik” you just need to have to have a cell phone.
Please pass it on. . . .