CAMOS One Year Anniversary

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERS SING PRAISES FOR CAMOS

This month CAMOS (Committee to Advance Modern Orthodoxy in Stamford) celebrated its one-year anniversary, and so far the reaction from organizational and community leaders has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’m extremely gratified by the response from community members about CAMOS,” said Michael Feldstein, who is chairing the CAMOS effort.  “Virtually everyone I’ve spoken to appreciates the efforts of the committee, and realizes that our specific goals will assist in building a stronger Jewish community for everyone.”

Patty Goldstick, who earlier this year had been working on doing outreach for the UJF of Greater Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, applauded the efforts of CAMOS to attract more young couples to the Stamford Jewish community.  "I think it's great that a group of volunteers are working on a strategic effort to bring more Orthodox couples to our community," said Goldstick.  "Stamford has many of the amenities that Orthodox families are looking for.  And the more families who move to town, the better it will be for all Jewish institutions here."

Ed Rosenfeld, President of the Young Israel of Stamford, said, "CAMOS serves an important role for observant individuals who are seeking information regarding Jewish life in Stamford. The committee allows people interested in the community to get all the necessary information regarding synagogues, schools, kosher food and employment from one well organized source. I think the Young Israel, as well as the larger Jewish community, will benefit greatly from its efforts."

Avi Greif, who chairs the Stamford Kosher Activists Committee and also serves on CAMOS, was excited about the synergy between the two groups.  "As with any Jewish community that wants to maintain its vitality and promote growth, the one key element that is required is a base of observant families,” said Greif.  “The increase of Modern Orthodox families here in Stamford will provide a stronger foundation on which to approach store owners to consider the needs of local kosher customers—and that will benefit everyone in the Stamford Jewish community, regardless of one’s level of Jewish observance.”

Steve Steinmetz, the President of Congregation Agudath Sholom, said, "I'm enthused and excited by the initial success of CAMOS, and its efforts to convince more people to move to the Stamford community.  I hope we will see many more young couples moving here in the next few years, as this will help strengthen our Jewish infrastructure in town."

Saul Cohen, a longtime professional and lay leader in the community, said, “Between 2005-2007, the 14 major Jewish institutions and agencies in Stamford developed a strategic plan for the Stamford Jewish community, and a major initiative of the plan was to implement a comprehensive welcoming and outreach program to involve more people in Jewish life.  Now, two years later, I am particularly pleased to support the work of CAMOS, as they lead the Stamford Jewish community in this initiative and work towards strengthening Stamford’s Orthodox community.”

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