Jewish denomination buys former "cult" compound, for conversion to kids camp

CultNews Summary of "Camp transferred from 'Love Israel' to those who really love Israel," by A. James Rudin, Religion News Service January 2, 2004

In 1984 a group named "Love Israel," often called a "cult," created a compound on 300 acres near the Cascade Mountains in Washington. But the "cult" has recently sold the property.

Ironically, despite its name, the group historically had nothing to do with Jews or Judaism. Instead, it was a strange idiosyncratic mix of Christian and New Age beliefs put together by its founder and leader Paul Erdman, who took the name "Love Israel."

However, the group's property has now become officially Jewish, as its land has been purchased by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), which is a large denomination including more than a million Jews within the United States.

The property will be converted into a summer camp for Jewish kids 8 to 16.

Paul Erdman, a former real estate agent, started his "cult" in 1969. At its peak 300 members lived in communities located in three states, Alaska, Hawaii and Washington.

Followers changed their names and everyone had the last name "Israel," such as Patience Israel, Serious Israel or Charity Israel. They also gave up possessions and granted Erdman legal power of attorney, who ruled over them like a virtual dictator.

Erdman's sexual activities were the subject of scandal and he fathered a dozen children.

One dispute after another involved the group in various legal battles including zoning and housing violations. Many members eventually left the group due to internal squabbles.

The former "cult" compound will be called Camp Kalsman and is scheduled to open in 2005. The young Jewish campers will then become its authentic "Children of Israel."