This past fall at Trybal Gatherings in the Berkshires, I had one of those magical camp moments that stays with you long after the bags are packed and the last s’mores are devoured. It was there, at the beautiful Eisner Campgrounds, that I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Siman Tov, better known to many as Ben Gingi, and his partner, Zikki.
If you’re at all tuned into the world of Jewish food or baking, chances are you’ve come across Ben. He’s a well-known baker with a warm personality, infectious smile, and an incredible knack for turning dough into pure joy. At Trybal, Ben was there as a facilitator, leading baking electives for campers and sharing his passion for the art of challah and beyond. It was awesome to see how his energy lit up the kitchen and how much fun everyone had getting their hands floury alongside him.
But beyond the baking magic, I was lucky enough to get to know Ben and Zikki on a more personal level. We spent some real quality time together throughout the weekend, walking the grounds, talking about life, and taking in the unique Trybal vibe that makes these gatherings feel like a blend of camp nostalgia and grown-up connection.
At the time, Zikki was pregnant, and there was such a tender energy between them. One afternoon, as we strolled through camp, we ended up doing a casual, impromptu couples photoshoot. No posing (kinda lol), no pressure.. just the two of them, surrounded by trees and that unmistakable Trybal spirit. It was one of those serendipitous moments that felt deeply grounded and quietly meaningful.
Meeting Ben and Zikki was one of the unexpected highlights of the weekend. They brought a quiet joy and authenticity that reminded me what these gatherings are really about, building community, sharing stories, and making space for beautiful, unscripted moments.
Gear Used
Camera: Sony a9i
Links for all of Jay’s commonly used photo gear!
