by Ilana Axel, Chalutzim Segel (Faculty)

Shalom! My name is Ilana Axel. I work in the role of cantor at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, IL (you can find us really close to Medieval Times, right off Interstate 90 between Chicago and Rockford. Here’s a shout out to everyone at the home base). This is my second year working as segel/faculty at OSRUI; my first stint was downstairs in Tzofim Gimmel. This year I am serving during the first 3½ weeks of Chalutzim, our Hebrew immersion unit. I am really enjoying speaking Hebrew with the Israeli madrichim (counselors) and of course with the chanichim (campers). I especially love watching each day how each and every chanich communicates better and more often in Hebrew. I told my family I feel like I am living in mini-Israel with a Reform twist. So, it’s like I get the best of both worlds in one place.

Actually, I am amazed at how much Hebrew is spoken at OSRUI in general. While I expected this in Chalutzim, it seems like all the staff and segel as well as older campers can easily toss off at least a few phrases at any given time. So much so that Jerry had to remind me to speak in English during a segel gathering because I forgot that not everyone at the table speaks fluent Hebrew. (Todah, Jerry). This is surely a credit to the Hebrew focused culture at OSRUI in general, and to all the people who have contributed to its development over the years.

A few real stand outs from my first two weeks in Chalutzim: first, these kids really know how to sing together! Tefilot in Chalutzim are very special because it just doesn’t take much to get them into spirited singing. When they lead Tefilot each evening their thoughts are conveyed in deepening layers of Hebrew. The other night, at the end of Shabbat, we had a beautiful Havdalah service sitting next to the agam/lake. The chanichim leaders were expressing thoughts about feeling more and more connected to each other and to G-d. All in Hebrew, some in simple sentences and some in fairly complex sentences, each according to his or her ability, but each more fluid than a mere week ago. So there I was, in the blissful evening calm, listening to the waves lapping soothingly at the shore, listening to the rhythmic lapping of Hebrew words in the mouths of our kids. Everyone was relaxed and comfortable together. It was really idyllic and satisfying.

Second, these kids really have a lot to say for themselves. Another feature of life in Chalutzim is that there are a number of educational programs and discussions in English so that additional values and histories can be conveyed to all equally on a higher level of understanding than their Hebrew presently allows. Two nights ago they were intelligently discussing whether or not the Uganda plan wouldn’t have been a better choice for the Jewish Homeland, as Herzl himself had once posited. (They decided it wasn’t). They know that we strive to prepare them to confidently speak their minds in a group forum. They clearly sense that they are in a safe setting. In another discussion, Rabbi Reni Dickman and I were checking in with them about how they were feeling up to now in Chalutzim. By the time they get to Chalutzim, most of them have been together at OSRUI for many years. But there are still many newer chanichim, and they were saying how they felt very warmly welcomed by the OSRUI veterans. I asked the veterans what they thought had contributed to their ability to be welcoming to newcomers, and they responded that this was simply an expectation they had always learned here, going back to their days in Kallah. Need I say more? This week begins the “speak- only- Hebrew- all- day” challenge. Shavua Tov l’chulam meiChalutzim!

Ilana Axel serves as the cantor at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, Illinois and is one of the faculty members in Chalutzim this summer.