By Ilana Axel, Cantorial Soloist at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, and Chalutzim Segel

Shalom! An old rabbinic tradition teaches that if we take time to recite 100 blessings each day, we then experience the world as being filled with blessing. Here in Chalutzim, we speak  רק עברית    RAK IVRIT (only Hebrew) in our 7 week Hebrew Immersion Eidah (unit) and I love, as a third year member of the Chalutzim segel (faculty) seeing how every day is easily filled with at least 100 blessings. Each time a chanich (camper) has a moment of understanding a new word or phrase in Hebrew she has an  “aha!” moment. In Chalutzim – this is a moment of blessing. Each time a madrich (counselor) hears his chanich use a new sentence correctly – aha! – another blessing. Each day offers discussion opportunities on subjects ranging from Jewish identity to our relationship to Israel, life in Israel today, leadership skills development, health issues, Jewish ethics and values, and many, many more.

Chanichim in Chalutzim, most entering 10th grade, tend to be very insightful and probing. Together they are raising each others’ expectations for participation and Hebrew speaking to higher and higher levels. Blessing upon blessing upon blessing. And then there is the blessing of humor as our 69 chanichim, 16 madrichim, 1 Rosh Eidah and 3 segel members act, pantomime, dance, sing and “shtick” our way through new words and concepts in Hebrew and Torah. Added to our morning and evening t’filot (prayers) and Israeli songs sessions it seems that we spend the whole day singing. And of course there are also the regular sports, crafts, arts and outdoor activities that all chanichim at OSRUI engage in. Each day in Chalutzim can easily bring 100 blessings, and I am enjoying each and every one.