Working as faculty in Chalutzim is truly a highlight of my year. This summer, 83 teens have dedicated their summer to the learning of Hebrew over the course of 7 weeks.  Their Hebrew is growing each and every day and watching them grasp the language and make it their own is simply remarkable.

Hebrew is an important, if not the most important part of Chalutzim.  But there is so much more.  These last 3 weeks I have watched 15 year olds take on leadership in remarkable ways.  The group of talented “song leaders in training” quite simply bring me to tears.  The worship they lead is moving, spiritual and all in Hebrew!

One of my roles here is overseeing the educational evening programs.   Each of them  builds on the last and grows the practical knowledge the chanichim take away.  The chanichim have taken the themes  and have created solid, creative experiential programs beyond my expectations.  We have explored the diverse narratives of Israel, Israel’s arts and culture, Eliezar Ben Yehudah and the growth of the Hebrew language, Zionism through both the political and biblical frame and more.

Every summer I work with Chalutzim I feel more optimistic about the Jewish future.  They restore my faith, confirm my commitment and renew my hope.

Thank you OSRUI for your ongoing commitment to Hebrew immersion and for providing me the honor of participating in this program.

Lori B. Sagarin, RJE is the Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Beth Israel in Skokie, Illinois and is Chalutzim faculty for 3 1/2 weeks.