When You Wish Upon a Kochav

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by Rabbi Ilana Baden, senior associate rabbi at Temple Chai in Long Grove, IL, and Chalutzim segel

Chalutzim’s Very Disney Evening Service

The pride of Chalutzim is its immersive Hebrew experience.  For seven weeks, campers speak Rak Ivrit (only Hebrew)—not only during the formal Hebrew instruction period, but also during meals, social activities, and t’fillot (worship services).  While this is great in terms of language acquisition, it can also be a challenge when it comes to articulating sophisticated thoughts.  Our campers are deep thinkers, and they are accustomed to being able to share meaningful reflections with one another during t’fillot.  However, with the guidance of sensitive counselors, our Chalutzimniks have figured out innovative ways to convey profound insights with one another.

 

Recently, one of our k’vutzot (groups) planned a very special prayer service.  Inspired by a recent viewing of “The Lion King”, the campers decided that they wanted to show their peers how the themes of the Jewish prayers connect to the lessons of Disney.  After opening with a rousing rendition of Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Z’man Lat’fillot (time for services), two campers spoke of how Simba loved his land and wanted to make things better, and how this is like the message of Ahavat Olam, the prayer that talks of God’s eternal love for the People of Israel.  Two others spoke of how Rapunzel and the Sh’ma relate to each other because they both deal with issues of faith.  Then two others spoke of how the Genie from Aladdin enjoyed his freedom after being released from the bottle, just as the Israelites enjoyed their freedom after leaving Egypt, as expressed in the Mi Chamocha.  For each prayer, members of the k’vutzah who play guitar led the other campers in singing these prayers with the corresponding Disney tunes.

As I prayed with the campers, I could not help but feel inspired by their enthusiasm and creativity.  Using their ever-expanding Hebrew vocabulary, as well as familiar and beloved melodies, the teens beautifully shared their feelings about our liturgy in a way that was fresh, fun, and heart-felt.  Once again, I was reminded of how lucky I am to be a member of the Chalutzim segel (faculty).  As the ancient rabbis observed: I have learned much from my teachers, more from my friends, and the most from my students—or in our case, from our campers.