At face value, Chalutzim is purely a language program. On first glance, it appears that there’s nothing more that chanichim (campers) do in our beautiful eidah (unit) other than speak Hebrew and learn about Israel. And while these are both wonderful things, the program of Chalutzim is so much more than just language study. Our pioneers are focused on the holy act of bettering themselves and their community whether it’s through leadership opportunities in the eidah and around camp, during sichot where we speak with our resident experts around camp about all sorts of topics, or in the small moments between activities where they learn from our Israeli
madrichim (counselors) about life in a far away, but not so foreign, country.

Maccabiah last week was truly a time for Chalutzim to shine. Acting as spirit captains for the whole machaneh  (camp), the chanichim were exemplary! Clearly learning from their amazing madrichim , Chalutzim stood in front of everyone and truly ran the show. It was such a joy to see these chanichim who’ve only been at camp for the past three weeks already demonstrate such wonderful leadership, excitement, and honor whether win or lose. It was a real demonstration of leadership and is a testament to the hard work they dedicate Sichot is a time everyday while the madrichim prepare for Hebrew classes the next day, but the chanichim get the chance to meet with some amazing people from all around camp about all sorts of different things. Jeff Gates, our sports director, and Ben Goldberg, a member of our inclusion team, for instance, lead a sicha called Wisdom from the Camp Elders all about finding pieces of insight during camp. Our Segel members each lead one about a whole variety of different topics. It’s a highlight of the day when, in English, each chanich can learn more about themselves, Judaism, and the world around them.

But it’s not only in formalized programming that amazing things can happen. In just small conversations with madrichim , chanichim learn so much about Israeli culture — all while speaking in Hebrew! Every chance they get, the Chalutzim chanichim this summer have been excellent about asking good questions and making good use of the Hebrew phrase “ Eich omrim…?” (How do you say…?) to learn the most that they can from their surroundings. Chalutzim will only get better from here. We’re only halfway done and I can’t wait to see the changes in the chanichim over the next half where they will only become better Hebrew speakers, thinkers, and leaders.