By Cantor Arik Luck, Beth Emet the Free Synagogue in Evanston IL, and Kallah Segel

When we think about studying at home, it involves sitting at desks, listening to a lecture, doing homework, and other formal education practices.  Here at OSRUI, we enjoy an alternative and hands on approach to learning. Every summer the chanichim (campers) have an opportunity to further their Judaic studies in their daily Limmud (study session), which utilizes theater, games, technology, puzzles, music, and more, making learning both fun and memorable .  This summer, the Limmud theme for the Kallah Gimmel and Tzofim Gimmel chanichim is Israel.  On the first day, the chanichim were introduced to a mysterious character traveling through Israeli history named Tal Yerushalyim (think Carmen San Diego, but with a Jewish twist…).   Every day, they watch as Tal Yerushalayim  makes his way through Israel’s past and present, and get to bear witness to actual events in Israeli history, as Tal Yerushalayim encounters them.  Tal Yerushalayim also comes with his own theme song and dance, taught to the campers by our eidah (unit) song leader, and led by all of the madrichim (councilors).  Here are some of the lyrics:

Tal Yerushalayim,
Where are you hiding?
Buying candles from a market in Tzvat?
Scuba diving in the port of Eilat?
Tal Yerushalayim,
Where are you hiding?
In a kibutz pulling up your sleeves?
Gettin’ down in Tel-Aviv? Tal Yerushalyim!

The theme song has picked up enough momentum that I actually can hear our chanichim singing it with gusto as they walk through camp, from one activity to another. (What could make a cantor more proud?) It is a tremendous joy to contribute to the Israel education of our future leaders at such a young age. If your chanich (camper) is in Kallah Gimmel or Tzofim Gimmel this summer, be sure to ask about their Limmud, Israel, and Tal Yerushalayim when they get back. If your child is in another eidah, you can still ask them what their theme was this summer for Limmud. We look forward to teaching them this summer, and making this session memorable!