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OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER
12 | AUGUST 22 • 2024 J
N
Some, like Levy, are food and out-
door specialists, while others, like
Cohen and Nahmias, simply love
working with children. For many
Shlichim, their time at The J is a
respite from the ongoing war and
tension they face in Israel. A few are
even returning to military service
after camp ends.
Still, the Israeli way of life contin-
ues for Shlichim in Metro Detroit.
Together with camp staff, they
developed a curriculum to bring
Israeli culture into the traditional
camp program. This includes sing-
ing Israeli songs at flagpole time,
creating Israeli art at arts and crafts,
and learning Israeli dances. Shlichim
were also responsible for planning
Camp Israel Day, another camper
favorite.
Cohen, for example, created a
“Western Wall” where kids could
write notes for one thing they’re
thankful for and one wish they had.
For many campers, who have never
been to Israel, it was a chance to
experience the historic tradition that
many Jews partake in when visiting
Jerusalem.
Levy, meanwhile, put his street art
skills to the test by creating custom
art for the daylong event.
“Everyone just really wants to
be around them and a part of their
experience,” Frank says. “For many
campers, Shlichim are their favorite
counselors. There are unique rela-
tionships being built.”
Likewise, for the Shlichim, learn-
ing about American culture is one of
the most memorable parts of their
camp experience. Nahmias’ favorite
day so far was the Fourth of July. “I
got to experience a different culture,
which I always love,” she says.
Still, Nahmias explains that having
an opportunity to teach children
about Israeli life is something she
doesn’t take for granted. “I feel like
I’m doing something these kids are
going to remember,” she says. “They
will remember having an Israeli
counselor who could talk to them
about Israel. There’s so much hate
toward Israel nowadays, that I want
them to [remember this time] and
have a good thought about Israel
and all of the happiness we brought.”
ENRICHING SENIOR LIFE
Campers aren’t the only ones finding
their time enriched. Meer residents
(and staff) are also thrilled to have
the Shlichim housed at their center.
“From the first night the Shlichim
came to the dining room, the res-
idents automatically embraced
them and loved them,” says Marcia
Mittelman, administrator of Meer
Apartments. “Everyone was just
excited to have them with us as part
Top: Bar Cohen,
Eden Nahmias,
Bar Ashkenazi,
Achinoam Man and
Maor Levy.
Bottom: Tomer
Shalom El, Eden
Yehezkel, Tal Raviv
and Maayan Cohen
attending the
GRAND Shabbat
Dinner with
JFamily.
“FOR MANY CAMPERS, SHLICHIM ARE
THEIR FAVORITE COUNSELORS. THERE ARE
UNIQUE RELATIONSHIPS BEING BUILT.”
— MIKKI FRANK