continued from page 10

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