Summer shaliach arrives in Rhode Island

A conversation shaliach to shaliach

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Every summer, the Rhode Island community is privileged to welcome shlichim (emissaries) coming from all over Israel to our local camps – JORI in Wakefield and J-Camp at the Dwares JCC in Providence. They arrive as a part of a larger delegation, consisting of hundreds of Israelis who come with care, dedication and passion for exposing Israel to people abroad, specifically those in Jewish communities.

 

Becoming a shaliach is not an easy process. For me, as a long-term shaliach, it took several evaluation phases. For summer shlichim, it is a bit shorter. Nevertheless, out of thousands, only hundreds are picked. Becoming a representative for the state of Israel is not an easy job.

Last week, I called our new J-Camp shaliach, Noam Spector.

Noam is 21 years old, she has an older sister, and is from the small city of Modi’in, about 30 minutes outside of Jerusalem.

As Noam and I talked, I could hear the excitement in her voice. She told me she doesn’t know what to expect, and that she can’t wait to get here, especially after the shlichim training session in April.

During that training session, the shlichim receive guidance in working with children of all ages – including songs, activities, discussions and games. They also have time to create their own activities.

I asked Noam about her plans for the kids, and if she prepared something for them. She replied: “I started preparing activities weeks ago. From all sorts and all kinds.”  Noam also expressed her great passion for theater – and that’s what she’s excited about the most. She wants to use her abilities and passions to expose the children in our camp to theater – with an Israeli theme – whether it’s through songs, improvisation workshops or just plays.

I asked Noam about her previous experience with children. Do you have any? She replied with a definitive yes. As a soldier in the IDF, Noam worked with children in elementary schools in the periphery and with Olim Chadashim (new immigrants). She would teach, play and do activities – usually all by herself. “This role, in the army, is very unique,” Noam explained. “We’re required to be independent, initiative and creative.” I told her that was very similar to our camp.

I told Noam that our community here in R.I. is very excited to welcome her. She told me that she is very excited to be living with different members of the community throughout the summer, although a little bit nervous. I told Noam that she has nothing to worry about. People here are waiting with their arms open, and will give her a very warm welcome, like I got – here in Rhode Island.

I then asked Noam the last question – any plans for the weekends? And after the summer camp? Noam replied: “I actually want to get around Rhode Island, and then I would like to see Boston, and New York City, and have a short road trip in the East Coast with another emissary after camp ends – and then have a few weeks in Central America – hiking, touring and catching some sun.”

After this hour-and-a-half conversation with Noam, I can positively say we really won a great, motivated, passionate shaliach, who, I’m sure, will bring us Israel in the most exciting, fun and educational way possible. Until Noam arrives on June 10, all we have left is to wish her hatslacha (success), and brucha ha’Baha (welcome)!

GILOR MESHULAM is the Israeli Shaliach (Emissary) for the Jewish Alliance. After two years in Rhode Island, he returns to Israel this summer.

J-Camp, Shaliach, Israel, Jewish Agency