From Tefillah to the Chadar Ochel: Why & How Camps Use Hebrew Words

by Sharon Avni, Sarah Benor & Jonathan Krasner Do words like ‘menucha’ (rest time) and ‘nikayon’ (cleaning) make camp seem more Jewish? Why do some camps call the infirmary the ‘marp’? How can camps incorporate more Hebrew without alienating staff and campers? What roles do Israeli staff play in teaching Hebrew? Why is Hebrew limited to prayer in some camps but used throughout the camp in others? The presenters have been studying these questions through visits to 36 camps (movement and pluralistic, from secular to Haredi), interviews with 110 staff and 60 campers, a survey of camp directors, and historical research. This session reports on their findings and offers an interactive space for camps to share experiences and best practices. Breakout sessions will be divided according to camp type.

Download:  Hebrew Language at Camp Slides – Benor, Krasner, Avni