Current Families
Host a Shaliach
What are shlichim, and why do we have them?
As part of our effort to bring Israel to life at Ramah Day Camp, we’re proud to have Shlichim on our tzevet (staff), Israelis who join Jewish communities around the world as educators, role models, and cultural ambassadors. Each shaliach (literally, “emissary”) is typically finishing or has recently completed army service and comes ready to share their stories, traditions, and love of Israel.
Having these Israeli tzevet members at camp helps chanichim (campers) and madrichim (counselors) form personal connections to Israel and deepens our Israel education in meaningful, joyful ways. While our shlichim make Israel come alive at camp, they work in close partnership with the rest of our tzevet and leadership team to create a vibrant, diverse relationship between our camp kehillah (community) and Israel.
Through the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the Summer Shlichim Program connects American Jewish communities and Israel by sending Israeli tzevet to serve as madrichim and specialists in more than 200 summer camps across North America. At Ramah, we lovingly call this group our mishlachat, our Israeli delegation. Each shaliach goes through a thoughtful screening and training process before arriving, ready to fill camp with ruach, friendship, and a living connection to Israel.
Why should I host a shaliach?
We can’t have Shlichim at camp without wonderful host mishpachot (families) like yours! Hosting a shaliach is a truly rewarding experience; they bring a little bit of camp and Israel right into your home. Many families end up forming lasting friendships, sharing memories, and staying in touch for years.
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There is not a right amount of words that will emphasize how valuable the host family experience has been, and still is, for me. All I knew before arriving to camp is that I am going to be hosted by the Bermans, and that they have two young boys. Now, two summers after hours together, days at the beach, TV or dinner time, many talks and fun things we did together, I truly have a bigger family, and I know it is for a lifetime. It is without doubt that my host family experience was more than I’ve ever expected, and truly one of the best things that happened to me.
— Yael