Written by Ben Kazael and Elad Mehl
Mishlachat 2013
Our wonderful Mishlachat (Israeli staff) came from each corner and each ditch in Israel. Somehow that wonderful dynamic overflew its individual borders and touched the hearts of the campers. So what is having Mishlachat really about? Mr. Milon (Mr. Dictionary)? Western Wall? Israel activities? Shakshuka? These are probably the first things that pop into your minds. But in real life, the Mishlachat is much more personal than that. It is how we open a bag of chips. So let’s break the “Mishlachat” bag of chips into its individual components.
First and foremost, the Mishlachat represents a Shlihut (שליחות), which is a social mission. Each Mishlachat member is here to make a difference. The difference we make happens every day, whether it is in an “official” Israel activity or during Menucha in the cabins. We want to focus on the individual attention because we think that it’s our most valuable asset. No one can ignore the goofy Israeli accent that echoes the cabins week after week. Right after a camper, whether it is Coogarim or Kesher, recognizes the funny accent the questions start floating. “What is Israel like?” “Do you have a camel back home?” “Do you live in a tent?” “Did you serve the army?” “How does Israel treat reform Jews?” “Is it scary to be in the army?” “How safe is Israel?” THAT IS OUR JOB HERE.
We might not answer all of the questions straight away, but after a few moments of sheer clarity in our minds we do our best to give our personal perspectives. It actually becomes pretty easy once the campers notice the pictures above the bed, the stories about our homes, our different habits etc. From the first question, the snowball will never stop rolling. For every story we tell, we get asked to tell three more. Every conversation we have with a camper makes our appetite for their personal stories grow and grow. Funny thing is, we end up asking them just as many questions about their American culture, and their Jewish identity.
In this way we attain the personal connections. Once the session is over we know that when we are not around to answer questions, our new little buddies will search for answers, exploring the vast resources available to them. Back in Israel, we are always prepared for the next Facebook post, the message making sure we are okay when another rocket hits the Negev. We are so glad and honored to be a part of the connection between the land of the Jews, Israel, and the wonderful Reform community of the Pacific Northwest. If you want to make sure that we are not just making up stories about our wonderful country, then we look forward to seeing you physically exploring Israel! We can’t wait to meet you and hear all that is on your minds!
Much ahava (love).