Session 2 – Day 3: Chinuch That Moves—Literally

You wanna know what’s really cool? Our Rosh Chinuch, Tony, asked the staff if they wanted to be involved in the Chinuch team and help design and run our education programs to see him after a staff meeting. The cool part that you’ve been waiting for is that 14 of our staff showed up! 14 young adults who have a passion and a creative drive to help educate campers and be proud Jews with a love for Israel. Of course, all through the lens of fun. When I saw that list, I was kind of “parent” proud.

Tonight, I want to share a little window into how Jewish learning shows up around here—and I promise, it’s a lot more than sitting in a circle and talking about values. Tony sent over his notes…I wanted to get it all right for you.

This week, our campers took part in a Scavenger Hunt with a Twist. Picture this: a trail of stations across camp, each with a wild group challenge—think human Hanukkiah, freeze dance battles, and human pyramids—each one connected to a Jewish value. Chesed, Hakarat HaTov, Tzedek, Kavod, B’tzelem Elohim—not just words we talk about, but things we do.

At one stop, a group of Ha’atid boys circled up for what we called a Chesed Circle. The idea was simple: give each other compliments and notice the good in one another. And you know what? They leaned in. No eye rolls, no jokes to deflect—just honest words of kindness. If you ever need your faith restored in humanity, come watch a group of 11-year-old boys telling their friends what they appreciate about them.

Over with Amudim, campers practiced improv skits about welcoming someone new. They imagined themselves as baristas greeting the new kid at the coffee shop. We asked them:

How do you want to be welcomed when you’re the new face in the room? How can you do that for someone else? And what’s Jewish about that?

Turns out, the answer is everything. Hachnasat orchim—hospitality. Kavod—respect. B’tzelem Elohim—the belief that every person carries a spark of the Divine.

This is what Chinuch looks like here. Not a lecture. Not a worksheet. Just campers learning by doing—by laughing, by moving, by trying something new together.

And I’ll say this: watching them step up, support each other, and reflect on who they are becoming—this is the kind of thing that makes you feel like we’re doing something right.

Thanks for letting me share, but for now…

All is well, safely rest. 

Thanks for sending your kid to Herzl Camp

‏לילה טוב

Tommy