Kochavim Love Tarbut Yisraelit and Shira

Every afternoon at 4:45, immediately after schiyah on the agam (swimming in the lake), Kochavim gather outside of their tzrifim (bunks) and have Tarbut Yisraelit (Israeli culture) and shira (singing).  The goal of the program is to introduce Hebrew and Israeli culture to the chanichim in a fun and active way.

The chanichim  (campers) are greeted warmly by the tzevet (staff). They sit in a circle and sing songs, play games and then sing some more.  This edah loves to sing!  Their favorite song is Kol Ha’olam Kulo Gesher Tzar Meod (the whole world is like a very narrow bridge).  They sing it with emotion and gusto (see previous blog post for medurah video).

They also really enjoy the games that the Tarbut Yisraelit tzevet (staff) organizes for them. For example, they played tug of war where they were given the instructions in Hebrew. They also played a Hebrew counting game where the goal was to count to 20 as a group without two chanichim speaking at once. If two people called out the next number together, they had to start at the beginning again. This counting game not only is a good way to get the chanichim using Hebrew, it is also a communications and teamwork challenge.

Tarbut Yisraelit is a great way to for the edah to end their very busy day.