Shema as the Key to Connecting with Jewish Life

A group of young people and an older man sit on benches in a circle outdoors under a tree, listening and talking at what appears to be a camp or nature center. Some buildings and rocks are visible in the background.

An update from Rabbi Elliot Goldberg, Rosh Limud:

We say it regularly—twice a day, even—but rarely get past “Hear” and “God is One.” But what’s it all about? This kayitz, in our Limud (educational) programming and throughout the machaneh (camp), we are using the Shema as a master key to unlock an exploration of our Jewish identities and deepen our connection to Jewish life, the Jewish people and Israel. 

The theme of this kayitz, “Shema,” provides our teaching tzevet (staff) with a wide variety of topics to explore with our chanichim (campers), including:

  • The meaning of the Shema and the passages that surround it in the siddur (prayer book).
  • The rituals that are associated with the Shema in tefilla and at other moments.
  • The value of listening and making space for others to be heard.
  • Tools and strategies that we can utilize to make difficult conversations possible and keep them civil.
  • What it means to be a part of the people of Israel.
  • Our relationship with the state and land of Israel.

During the opening weeks of the kayitz, we’ve challenged our chanichim to make the most of their tefillah experience by engaging with the texts of the siddur. And we’ve given them space to reflect on the past year and give voice, in an age-appropriate way, to their feelings, questions, concerns, and thoughts about the war in Israel and its impact on their lives at home.

Just as important as what they are learning is who they are learning with. The informal setting of camp allows our chanichim to develop life-long connections to leading scholars, rabbis, and educators. Conversations that begin in Limud often continue at the Agam (lake), while waiting on a mirpesset (porch) for the rain to pass, on the path to the Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall), and for many years to come.

Our initial conversations have been engaging and meaningful; we’re looking to build upon them in the weeks ahead.

A man holding an acoustic guitar sits outside with a group of kids on benches. They appear to be engaged in a casual discussion or music session near a wooden building, with trees and grass in the background.A man sits outdoors with four girls, holding a clipboard and discussing its contents. The group appears engaged in conversation, surrounded by greenery and sunlight.A group of kids sit outdoors in a circle on the grass, smiling and listening to an adult. Drawings are spread out in the center. Wooden cabins and trees are visible in the background.Three children sit at a table covered with illustrated cards. The girl in the center holds up a card and talks, while the boys on either side look at the cards. The setting appears to be a classroom or activity space.Three kids sit at a table covered with black and white drawings. The girl in the middle smiles and holds up a card with two figures. The boy on the left looks down, and the girl on the right wears star headbands and looks at beads.

Categories: Director, Hinuch, Israel, Limud
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