The Jewish Agency for Israel has launched a pilot program to increase informal Hebrew education and raise awareness of the language at Jewish camps in the United States and France.
As part of the program, emissaries of the Jewish Agency use Israeli songs, educational games, outdoor activities, sports, cooking workshops and more to provide campers with an introductory Hebrew vocabulary and familiarity with Israeli slang.
The pilot program was developed by academics focusing on informal Hebrew learning and the connection between language and society. It was created with support from the Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation in collaboration with Hebrew at the Center, which developed the educational content.
Rabbi Andrew Ergas, CEO of Hebrew at the Center, says “Hebrew and Jewish summer camp are two fundamental tools for strengthening Jewish identity and connection in a compelling and fun manner.