Spotlight on Mishlachat

• April 6, 2022
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Campfire Chats:
Rosh Mishlachat, Mayan Chin Jacobi

April 2022

Rosh Mayan and Rabbi Ami Hersh with our Kayitz 2022 Mishlachat at Kibbutz Shefayim (April 2022).

Before we get started, first we have a question about language: Mishlachat / shlichim. Are these words interchangeable? 
Great question! Our chanichim (campers) learn these words during the very first week of camp!

“Mishlachat” literally means “delegation” and refers to our Israeli Delegation; a group of Israelis who travel to the United States to work at camp. This summer, Ramah Nyack is proud to have the largest Mishlachat of any camp (not just Ramah camps–-any camp!) throughout North America!

The individuals who make up our Mishlachat are called “shlichim,” which translates to “emissaries.” Our Israelis come to the U.S. both to give and share what they love about Israel, and to receive and learn from their North American counterparts. The shlichim benefit from the opportunity just as much as they provide to our community. We see the summer as just the beginning of the experience, as the relationships sparked at camp truly last a lifetime.

I hope this is helpful!

We are excited to learn about Ramah Nyack’s 2022 Mishlachat!
Our incredible 2022 Mishlachat can’t wait to meet you on the migrash! We have recruited an exceptional group of young adults who are passionate, experienced, diverse, and dedicated. We are very proud of our 70 Shlichim, each with a unique story to tell. They are between the ages of 17 and 26, and are from all across Israel–from Eilat in the South, to Metulla in the North. 

The Israeli counselors choose to work at camp because they want to to learn more about the Jewish-American community, explore their connection to Judaism, and develop their leadership skills. Above all, they all look forward to working with Nyack campers and North American staff members. The mishlachat work in different areas throughout camp. Specialist counselors work at the pool, migdal (ropes course), sports, and even in Park Mada! The Sha’ar (Hebrew Immersion Program) counselors work in the various edot (divisions) in camp.  

Our shlichim are counting down to camp as eagerly as we are!

In your view, why is it important to have Israeli counselors on staff at Ramah Nyack?
The Israeli Shlichim have always been at the heart of Ramah, since the Ramah Camping Movement’s very first summer in 1947. Ramah Nyack really understands the significance of having so many Israeli counselors on staff. The Shlichim share their love of Israel with their chanichim (campers) and create strong connections with the American staff and camp families. The bonds formed at camp are unparalleled, and lead to a greater understanding, partnership, and appreciation of a worldwide Jewish community.

Are there opportunities for camp families to get to know members of the Mishlachat?
Yes, absolutely! Like the majority of our staff, the Mishlachat call Ramah Nyack their home for the summer. In their limited free time, they are often eager to explore other towns in the tri-state area. For many years now, camp families have hosted our Mishlachat during their free weekends – spending shabbat together has proven to be a beautiful gift for all involved! Our Mishlachat are excellent house guests and really appreciate the hospitality! If you are interested in hosting this summer, or have any questions about doing so, please send an email to info@ramahnyack.org and we will be in touch. Todah Rabah (thank you!)!

How has the program evolved throughout the years?
When I was a madricha (counselor) back in 2007 (!!) our Mishlachat had 15 counselors. Over the past decade, the mishlachat has grown immensely. As I mentioned, this summer we are flying in 70 Israeli counselors! This is mainly due to the growth of the innovative Sha’ar program that enables Hebrew-speaking counselors to work with American campers and immerse them in the language. Although we are the biggest mishlachat in North America, it still feels like a mishpacha (family), as we care so much about each other and love spending time together! 

What do you love most about your role as Rosh Mishlachat?
The thing that I love most about my role is that it never stops! The connections our counselors create continue to flourish even when they are back in Israel. We all stay in touch, meet regularly and even volunteer together. For me, it’s such a privilege to be there for our mishlachat in every path of life – drafting into the army, enrolling into university, finding their significant other, and starting their first job.

Please share your “WHY RAMAH?”
My experience at Ramah Nyack was transformative. Raised in a very traditionally observant family, it was here at camp, where I found my voice and was able to pray and sing, read the Torah and lead prayers. For the first time, I felt comfortable in my own skin and showcased my Jewish-Indian heritage. Above all, I learned how to be a Jewish leader at Ramah Nyack, with amazing role models like Amy Skopp Cooper (former director), Mindy Edelman (long time Rosh Edah), and our Director, Rabbi Ami Hersh. 

My exposure to Conservative Judaism left such an impressive imprint that I decided to continue my religious journey in Israel, taking an active part in my local Conservative Shul and advocating for progressive Judaism. I’m so grateful to be able to return to camp each summer and see my own kids praying together in the Beit Knesset. 

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About Mayan Chin Jacobi
When she isn’t busy with the Mishlachat, Mayan is CEO of Magnolia Israel, a tourism company based in Israel. Her passion to travel began at the age of 12, during a family relocation to New Delhi, India. Not only was she able to reconnect with her Jewish-Indian heritage, but she also traveled all across Asia. During these years, Mayan discovered travel as a means to create sincere connections with people and understand local culture. Since then, she has been translating her cheerful personality and her conscious lifestyle into unforgettable trips to Israel for families from all across North America. Mayan lives in Zichron Yaakov, Israel, with her spouse and 2 adorable children (who are both campers!) and she looks forward to her 5th summer at Ramah Nyack.