Spotlight on Sha’ar

• February 21, 2023
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Campfire Chats:
Donna Rudolph, Rosh Sha’ar
Sha’ar Hebrew Immersion Program

February 2023

Donna, you’ve been involved with Ramah Nyack’s Sha’ar Hebrew Immersion Program for several years. Why do you think the program is so successful?
I believe Ramah Nyack’s Sha’ar Hebrew Immersion Program is successful for three reasons. 

• First, our shlichim (Israeli counselors) are truly exceptional. Each year, we go to Israel to hand-pick our staff. We look for specific qualities and characteristics in our shlichim. They must love working with children, have a deep love of Israel, have high spirit and energy, are warm, kind, like to have fun, and are young educators who are passionate about the Hebrew language.
• Second, our chanichim and camp families are enthusiastic, open-minded and trust Ramah Nyack to implement this unique and amazing program!
• Third, the program was created with great intention. Every aspect of the program has been thoughtfully designed and tweaked over the years to ensure our chanichim (campers) have an opportunity to gain proficiency in Hebrew while experiencing all of the fun activities that Ramah Nyack has to offer. 

As a Jewish educator with a background in Hebrew language and Tanakh (bible), I can assure you that this is the recipe for success. I am a lifelong Ramahnik, and was drawn to Sha’ar because of the strategic thought surrounding its development and dedication to making sure it continues to be successful. Ramah is a leadership camp and it is my privilege to see this manifested in many ways. Through Sha’ar, chanichim gain confidence and develop their Hebrew language skills, our shlichim strengthen their teaching abilities and deepen their understanding of ahavat yisrael (love of Israel), and the relationships that develop between our chanichim and shlichim are what the Ramah Nyack magic is all about.

We would love a glimpse into what a day in Sha’ar looks like.
Sha’ar chanichim participate in all camp activities just as our English-speaking bunks, but living immersed in the Hebrew language is a priority. Our shlichim work hard to engage our chanichim in conversation, encouraging them to feel comfortable speaking in Hebrew. Shlichim are constantly thinking about how to draw the language out of the chanichim and give them ample opportunities to produce language. This is their mindset all day long… as they walk from one activity to another, our shlichim are constantly trying different ways to help chanichim understand and incorporate new vocabulary into their conversations. Ramah Nyack is a language rich environment. Whether they’re speaking to one another during lunch (while Israeli music plays in the background – it’s a great vibe!), or creating a cheer while walking from one activity to the next, our shlichim’s brains are working overtime, and the results are amazing!

What do you love most about being Rosh Sha’ar?
It’s extremely rewarding to witness the growth of our chanichim, both in terms of Hebrew language skills and the special relationships they develop with bunkmates and their shlichim. It is also a gift to have the opportunity to mentor our shlichim. By the end of the summer, they become a part of my family. 

The impact of the Sha’ar experience lasts well beyond the summer. Our chanichim return after nearly a year away from camp and jump right back into the program, with even more confidence. Our shlichim bring what they’ve learned to their lives back home, and many volunteer – on their own time – to help us during the off-season to recruit new shlichim for the following summer. 

I feel very fortunate to have a front row seat to all of this magic.

Please share your “why Ramah Nyack”!
There is boundless spirit at Ramah Nyack and I love being a part of it. Camp vibrates with positive energy all day – from morning migrash dancing to the buses pulling out with shouts of “l’hitraot” (see you later) – the buzz at camp is extraordinary!

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About Donna Rudolph, Rosh Sha’ar
Donna is a long-time Jewish educator who moved to Riverdale ten years ago from Israel and currently works at Rodeph Sholom School in Manhattan as the Hebrew Language and Judaic Studies Specialist. She graduated from the Pardes Educators Program and has taught and mentored hundreds of students and fellow teachers, both formally and informally, in schools and camps in Washington D.C., Israel, and New York. 

A native of Chicago, Donna spent many summers at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, which she credits for her love of informal Jewish education. As part of her ongoing efforts to connect young people to Judaism through Hebrew language, Donna could not think of a better position than Rosh of the Sha’ar Hebrew Immersion Program at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack. Donna and her husband Ari are proud parents to Eitan, Noa and Yoav.