Israeli emissary thrilled to be returning to Providence

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When I was accepted into the shlichim program, my first thought was: How am I going to do it? It would be my first time in the United States, in a place I had never heard of, and I would be the only shlichah (emissary) in the area.

While I faced a lot of challenges, I decided to come to Providence with an open mind and to try to enjoy the summer.

Fortunately, the summer of 2016 was beyond my expectations. My experience was more than fun: while I was teaching the campers at the Dwares Jewish Community Center, I was also learning.

It was hard to explain to family and friends back in Israel how I felt about my summer and why I love Providence.

I stayed with amazing families, who I cannot thank enough for making me feel at home, sharing their lives with me and showing me the beautiful state of Rhode Island.

Summer camp gave me an opportunity to meet smart, curious children. They were thirsty to learn, to ask, to hear about my life as an Israeli.

I was moved when I taught an Israeli story or song that I grew up with and saw the campers’ pleasure.

 I didn’t know how fun and interesting a game about Israeli geography could be!

My campers inspired me, and I appreciate every one of them for letting me in and making me feel loved.

After more than three months away from home, the first thing I did when I got back to Israel was decide that I would return to Providence for a second summer.

The impact of being a shliach is huge. Today I’m working at the Jewish Agency For Israel, helping to find new shlichim for the summer of 2017 and guiding them through the process. I tell them about my experience and explain how meaningful this summer can be.

I would especially like to thank camp director Seth Finkle, who is now like family to me, for making my summer a success. He came to Israel especially to meet me, and guide and prepare me for camp. During the summer, Seth made sure that I was doing well, and on weekends he took me to see the sights and meet his family.

I am so excited that I’ll be back in Providence for the summer, seeing all of the friends, campers and families who made me feel at home and teaching about Israel and my life there.

NOAM SPECTOR was the summer Israeli emissary (shlichah) at J-camp in 2016. She will return to J-camp for the 2017 camp season.

Camp, Israel, emissary, shlichah, J-Camp