Rachel Ash is from Cedarhurst NY, went to SKA for high school and just graduated Touro College. She is currently in Azrieli Graduate School where she is getting her masters in Jewish education. This is Rachel’s second summer on Michlelet and first as a madricha. Rachel’s chaburah is called “Discovering Your Sacred Soundtrack”. Every chaburah begins with a Disney or Broadway song and we discuss the meaning behind the lyrics. Then we explore a theme in Avodas Hashem that connects to the song, for example Ayin Tova or Bechira. At the end we return to the song and discuss whether or not it reflects our values and beliefs as Jewish people. Rachel’s Chaburah is made up of an INCREDIBLE group of girls including Rikki (MHS), Ruthie (Hannah Sacks),Shira (Bruriah), Maytal (Hadar), and Shayna (Naaleh).
What is one song that you can think of to describe your Michlelet experience so far and why?
Rikki -This is my home by Duvie Shapiro. Not only is it our theme song but it’s also a song that really embodies what we are on michlelet- many differing types of girls united together with a common cause- to grow- in our true homeland of Eretz Yisroel. Whenever I hear this song I will always think of my amazing Michlelet experience!
Ruthie -When I think of a song that truly stands out to me, the first one I think of is Lashuv Habaita by Ishay Ribo. It is one of the few songs that when I listen to it, I think of the meaning rather than just listening to the tune without considering the meaning of the words. The song explains returning to our home, Eretz Yisroel, which is why listening to it at Michlelet takes on a special meaning and hits close to home. The song explains that Hashem is willing to reach out his hand to help us – Moshit Yado B’ezra. If we are willing to put in a little effort, Hashem will return the favor and help us.
Shira -The song “Muchanim” by Uri Davidi represents my experience so far on michlelet. The meaning of the song is that Mashiach is here, waiting at the door, we are so close to welcoming him in, and we just need to reach a little higher. On Michlelet, the way people talk and act is with the understanding that our next action can, and hopefully will, be what brings Mashiach from outside to inside the door. Also, the tune of “Muchanim” is fun- just like Michlelet!
Maytal -“Today’s the day” by Ari Goldwag describes the adrenaline we have every day on Michlelet. No matter what time we went to bed the night before we are all ready to make the most of the day ahead. Whether it’s a chabura or tiyul we strive to make every day count and make the most of our time here. Even though camp is coming to an end we will all leave Michlelet with this message of taking advantage of every moment
Shayna-The song “Vhaarev Na” represents my Michlelet experience because the song talks about having a love for learning torah and making torah learning sweet which is the essence of what Michlelet is for me. In the short four weeks I’ve been here so far my love for learning torah has grown so much and I cannot wait for it to continue to grow in these last two weeks.