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Jewish Youth Pioneers Enjoy an “Adventure Getaway” in India
As the Tour India bus rolled up to the lush campgrounds in Nilshi, about 70 miles outside of Mumbai, in late May, the excitement was almost palpable. "We could hardly wait to get there," commented one of 28 participants in JDC's five-day "Adventure Getaway" for India's Jewish Youth Pioneers (JYP). The much-anticipated annual event hosted youth ages 16-28 hailing from Mumbai, Thane and New Bombay (twin city about an hour away from Mumbai) for an enriching and recreational experience with their Jewish peers.
From treasure hunts to team games and rappelling to archery, Jewish youth from India enjoyed a range of activities. Crafts projects ranged from making Shavuot cards to building rafts, while a disco, drama games and a talent show offered other creative outlets. "There was so much to choose from, and the best part was doing it together," remarked one of the youth. For many, the highlight of camp was Jewish education sessions led by fellow Jewish Youth Pioneers (JYP). Inspired by a graduate of the JDC-sponsored Buncher Leadership Training Program in Israel more than a dozen years ago, JYP aims to bring together Jewish youth in India through innovative programs. The annual camp retreat is one example of JYP's successful activities, marked by young people taking on leadership roles and preparing classes for their peers. This year's topics included an introduction to six Jewish authors; and a history of the Jews in India with a focus on the Bene Israel, a distinct community of Indian Jews who today comprise the majority of the Jewish population in the country. The group also held sessions on subjects of relevance to this culturally-rich minority in India — there are 5,000 Jews in a country of one billion people — including marriage/intermarriage, from the book Why Marry Jewish; and conversion and the Book of Ruth. 
"The volunteers who worked on giving sessions did an absolutely terrific job," observed Gila, JDC's Jewish Service Corps volunteer who is completing her year-long placement with the Jewish community in India. "Their hard work and dedication was clear in their presentations."
The commitment of this group is particularly noteworthy because just a few years ago they were beneficiaries of education courses at the Evelyn Peters Jewish Community Center (EPJCC) as well as JDC-sponsored family camps and children's day camps. Their Jewish identities were energized by JDC-supported family programs. A number of such activities have been taking place during the peak camp season, including an overnight women's retreat and a family camp, and day camp for younger children. Today, as young adults, the JYP is the driving force behind the social and cultural identity of India's Jewish community, giving back and taking responsibility for shaping its future…and their own. Everything about the outing — from the location to the educational activities to the fun — reflected months of effort that the young Indian Jews themselves put into the getaway. "The youth invested hours of time and thought to design the camp," says Leora, director of the EPJCC. "We provided guidance and added some of the content, but this was 'their' camp in every sense of the word." This may well be the secret of its success. "Everything was good — the food, the accommodation, the location and the sessions. We have no complaints at all!" said Leon, one of the participants. His friend Jay echoed, "This camp was the best we have been to!" It had to be — with no cell phone reception at the camp grounds, participants had the opportunity to "disconnect" fully from their daily lives and focus on forming and deepening friendships. And if bonding and camaraderie over a basketball game or Jewish discussions are any indication, these youngsters hold the key to a bright Jewish future for themselves and their community. "Sure, it's about having fun," says Leora, the EPJCC director. "But it's also about preparing them to take the reins of Indian Jewry in the years to come." "It seems to me they'll be ready." June 2006 |
