Ruth Harvey – Head of Hebrew

מחנה קרמבו

Machaneh Krembo

Australia has lamingtons and Tim-Tams as its traditional sweet treats, and Israel has the iconic Krembo. It is a light and fluffy whipped marshmallow dome covered in a thin layer of chocolate and stands on a delicious biscuit base. The word Krembo is a combination of two words: krem meaning ‘cream’, and bo, meaning ‘in it’. It is not difficult to work out why it was so named. Because of its delicate structure each Krembo is individually, manually and lovingly wrapped with a very thin foil.

And so it was befitting to name our Year 8 Hebrew Machaneh (Camp), Machaneh Krembo. Sixteen students and their teachers, Oren Thaler and Ruth Harvey, were joined by our visiting Israeli madrichim, Talia, Tani, Noa, Tal and Hilit, for a three-day, two-night adventure. We stayed at the Chabad House in St Ives where we were extended generous hospitality. The camp centred around the students, but Hebrew was the star! Participants listened to instructions in Hebrew, played games in Hebrew, sang in Hebrew, ate in Hebrew, prayed in Hebrew, some even related their experience in their diary and journal in Hebrew. Highlights were many and varied from person to person, but the medurah (campfire) at night under the stars was, without a doubt, a most memorable experience. We sang and danced and felt as one. Here are some of the students’ reflections and photos, which depict the spirit of Machaneh Krembo.