Bnei Akiva's Machaneh Camp Fosters Connection Among Young Jewish People

For many young Jewish people, a summer at Bnei Akiva's Machaneh camp is a life-changing experience. The camp, which has been running for nearly 15 years, offers a unique alternative to the digital overload and constant screen time of modern life. By stepping onto the campsite, attendees leave behind parental safety nets, school or university pressure, and the noise of the outside world, and instead find a sense of community and connection.

The camp program is packed with a variety of activities, including swimming in the sea and pool, high-energy games, and time to relax. There are also ruach sessions filled with singing and dancing, alongside minyanim and Jewish learning tailored for everyone from complete beginners to advanced students. According to Aaron Kahanovitz, the national chairperson of Bnei Akiva South Africa, the camp offers something for everyone, and its madrichim play a huge role in creating a supportive and caring environment.

Kahanovitz, who has attended the camp for nearly every year since he was an eight-year-old, says that the experience has shaped the trajectory of his life. He recalls two particularly unforgettable times on camp: the 2019 camp concert with Jeryko in the amphitheatre, and the soccer and volleyball finals that go through the entire last Saturday night of camp. These experiences, he says, are a testament to the camp's ability to bring people together and create lifelong friendships.

At its core, Machaneh camp exists purely for the chanichim, from the youngest kids on their very first camp to the teenagers finding their voice. The camp's goal is to provide a space where young Jewish people can experience absolute joy and build a deep, lasting love for each other, for Judaism, and for Israel.

Unlike holidays in luxury hotels in buzzy cities, Machaneh camp offers a rare and powerful alternative. By living shoulder to shoulder in tents, attendees strip away pretence and reveal what really matters. The camp's focus on community and connection is a deliberate choice, and one that sets it apart from other summer experiences.

For Kahanovitz, the camp's impact extends far beyond the summer months. He says that every year he leaves the campsite feeling more inspired, more connected, and more ready for the year ahead. The lifelong friendships, the Torah, and the warmth of the Bnei Akiva family are just a few of the things that make Machaneh camp so special.

As the holiday season approaches, many people will be tempted to opt for a luxurious getaway in Cape Town or Plett. However, for over 1,000 young Jewish people, Machaneh camp will always be the preferred choice. With its unique blend of community, connection, and Jewish learning, it's an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Key points

• The camp offers a rare and powerful alternative to digital overload and constant screen time.
• The madrichim play a huge role in creating a supportive and caring environment.
• The camp's focus on community and connection sets it apart from other summer experiences.