Moshava Ba’ir is bringing its magic to MetroWest. The popular day camp recently announced the opening of its fifth campus, conveniently located at The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston. Run by Bnei Akiva of the U.S. and Canada, the day camp project is now in its 13th year of operation, touting vibrant programs in Toronto, Philadelphia, Chicago and Paramus at The Frisch School.
Avishai Berman will serve as director of the new campus. Originally from New Jersey, he attended Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy before moving to Toronto, Canada. He currently lives in Israel with his wife, Daniella, and their son, Noam, where he serves as the director of the overseas students program in Yeshivat Maale Adumim. Berman has been involved with Bnei Akiva since he was a child, attending programs such as Moshava IO and Mach Hach Baaretz. He said it was his connection to Bnei Akiva that ignited his love of Israel and inspired him to serve in the IDF as a combat soldier and to make aliyah.
The framework for MetroWest follows the same model of excellence as its counterparts, providing a safe, caring and ruach-filled environment. Campers in grades pre-K-6 will enjoy a robust program that includes woodworking, mad science, dance, sports, gardening, swimming and an immersive chinuch program rooted in Torah values and education.
According to Rav Shaul Feldman, executive director of Bnei Akiva of the U.S. and Canada and founder of the Moshava Ba’ir Initiative, Moshava Ba’ir was designed to fill a void in the world of day camps. By offering campers a well-rounded program that fosters a sense of community and a love of Israel, while creating meaningful friendships and developing individual skills, talents, and abilities, Bnei Akiva has created an environment that far surpasses the typical day camp experience, he said.
Rabbi Feldman added that the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy is an ideal location for the program. Situated on a beautiful campus with a large air-conditioned indoor space, the camp will feature an outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, a huge gymnasium,
specialty structures and sprinkler pads for younger children. He added that the specialty staff are all highly trained in their individual fields, giving campers an opportunity to learn from the very best.
As with all Bnei Akiva programs, Moshava Ba’ir MetroWest will encapsulate a love of Israel throughout the program. Whether it be through song, art, or any number of activities, campers, staff, and parents can expect a strong Israel influence that distinctively shouts Am Yisrael Chai.
Enrollment for Kayitz 2022 is currently underway with early bird incentives up to $400 until January 3. For more information about Moshava Ba’ir MetroWest, please visit www.mbmw.moshavabair.org or call 212.465.9536.
By Andrea Nissel
