Interview with Ella & Rita, Our Israeli Camp Counselors

Counselors Rita Litvenko (L) and Ella Greenfeld (R)

Every year, Camp JCC is fortunate to host shlichot, Israeli counselors. They work at camp while living with host families in Greater Raleigh. Our shlichot for this year are Ella Greenfeld and Rita Litvenko. We were excited to ask them a few questions to get to know them better.

Q: Where did you grow up?

Ella: I grew up in Kfar HaOranim. t’s a small village near Modiim, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Rita: I grew up Ashdod. It’s a city about an hour from Tel Aviv.

Q: What are your jobs at camp?

Rita: I am a Rikud (dance) specialist. I teach dancing.

Ella: I’m a Teva (nature) specialist. Because they are little kids, I’ll use creativity and games when teaching about nature.

Q: What are you looking forward to this summer at camp?

Ella: Meeting the kids, and learning about the culture here. We’ve never had this experience before. I am looking forward to meeting all kinds of people, and seeing how it is in camp.

Rita: Being close with Jewish communities around the world, meeting new people, and practicing more of my English! Trying to do something where I can help other people, teaching dance, and they help teach me the culture and how to live here.

Q: What are your plans for after this summer?

Ella: I think I will return to Israel and work in agriculture with vegetables and fruits. I’d like to earn some money before university, but I don’t know what I’m going to learn yet.

Rita: My plan is to study in college as a lawyer. In addition, I plan to work as a flight attendant.

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

Ella: I like to read books and do sports of all kinds. I like to cook.

Rita: I like to make videos and edit them, dancing, sports. Sometimes I read books.

Q: What is your favorite summer treat?

Ella: Watermelon, and all kinds of summer fruits.

Rita: Yes, and ice cream.

Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to understand about you, camp, or Israel?

Ella: I am very excited to be here in Raleigh and at Camp JCC. Even though it’s a harder time in Israel right now, it’s even more important now that we are here. Any questions people have, I would love to answer. It’s a nice break from all the mess in Israel. It’s a good time to meet new people and see other cultures.

Rita: It’s very important for me that no matter where you are from or who you are, what’s important is that we are good people and have fun together. That’s the purpose of my life. To have fun no matter what happens.