Abstract
Non-formal education and recreation hold a highly significant place within the Jewish community. These spaces are usually run by Madrichim—young people who can play an important role as non-formal educators.
Amadrich has the function of leading groups of children in non-formal education settings. This role has several highlights: first, it allows young people to remain identified with the community, since much of the training provided by non-formal education is the transmission of values, customs and Jewish traditions.
The fulfillment of this role as a leader and the practice of recreational activities lead to an increase in well-being in both groups. For young people, these activities help them to keep away from risky behavior during adolescence, and generate a higher level of responsibility and a greater identification with the values of Jewish culture and religion.
For children, these spaces result in increased well-being, as the groups led by the madrich,—which are based on recreation, non-formal education and physical activity carried out in communities, synagogues or community clubs on weekends,—provide a space for pleasure and identification.
Many studies have reviewed the importance of recreational activities for increasing well-being and Quality of Life (Campbell, Converse, Rodgers, 1976; Diener 2006; Diener et al. 1999; Michalos 2012). However, this presents a particular case, because the role of the madrich involves not only recreational activities, but also a prominent social position and the transmission of values and traditions of the Jewish religion.
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Benatuil, D. (2018). Recreation, Non-formal Education and Socialization as Factors Enhancing Well-Being. The Place of the Madrich in the Jewish Community. In: Rodriguez de la Vega, L., Toscano, W. (eds) Handbook of Leisure, Physical Activity, Sports, Recreation and Quality of Life. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75529-8_4
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