by Mandy Thalhammer, Kallah Segel (Faculty)

As I watched my husband pull away and leave me at camp (the same thing we have done with our children for the last four years) I had an overwhelming sense of dread. It took all of my self control not to yell after him…DON’T leave me here! But instead, I put on my smiley face and went to meet and greet the amazingly brave first time chanichim (campers), and their parents, as well as the returning chanichim.

It was hard to hold on to even a sliver of fear as I walked to the kikar (central meeting area at camp). The phenomenal song leaders were setting the tone with their boundless energy and uplifting RUACH! People were smiling and laughing, welcoming old friends, and meeting new ones. Being here, at OSRUI, feels good. No actually, it feels GREAT!

Having never been a camper-that’s right, NEVER. I absolutely could not relate to the entire notion of camp with my own children, my colleagues, or the students at my congregation. I did not understand the magical quality that OSRUI has. As the entire camp moved from the kikar to the bitan (outdoor amphitheater) for introductions, it hit me, and I got it.

The togetherness, the ruach, the nature, the spirituality, the Jewishness (yes, I know that’s not a real word) that OSRUI encompasses for all chanichim young and old, that is the magic. It is a feeling of belonging and understanding like none other. Being here enriches and solidifies the Jewish identity of our children.

My first day of camp has been just like your child’s first day…amazing, inspiring, tiring, and wonderful. I look forward to all of the treasures and surprises we will all experience over the next two weeks.

Mandy Thalhammer is the Religious School Co-Principal at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, Illinois and is serving as one of the faculty members in Kallah Aleph.