by Emily Schwartz, Tiferet Rosh Eidah (Unit Head)

Tiferet has been quite the adventure so far! We have been busy getting ready for our Star-Spangled Mesibah (the all-camp talent show produced by Tiferet), expressing our creativity, and building a wonderful community.

In studio, the dancers have been working a lot on fundamentals and strengthening for the more challenging dances that will be taught in the coming weeks. In drama studio, chanichim are currently learning off of blank scripts, which requires them to add their own story line. The musicians wrote an amazing song together and learned a lot about teamwork during this process. Our visual artists have focused a lot on color, and are now working on a midrashic interpretation of the story of Jacob wrestling an angel.

Yesterday we visited the Milwaukee Art Museum. This was a powerful and special trip for everyone. There were activities for each studio at the museum, where they had to find connections between the artwork and what they are learning in dance, drama, visual arts, and music. The chanichim were also able explore the exhibits in small groups. We enjoyed a picnic lunch outside, and later went to see the new Disney-Pixar movie, “Brave”.

This group of Tiferet chanichim is truly remarkable. I am constantly impressed by their maturity, positive energy, and ruach (spirit)! They are just a happy group of campers who are willing to try new things and work together. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know them as a group and individually so far, and there’s so much more to come.

Emily Schwartz is the Rosh Eidah (Unit Head) of Tiferet. This is her 13th year at OSRUI and second summer as Tiferet Rosh Eidah. She is a graduate of The George Washington University.