by Rabbi Ali Abrams, Kallah Segel (Faculty)

There is really no such thing as a “typical day” here at OSRUI because all kinds of wonderful things are happening all the time. We do have schedules- we wake up at a certain time, eat at consistent times, and generally follow the same program schedule each weekday. But there is always something (usually many things) that stand out each and every day. Yesterday, was what we call an “extra-ordinary day” because it was Yom Kallah/Tzofim (Kallah/Tzofim Day). I had the great opportunity to participate in tefillot (services) with Kallah and Tzofim together at the beach! Both eidot (units) are learning about and celebrating teva (nature) all session and this was just another way to do that. We are lucky here at OSRUI that we get to pray outside all the time, but this service was definitely extra-ordinary. The sun was shining, the lake was sparkling, and there was a nice breeze. I could not think of a more perfect setting for our tefillot. It was certainly not a “typical day.”

At the beginning of the week, we were doing a “tree of life” activity to talk about the importance of trees in teva in an energetic, engaging way. As a rabbi, it was a treat to walk to each group as the chanichim (campers) became different “parts” of the tree. They were playing, laughing, and learning!

The extra-ordinary part of each day is not always found in program form, though. As I was sitting on the basketball court the other day with a girls’ tzrif (cabin), I looked over and saw another group of chanichot (campers) practicing a song and dance they had put together for an upcoming beit café (talent show). Their counselors were serving as the audience for the girls and they were all smiling. They have only been here a little over a week, but you could see they had already formed amazing friendships. Extra-ordinary!

I feel so grateful to be here with the chanichim and tzevet (staff) and hope to bring back home just a bit of the extra-ordinary.

Rabbi Ali Abrams is serving as one of the faculty members in Kallah Bet.