By Rabbi Michael Schadick, Rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Grand Rapids, MI

Fifteen chanichim (campers) arrived at camp on Tuesday ready to embark on an amazing bike tour around Lake Michigan.  Included in the group were two veterans of the program,  one who had such an incredible summer last year on this journey that he decided to do it again this year,  and another who returns for her third trip around Lake Michigan with OSRUI.

All of the chanichim have come excited to challenge themselves on this three week tiyul (trip) that incorporates daily bike rides averaging 50 miles, camping at a different location each night, experiencing the beauty of the lake and all of the surrounding areas, and the chance to make some great friendships and wonderful memories.

As for me I am a rabbi that has the good fortune of spending two weeks with these chanichim.  I am with them this first week, taking daily bike trips to areas near camp, as we prepare for the longer journey.  And next week I travel with them to their first seven stops.  Not only am I riding with them and worshipping with them, but I also have a chance to help them see how the wisdom of our faith connects with what we all are experiencing together.

The first day with Tour L’Agam featured a lesson in bike maintenance, a discussion of the rules of the road, and a short 8 mile trip around Lake Lac La Belle.  Our second day was particularly sweet.  We biked to Honey Acres, which bills itself as a “Honey of Museum”.  We learned about bees and the making of honey.  I was delighted to see a replica of a clay vessel in the display that reminded us that our ancestors in ancient Israel enjoyed honey.  Plenty of honey straws were purchased before we departed.  We logged just over 20 miles on this trip.

After only a few days together there is a great sense of community that has been built.  Kudos to Adam Kazilsky, our Rosh Eidah for his leadership and biking expertise.   And Tour L’Agam is lucky is to have Becca Heisler and Asher Margulies as madrichim (counselors).  They connect wonderfully with the chanichim and they are full of energy and enthusiasm.

We are headed to the Trek bike factory later this week to see how the bikes we are using are made, and to Lake Nagawaukee for some swimming and a picnic lunch.  After our first Shabbat at camp we will leave on Sunday morning to begin our “Tour L’Agam”.

What a truly awesome summer we are going to have.  We pray that we will be blessed as we go on our way.