Shabbat Eikev 2015
It’s been an incredible week here at OSRUI!
Tzofim, Tiferet, and Gesher started the week by heading to Milwaukee on Sunday for a very special occasion … the Opening Ceremonies of the JCC Maccabi Games! The ceremonies consisted of the parade of the teams from all over the United States, Canada, Israel, and even Poland. There was lots of singing and ruach (spirit) as we showed support for all of the athletes.
Also on Sunday, Moshavah campers left on their final tiyul (trip) – hiking, biking, rock climbing and canoeing. Several campers reflected on their experiences in a blog posted today. Be sure to check it out. When they arrived back at camp, the chanichim enjoyed their last tochnit erev (evening program) where each ohel (tent) chose a song and made up a dance to perform for the eidah. This weekend as they prepare to end their session, they are looking forward to being a part of taking down the entire eidah, including all the tents, beds, and cabinets as they get stored for the winter.
Tzofim had a very busy week! On Wednesday, the 7th graders departed for an overnight tiyul. They camped out, went hiking, made their own meals, and had a blast! They returned to camp with a great sense of accomplishment. This is a “preview” of what Moshavah will be like for those who choose to attend next summer. While the 7th graders were out of camp, the 5th/6th graders had a special day of fun – Yom 5/6! The day included a pool party, slip-n-slide kickball, homemade pizza, tie dye games, and a great game of Capture the Dessert (a unique twist on the classic game of Capture the Flag)!
Tiferet is in full-swing preparation mode for their final performances this weekend! They have worked very hard in studio this week as they piece together every small detail. The dedication the chanichim (campers) bring to their art is truly remarkable. We are so lucky to have such talented and committed madrichim (counselors) and moomchim (specialists) to guide them. The campers are so excited to have the opportunity to perform for many of the other eidot (units) today at camp, and for all of their families tomorrow afternoon.
On Wednesday, we welcomed our youngest campers in Kallah Atid. It was a beautiful day with lots of excitement and ruach. While these chanichim are here, they will get a taste of everything OSRUI has to offer, from swimming to tubing to music to art to teva (nature) and much more. On their first evening, they had a BBQ at Susan’s house and went on tractor ride tours of camp with Max. Now they are preparing for their first Shabbat at camp. We have seen so many smiling faces in Kallah, as these campers are truly the atid (future) of OSRUI!
Gesher put together an amazing Carnival last night! They performed a few skits and songs as an eidah to kick it all off. Each va’ad (committee) created their own carnival booth, which they planned and operated. They included “pie the counselor”, “shave the balloon” and many more. There were inflatables, cotton candy, and even a dunk tank where you got to dunk the Rashei Eidot (unit heads)! The Gesher chanichim worked incredibly hard to plan an amazing carnival, and everyone had such as blast!
Just before the carnival, Tour La’Agam rode back into camp, with everyone cheering their return! On Shabbat afternoon they will share their experiences with all of camp.
We can’t believe that this summer is coming to a close. It’s been truly remarkable in every way. OSRUI 2016 opens June 20th and we are already counting down the days. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next summer!
Shabbat Shalom,
Jerry Kaye, Director Susan Alexander, Associate Director Max Weinberg, Assistant Director