Shabbat Chukat 2016
What a fantastic fourth week it has been at OSRUI. We cannot believe that we are half way through the summer!
After a week of limud (Jewish learning), omanut (art), water slides, tubing, wilderness trips, ivrit (Hebrew), field trips to the zoo, movies, art museums, evening programs, Yom Yisrael, and so much more, Shabbat is here, a sacred and beloved time at camp.
Before we get clean and we put on our Friday night best, before we join together in prayer, before we tune our guitar strings and warm up our voices, before we prepare to rest, we take a look back at the incredible week that was Week 4 of Summer 2016.
Chalutzim continued their ivrit immersion in their various kitot (classes – all named after famous and favorite Israeli food). Chalutzim had Yom Tzahal (Army Day) where they learned all about being in the Israeli army and all that goes into defending the country that you love and call home, especially at such a young age as thousands of Israelis do every day. The program capped off with the documentary “Beneath the Helmet” that shows the journey from high school senior to IDF soldier in just a few weeks’ time. Chalutzim did the slack line challenge at the pool over the water, held their cabin night and practiced for Yom Horim (Visiting Day). They can’t wait to see their families on Sunday!
Moshavah completed their third and final trip going hiking, biking, rock climbing and canoeing. Everyone is back at camp safe, happy, and clean! Mosh enjoyed a much deserved sleep in on Thursday after they had been up early the morning before on their trips for a sunrise hike. They played an all-Mosh version of “Freeze”, participated in the Hebrew Olympics, and for t’filot crafted a wonderful mural.
Gesher went on a tiyul (trip) to the local grocery store in town to learn about shopping on a budget in various scenarios and situations. The chanichim were given $25 to shop for a specific kind of family for a week and to take various characteristics into mind whether it be for small children, food allergies, etc. The food was purchased for real and donated to the Oconomowoc food pantry. They then capped off the day going to see a movie. Gesher had a big surprise water fight! There was a very hot day this week and to cool down they had a water balloon/slip n’ slide battle! The leadership chug worked hard to prepare a program called the “confidence program” that helped Gesher explore their confidence in different areas. They had erev tzrif (cabin night) which included arts and crafts at Susan’s, pontoon rides, and a pool party.
Tiferet’s final week was one for the ages. They began the week by holding the camp-wide talent show, “Minion-sibah”. There were amazing songs and dances, comedy and gymnastics, batons and original music, pianos and violins, and so much more! Tiferet also took their musical talents on the road as the music studio performed on the back of our trailer while being driven through camp so everyone could hear the incredible work they are accomplishing in studio. Tiferet enjoyed a trip to the Milwaukee Museum of Art and a movie as well as a pool party with Bosco sticks. All summer long they have heard the story of Cheeto the micro-horse and his many adventures, and thanks to the efforts of Evan, the rosh eidah, and Susan, Cheeto actually came to camp to finally say hello to his adoring fans in Tiferet. Today is culmination day where Tiferet Aleph will present their work to the unit.
In Kibbutz HaTzofim, they started the week with a crazy, awesome pool party. They took a field trip to the Milwaukee Zoo where they serenaded the moose with the song “There was a Moose”! Tzofim continued their love of the new dance craze sweeping the machaneh (camp) with “Get loose, Get funky, Get down with the beat. For limudim, they created superhero capes and beautified their beit tefilah with a new walkway. They ended the week with an exciting game of Iron Chef.
Kallah held Yom Avodah this week, where they worked together to complete the incredible walkway to their beit tefilah with painted bricks, they made an ark cover for the future ark and pulled weeds! They also tie-dyed their Kallah Bet shirts! The limudim theme this session has been Superheroes, so Kallah made their very own super hero capes to reflect their super powers and that they are super heroes to someone. They played Minute To Win It and worked really hard to support their teammates and to be good sports. The field trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison was a smashing success as they saw giraffes, polar bears, camels and so much more! They even sang the penguin song in front of penguins. For Yom Yisrael, every unit learned about an Israeli who followed their dreams and has made great accomplishments in life. Kallah learned about a young Ethiopian woman who was very successful in the Israeli army despite many challenges.
It has been an amazing and exciting second week here at OSRUI! Sadly, this Sunday is closing day for Tzofim, Kallah, and Gesher Bet sessions, Tiferet, Mosh, and Avodah Aleph sessions. We had a fantastic time having you at camp, getting to know you, and showing you all the wonderful things we do here at 600 Lac La Belle Drive! This is not goodbye, but l’hitraot, see you next time, at OSRUI 2017!
Shabbat Shalom from all of us at OSRUI!
Jerry Kaye, Director Susan Alexander, Associate Director Albert Marks, Senior Assistant Director