Here in Tzofim we are having a terrific time. Campers in Tzofim live in tents and eat outside. This is an incredibly unique unit, and is exceptional among Jewish camps all over the United States for the way in which these chanichim (campers) celebrate the rhythm and beauty of outdoor living. Rain or shine, chanichim and madrichim (staff) work together to be safe, dry, and to have a fantastic time. Counselors are friendly, nurturing, and energetic leaders, and are creating a loving and fun community for these children in Tzofim Gimmel, who are entering into fifth through seventh grade.

This summer we are learning about Jewish history from the days of Abraham and Sarah all the way to us here today. Campers have met our heroes from the Torah, such as Rebecca, Jacob, Moses and others. We are discovering that the story of the Jewish people is like a photo album. Each time we open our Torah, we enjoy looking back at the photos and reminiscing: about Rebecca at the well as she gives the camels water to drink, or Moses standing at Sinai giving us the Torah. Each time we look inside the Torah, we see something new that we had never noticed before. We may even see some of ourselves in the pages of the Torah.

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Today campers made little replicas of the Temple out of sugar cubes, which soon dissolved into water and were lost. We then sat as a unit with the Torah spread all around us, realizing all the positive things we have gained since the days of the Temple. We marveled at how the Torah has carried us as a people, all over the world, and even to OSRUI summer camp where we are today.

We also made our own Tzofim Talmud, looking closely at the rules of Tzofim and how they protect and guide us to be a safe and happy community here on camp. We discussed how rules are necessary for us, yet we may not always agree with them. We even made up funny stories about what could happen when someone breaks a camp rule and the chaos that could arise.

In the midst of all these activities, your campers are having a blast enjoying the beautiful summer sun, making new friends, learning a little something Jewish, and entering into the loving arms of this incredible OSRUI Tzofim community.

Rabbi Binah Wing is the rabbi at Temple Beth El in Rockford, IL and Rabbi Andrea Steinberger is the rabbi at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hillel.  Both are currently serving on faculty in Tzofim.