Check out some recent online articles featuring OSRUI and some written by members of our community!
“In 2016, I arrived at URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI), a Reform Jewish summer camp, knowing nothing about Reform Judaism. By the time I returned to Israel, I had been transformed by my experience and I was eager to continue my journey.
I began by looking for a place to study Judaism. I knew I wanted to do it my way – in an environment that wouldn’t intimidate me, but would challenge me by allowing me to grow as I figured out my place in the Jewish world. Having been raised as a secular Israeli, I had, after my army duty, experienced briefly the National Orthodox movement through a boyfriend who was deeply involved in that world. This experience helped me begin my religious journey. Then, I went to OSRUI and discovered Reform Judaism – yet another way to be Jewish. I found something of interest in each of these three directions, but I also had a lot of questions. I realized, that no matter where I turned, I would find someone who would show me Judaism through their eyes. I needed to find a Judaism that I could see with my own eyes.”
Our very own Ella Steiner, former Chalutzim madricha (counselor) and Rosh Mishlachat, details her experience with Reform Judaism that started at OSRUI in 2016 and has transformed her life in ReformJudaism.org Ten Minutes of Torah. Read the entire article at Ten Minutes of Torah
“Judaism is infused in everything we do, and not just with Jewish programming,” Kane said. “Judaism is part and parcel of who we are, but kids want to do all the other great things you would find at a secular camp.”
He added, “You walk around camp and there are things written in Hebrew, and people talking in Hebrew. There are Israeli counselors, and rabbis and cantors from around the Midwest who spend two weeks being part of the daily camp program. Campers are as likely to interact with a rabbi at the swimming pool or basketball court as they are at a formal service or when the rabbis are teaching Hebrew.”
Kids come from a variety of Jewish denominations, although the majority are Reform. “We want kids to explore their Judaism and to be supported by people who will help grow their Judaism.”
Kane seeks to have Judaism “come alive” at OSRUI. “We want the kids to go home passionate and excited about who they are as Jews,” he said.”
Our director Solly was recently interviewed by the The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle about how everyone at OSRUI seeks to have Judaism come alive at camp for all our chanichim (campers). Read the entire article here.
“Whether it’s through the friendships, tefilah (prayer), or song-filled campfires, Jewish summer camp has a way of creating magical experiences and lasting relationships for almost everyone who signs up. Olin-Sang-Ruby-Union Institute, or OSRUI, is no exception. OSRUI, a Reform summer camp located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin that functions as a second home to many Chicagoland Jewish teens, manages to create memorable experiences summer after summer. Heading into Summer 2018, though many parts of camp will stay the same, there will be one new, exciting part: a new Camp Director.”
See what Solly has to say about his passion for camp and why he’s so happy to be back home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin at OSRUI as our director in a recent SpringBoard Chicago blog. Read the whole post here
