During this celebration we conclude studying the last part of the Torah and immediately start over from the beginning, this time to discover new and perhaps loftier interpretations.

And so it is with OSRUI.  The moment one summer ends, we focus on the next summer,  planning and thinking of how to make it even better and more exciting than the one before.

Parents and campers know this, as we already have close to 500 campers registered for Summer 2020!

I will be retiring as OSRUI’s Associate Director at the end of November and I know wholeheartedly that the camp staff will ensure that OSRUI 2020 will be another summer of fun-filled experiences wrapped in Jewish learning.

For 21 years it has been my privilege to work with and learn from wonderful staff, campers, directors, board members, rabbis, cantors and educators.  It was hard work at times, but whatever I gave to this position, I was keenly aware that I also received back many times over.  I am so appreciative.

Thank you for having given me so many wonderful gifts…the gift of serving in the role  which I’ve treasured for so many years… the gift of your support, encouragement and faith…the gift of working with our children –  gifts that will live in my heart forever.

Moadim L’simcha,

Susan

URJ Biennial – December 11-15 in Chicago!

Join thousands of Jews from across North America and around the world at the 2019 URJ Biennial in Chicago.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn, pray, share ideas, dance and sing, hear from inspiring speakers and the leaders of our Movement; reunite with old friends, create new connections, and make decisions about the policies of the Reform Movement.

Registration Options.There are several registration options, including a weekday option, weekend option, and a Saturday Only option on December 14th, which includes Torah study, Shabbat services, afternoon programming, the OSRUI Meet & Greet (see below), havdallah and evening entertainment.  The cost of this full day of programming is just $100.

OSRUI Meet & Greet at the Biennial
For Biennial Participants
Saturday, December 14th
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Details to follow

We hope to see you there!

Camp Days at OSRUI

Our first Camp Day was a huge success!  We had a great group of families who enjoyed a fun day of climbing our challenge course and other activities.  Each Camp Day includes lunch, a chance to tour camp and, of course, s’mores!  All are welcome for these fun afternoons; there is no cost to attend, but please register.

The next Camp Day is for Music Lovers … sing along with some of the biggest names in Jewish music, during OSRUI’s Shabbat Shira Music Experience!

My summers at OSRUI were the best times of my life.  I believe I learned more at camp than anywhere else in my childhood.  I learned about working with others, planning events, helping people, thinking on your feet, and I learned what it felt like to be Jewish in a community with other Jews.Current Professional Role:   I am currently the Chief Digital and Marketing officer of PBS.  I am focused on continuing PBS’ digital evolution through the development, implementation and scaling of world-class digital services and marketing content strategies.

Fun Camp Fact or Story:  I think the best camp story (and one Rabbi Steve Leder still tells to this day) happened the year he was the unit head and I was a counselor in Kallah.  Steve liked to make events big at camp.  Somehow Steve convinced the Milwaukee Zoo to loan us an elephant for the day to kick off the Maccabiah games.

​Read more about the elephant, and Ira, on our blog.

(The photos pictured are from Mosh Aleph 1979.)