By Jay Rapoport, Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Sholom of Chicago, IL and Kallah Segel
On the occasion of my tenth awesome day on segel (faculty) at OSRUI, I present ten of my favorite moments so far this session:
10. A Warm Welcome
Being new this summer, I was a bit nervous, but this is a community like no other, and it took no time at all to feel like part of the gang! I witnessed the same experience on opening day for our chanichim (campers) as the madrichim (counselors) welcomed them with open arms.
9. Dedicated Directors
Jerry himself (with Max on hand to help) set off fireworks on the second night of camp for the Kallah and Tzofim chanichim, as we simulated the seven days of creation to kick off our “All ‘Bout Bereshit” theme. And I even got a ride in a golf cart from Susan!
8. New Favorites
Last Wednesday night we had shepherd’s pie for dinner. It was delicious! We are all still talking about it. Camp is a great place to try new things!
7. Shabbat Rest
I have heard about how special Shabbat is at camp. The whole camp singing together at Shabbat Shira on Friday night was a sight (and sound) to behold! We often struggle with how to make Shabbat meaningful for Religious School families and students, but it is so easy to understand the value of a day of rest here when the normal schedule is on hold and everyone participates and relaxes together. Personally, I valued my Shabbat menucha (rest) in a hammock with my family!
6. Conversation Under A Tree
I couldn’t help but snap a picture of this group gathered beneath a tree, deep in conversation.
5. Our Amazing Madrichim
A few days ago during our outdoor evening T’filah (prayer), we gave the chanichim a chance to find their own space for personal prayer during the Amidah. By the time the chanichim had turned around, there was a perimeter of Madrichim standing around them making a boundary. Without being asked, they are always making sure chanichim are safe and well cared for.
4. Saying It B’Ivrit (In Hebrew)
On Sunday, I sat down with a tzrif (cabin) to help them prepare to lead our evening t’filot (prayers), and asked the chanichim to go around the circle and re-introduce themselves. Without prompting, they proceeded to do so in Hebrew!
3. We Are Composting!
Yesterday, compost bins appeared around camp and there was much rejoicing from our Madrichim. We already have a composting cheer and look forward to the announcement at each meal of what we can compost!
2. Taking Care Of Each Other
Upon noticing that a fellow chanich was having a moment of homesickness, a group of chanichim gathered around to offer words of support and encouragement, such as “Think about all the fun stuff you’re gonna do,” and “When I get homesick I take deep breaths.” (That camper later went on to have “more fun than anyone else.”)
1. “Kallah-poration”/Bathroom Barchu
I have loved seeing how the chanichim make connections to the Jewish values that come to life at camp. Today during our Limmud (learning) session in Kallah Aleph, we were discussing the theme of cooperation in contrast to the sibling rivalries throughout Bereshit (Genesis), and one of the chanichim dubbed it “Kallah-poration”. This is almost as good as when the Barchu was overheard being loudly chanted from the boys’ bathroom!