By Max Weinberg, OSRUI Assistant Director

“Though units may divide us, we always will be friends.
United under a common name, we’re strong until the end!”

This line comes from the OSRUI camp song, and I think it epitomizes the day we had in camp yesterday.  We celebrated the day with our Maccabiah Games (our version of color wars), in which chanichim (campers) from all of the eidot (units) come together for a day of fun-filled competition and activities.  It is a unique opportunity for chanichim of all ages to join together for a different type of day at camp…but one of the most memorable for many.

On Wednesday night, we kicked off Maccabiah with our Opening Ceremony.  After finding out which teams they were on, we all came together to light our Maccabiah Fire Sign!  It was a spectacular sight, and the ruach (spirit) and excitement for the day was off the charts!  The next morning, we began our day with all-camp t’fillot.  It was an amazing display of colors on the bitan (pavillion) as we prayed together.  We then broke up into activities.  The chanichim participated in various sports such as basketball, gaga, ultimate frisbee, and matza ball (OSRUI’s version of dodgeball), as well as making art creations and learning about cities in Israel.

It was a beautiful day in camp, and fun was had by all.  A HUGE thank you goes out to Jeff Gates, our Sports Director, for coordinating the entire event flawlessly, and to his sports staff for executing it.  And congratulations to team Kachol (blue) on their Maccabiah victory!