Sacred Time at Camp

By Kathy Schwartz, Tzofim Segel (Faculty) and Debra Siroka, Kallah Segel (Faculty) It’s hot, I mean really hot. And while there is some quiet complaining occasionally, no one really cares because we are at OSRUI. Yes, the schedules have been changed to include more...

Living in mini-Israel

by Ilana Axel, Chalutzim Segel (Faculty) Shalom! My name is Ilana Axel. I work in the role of cantor at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, IL (you can find us really close to Medieval Times, right off Interstate 90 between Chicago and Rockford. Here’s a...

The Gift of Camp

by Rabbi David Locketz, Avodah Segel (Faculty) At OSRUI, we are often oblivious to the outside world and the passage of time. That is in fact one of the magical elements of summer camp…we wake each day and eat together and pray together and learn together and have...

Teaching Under a Tree in a Superhero Costume

by Rabbi Batsheva Appel, Kallah Segel (Faculty) I had the following email exchange with a congregant while I have been at OSRUI for the last two weeks: Me – Am at camp, but if you go to this link, you can find what you are looking for. Ploni – Playing baseball...

A Camping Trip, the Jewish Way

by Rabbi Ariana Silverman, Moshavah Segel (Faculty) I am one of the rabbis in Moshavah and I am still smiling after the trips we took this week. The campers had a great time, challenged themselves, deepened their relationships with each other, and learned about how...