One weekend every spring we travel to the Olin-Sang-Ruby-Union Institute (OSRUI) located in Oconomowoc, WI for a retreat. We offer multiple programs for all ages. For instance, some programs are discussion groups, others are hands-on, and some take place outside. The retreat is for adults and children alike. School-age children sleep in a camp cabin under the supervision of college-age counselors. Adults have rooms in another building and most have a private bathroom. Younger children stay with their parents. And don’t worry, we build in plenty of time for connection and bonding with our programs and over meals. No child is too young and no adult is too old. All are welcome to learn, pray, eat, relax, sing, and just enjoy Shabbat for an entire weekend!
Our 2023 Congregational Retreat is January 20-22 at OSRUI. Registration is open through 12/14. Nourish your body and spirit. We will eat, sing, reflect, learn, and connect as a community. Celebrate Shabbat, have fun, and participate in Jewish learning with other members of our congregational family.
Not only is the OSRUI home to our annual retreat, many of our kids participate in a summer sleepaway camp at the site.
The camp offers several sessions to meet the needs and interests of campers from 3rd grade through high school.
These sessions can be anywhere from five days to seven weeks. During that time, campers stay in cabins or tents all while learning about Jewish life. Plus, nothing beats the Shabbat songfest and Israeli dancing! Lifelong friendships develop and each child’s connection to Judaism is strengthened at OSRUI.
Etz Chaim is proud to regularly send the largest contingent of campers to OSRUI from a mid-size congregation, and one of the largest contingents from a congregation of any size!
Our congregation has set the bar for being a community whose members generously share themselves with others since its inception. Learn more about Tikkun Olam here.
BROTHERHOOD
Join the Brotherhood and experience the fraternity of Congregation Etz Chaim men. The group serves many social, philanthropic, religious, and community needs. Enjoy fun, Judaic, and community-based activities. You’ll experience friendship, camaraderie, fellowship, and support. At its core, the Brotherhood enhances the lives of self-identified men at Congregation Etz Chaim. Join us!
SISTERHOOD
The Etz Chaim Sisterhood provides a place for self-identified women of all ages and stages to enrich their lives through programs that encourage the pursuit of Jewish values and communal learning. Members are able to share meaningful moments, ideas, and experiences. Fundamentally, the Sisterhood is about nurturing strong relationships with other self-identified women. That’s done through various events throughout the year.
MID-LIFE ADVENTURES CLUB
The Etz Chaim Sisterhood provides a place for self-identified women of all ages and stages to enrich their lives through programs that encourage the pursuit of Jewish values and communal learning. Members are able to share meaningful moments, ideas, and experiences. Fundamentally, the Sisterhood is about nurturing strong relationships with other self-identified women. That’s done through various events throughout the year.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Aimed at congregants in their 20s to 40s, the Young Professionals Group offers a chance to socialize with Jewish peers. The group strengthens the bonds between young professionals by engaging in fun activities once a month such as karaoke, WhirlyBall, hiking, and more!
YOUTH GROUP
We strongly believe that children have to enjoy coming to the synagogue or they simply won’t come. We’ve planned our activities accordingly and as a result, our young people continue their involvement with Etz Chaim well past their bar/bat mitzvah, through confirmation, and beyond. We have Junior and Senior Youth Groups, Kadimah, B'yachad, Junior Choir, summer day camps for young children, Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) summer camp in Wisconsin for older children, Israel trips supported by the Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Partnership (SKIP) program, and outreach to our students away at college. The youth groups also take part in congregational family programs, mitzvah projects, and social action programs.
SENIORS
It’s well-established that seniors tend to feel lonely, but that’s not the case for Etz Chaim congregants! The Seniors Group gives participants the opportunity to learn, connect, and socialize with people in their age group (older than 50).
We have a “Lunch ‘n Learn” on the third Wednesday of the month where optional bagels and lox are served followed by a presentation, documentary, movie, or discussion. Other programs have included the following:
- Field trips to the Milwaukee Jewish Museum and the Oriental Institute in Hyde Park
- Jewish music concerts
- Legacy writing
- Movie screenings
View our calendar for upcoming events and also join us by emailing cec.seniors@congetzchaim.org or by calling the synagogue office at 630.627.3912.
