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Congregational Retreat 2019

Friday, January 18, 2019 12 Sh'vat 5779

6:00 PM - 12:00 PM 1 day afterOSRUI

Register

Derech Eretz - Won't You Be My Neighbor?

The Way We Conduct Ourselves as Mensches in the World

Friday, January 18–Sunday, January 20, 2019
OSRUI (Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute), 600 Lac La Belle Dr., Oconomowoc, WI 53066

“It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?... Please won’t you be my neighbor?” – Fred Rogers

Ask anyone who’s been to our congregational retreat, and their face will light up in joy and excitement as they tell you about their experience. From young to young at heart, everyone feels a part of the neighborly community and comes away with deeper connections to each other and their Jewish identity.

Enjoy Shabbat services together on Friday evening and Saturday morning, along with wonderful community meals that are a perfect time to make new acquaintances and new friends. There will be activities for all ages to enjoy, including sledding (weather permitting) and a team trivia contest after Havdalah on Saturday evening.

This year we’ll be bringing not only Jewish wisdom, but also the wisdom of Mr. Rogers through our theme of “Derech Eretz—Won't You Be My Neighbor? The Way We Conduct Ourselves as Mensches in the World.” Derech eretz literally means “the way of the world” but is understood to be a moral code to inform our behavior.

If you've been looking for ways to begin building those new relationships and connecting with the TBE community, the retreat is an excellent place to start. Coming to Temple for services, Religious School, or any other activity is much more enjoyable when you see friendly faces and people who know your name. The retreat is also also a great way to get familiar with the OSRUI camp facilities. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

All meals, activities, and lodging included. It’s one of the least expensive all-inclusive weekends you'll ever have! The retreat begins at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 18, and ends at 12:00 noon on Sunday, January 20. Come for the whole weekend or just Saturday.

Children ages 8 or older are invited to stay overnight in youth housing (Health Center building), very close to the adult and younger kids sleeping quarters. The building has multiple dorm-like rooms each with bunk beds that sleep 4 to 8 kids and gender-neutral single-stall bathrooms with showering facilities. Adult chaperones will also be staying overnight with the children/teens in this building.

Register by December 9th to be entered in a drawing for up to a $200 credit toward your retreat registration as our Hanukkah gift to one lucky winner.

Contact Aleeza A. Hoffert, Director of Community Engagement with questions, engage@tbemadison.org or 608-467-3243.

Registration fees:

Adult staying overnight in double occupancy room* $200

Adult requesting own room overnight* $265

Child age 7 or younger staying in parents' room overnight* $98

Child age 8 or older staying in children’s housing overnight* $98

Child age 8 or older staying in double occupancy room overnight* $200

Adult (age 13+) Saturday only $75

Child (under 13) Saturday only $45

*Please note the overnight cost is the same whether you stay for one or two nights.

Please contact Stefanie Kushner at finance@tbemadison.org if you need to make financial arrangements.

Include yourself and all adults and youth. Please include those coming for the day only as well as those staying overnight. 

Please fill out information for each individual attending the retreat

Please let us know, by selecting from the options below, if this person is coming for the day or staying over night. If staying over night, please let us know their preferred sleeping arrangements. 

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The retreat is made possible through lots of volunteers pitching in advance and throughout the weekend.

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July 10, 2025 14 Tammuz 5785