A letter from a thankful TorahMate.
Hi,
This was the first Torahmates retreat I went to, as well as the first time I met my Torahmate. I came away with some very good feelings.
Inspiration, ahavas yisrael, chizuk and a first-hand glimpse of the success of Oorah.
I will begin at the very basic, the grounds. The location is set amid pastoral hills and quaint villages. Beautiful and comfortable accommodations, spacious new shul, elegant dining areas and modern recreation facilities all provide a perfect setting for a serene frame of mind. The food was delicious and very plentiful.
Having been to Oorah camp in the past, this was all unsurprising and de riguer to me. What was most impressive to me was something that brings to mind the words of the Navi: Lo bechayil velo bekoach ki im beruchi, amar Hashem Tzvakos. Not the spectacular physical accoutrements but the unique spirit and atmosphere.
This special aura was composed of many elements. The unity displayed among various groups, ashkenazim sefardim, chasidim and non-chasidim, was absolutely beautiful. I haven’t heard a real sefardi musaf recently and it was a treat. The debates and presentations were engrossing and well-rounded. Rav Chaim Mintz’s unmatched erudition shines in the ‘Ask the Rabbi’ session. Rabbis Forster, Josephson, Boim, Rosenberg, Kornblau and Danon were each stars, all giving sharp and insightful comments and stories tempered with good humor. Rabbi Louie Friedman teaches us all to take the famous maxim of ‘don’t take yourself too seriously’ very seriously, with his inimitable style and joie de vivre. The enthusiastic singing and dancing, be it at the seudos or at kabbolas shabbos, were a true delight to the soul. The wonderful climb up the mountain was an experience that really set the tone for the whole shabbos. We are all climbing together, in unison, reaching for higher levels. The packed shul during Torahmate learning sessions was surely noted in Heaven with pleasure. The camaraderie and easygoing exchanges among all the participants were a blessing and an inspiration. Hearing from a fellow yid who just started keeping shabbos and immediately is faced with a test; a client wants a big order delivered on shabbos. This seemingly simple jew turns down the job, showing his true heroic nature. A young man from Arkansas fights against apathy and ignorance to make a Jewish life far from any communal support system.
For me personally the retreat was significant because I was able to meet my chavrusa of 5 years, Oscar, for the first time. Credit for this goes to Rabbi Louie Friedman, my able coordinator, who lit the spark and inspired Oscar to make the journey from his hometown of McAllen, Texas. Traveling over 2 days, with 2 stopovers, 1 cancelled flight and ending with a long drive from Laguardia Airport, Oscar definitely takes the Roadwarrior Award for the event. Rabbi Friedman tirelessly coordinated, transported and hosted Oscar, all the while working his magic and campaigning to get Oscar’s granddaughters to attend The Zone. Without the unflagging spirit of Rabbi Friedman, Oscar would not have been able to make the trip. I shmoozed with Oscar at leisure over shabbos, and learned many times with him as well and we both came away with a greater appreciation and commitment to keep learning and growing.
For all that and more I thank you all!
From Fiveish to the Rebbetzins: All About Oorah 
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