Entire Camp Travels to New York

A tradition which began in 5736 took on new heights this past Shabbos at the Rebbe’s Ohel. Year after year Camp Gan Yisroel would visit the Rebbe on Chof Av even when it fell out on Shabbos, often joining a Farbrengen or participating in a rally.

The Rebbe’s strong encouragement and affection created a spirited atmosphere in 770 and resounded within the camp.

The Head Staff and directorship of Gan Yisroel Detroit, Michigan resolved that this year be no different. They yearned to imbue the campers with a tangible sense of closeness to the Rebbe which can only be achieved in the Rebbe’s presence.

A trip like this would certainly cause the Rebbe tremendous Nachas, as was glowingly evident before Gimmel Tammuz.

From the onset of the second session of camp, the camp began gearing up for the upcoming journey. Every part of camp was imbued with the idea “az Chassidim foren tzum Rebin!” Intensity and enthusiasm pervaded each Davening, Bentching, Learning Class and activity. An upbeat song was composed to express the intense mix of emotions this trip evoked, which swiftly became the only melody on everyone’s lips.

A short hour before the buses rolled out to their 12 hour journey, Rabbi Shaul Wilhelm, head Shliach of Norway, spoke passionately to the camp, recounting his experiences as a camper and staff member who had spent Chof Av with the Rebbe.

The Busses roared energetically with the excitement of being the pioneering group of campers to spend a Shabbos at the Rebbe’s Ohel. The campers were also treated to luxurious amenities and scrumptious meals.

Following a refreshing cleansing made possible through the generosity of Mikva Meir, the campers packed 770 for a resounding Shacharis.
Campers had an opportunity to stretch their legs during a “swim & gym” at Oholei Torah Y.

The campers were treated to a rare opportunity to visit the Rebbe’s house and Davened Mincha there. Mincha concluded with the lively singing of “Ksiva V’chasima Tova”, a niggun Gan Yisroel Detroit sung in front of the Rebbe in the exact same spot in the year 5748. Rabbi Yosef B. Friedman graciously allowed the campers to exit through the rear of the house, enabling them to catch a glimpse of the Rebbe’s kitchen, dining room and more.

A short time before Shabbos the campers settled into their accommodations courtesy of Rabbi Gedaliya Shemtov, and prepared to enter the Rebbe’s Ohel.

The campers participated in a short rally, and entered the Ohel for the first time as a united camp body.

A complete camp Shabbos unfolded in the atmosphere of the Rebbe’s Daled Amos. Tefilos, meals and Farbrengens in the Rebbe’s presence reverberated with energy, leaving the campers invigorated with Chayus.

Throughout Shabbos an assortment of Shluchim including Rabbis Yosef Gopin, Hershel Spalter, Dovid Dubov, Elkana Shmotkin and others addressed the camp, enthrallingly arousing the campers to the Zechus they embody by spending this pioneering Shabbos Chof Av at the Ohel.

Shabbos concluded on a high note, with a festive Melave Malka, game show, and dance night hosted at Chabad of the Five Towns made possible of Rabbis Zalman Wolowik and Meir Geisinsky.

As the campers boarded the Buses for the return leg of their journey, it was clear to behold an indelible sense of “Der Rebbe Lebt” had penetrated each camper.

As camper Menachem Berkowitz put it: “…During the Shabbos meal I wanted to spend a few private moments with the Rebbe. I took a few minutes to go into the Ohel alone and tell the Rebbe the words of this years color war song; “Rebbe Im yours, were your guarantors to march forward and bring victory…”!