By COLlive reporter
The 10th Annual Empowerment Breakfast of Ulster County Chabad, in association with the Ellenville Jewish community, took place Sunday, July 22, in Ellenville, NY.
Jews from Upstate New York joined elected and law enforcement officials to honor Rebbetzin Chave Hecht for her 60 years of leadership.
The crowd of 200 gathered at Chabad of Ulster County to recognize the work of Rebbetzin Hecht, who along with her husband Rabbi JJ Hecht, founded Camp Emunah for Chabad girls in Greenfield Park 60 years ago, under the direction of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
The event MC, Rabbi Yitzchok Hecht – Shliach to Ulster County, NY, began with a siyum for the 9 days, explaining that a Siyum is a way to turn dark days to joy.
Rabbi Shua Hecht, newly appointed Shliach of Ellenville, then led the crowd with reciting tehillim.
Rebbetzin Hecht was presented with an award by her son, Rabbi Levi Hecht of Camp Emunah staff.
Rebbetzin Hecht was honored by NY State Assemblymen, County Legislators and County Chair, local Congressmen, local Comptrollers and Town Supervisors and the Ellenville Mayor. Staff and campers from Emunah’s early years were in attendance as well.
One young girl related how Camp Emunah changed her life, and the life of her family, bringing them all closer to Judaism as a result of her camp experience.
Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, Director of Beth Rivkah Schools for Girls and fellow Camp Director of Camp Gan Israel of Parksville, NY, spoke about the dedication of Rebbetzin Hecht, a pioneer in Chabad girls education from the beginning.
“Rebbetzin Hecht was one of Bais Rivkah’s two founding teachers,” he said. “Perhaps that is why she has merited to affect and change the lives of so many thousands of girls throughout the years.”
Mazal Tov Mazal Tov So well deserved, arichas yomim veshonim toivois, Koach geez unit and nachas.
That was Chana lerner!!! Go Chana!!!
My daughter came home from Teen Camp — first trip totally enthused, My eldest grand daughter also returned home to CT telling me she loved camp and misses camp so much. Tante Chave you and your children and grandchildren are bli a”h the very best!
–Yehoshua of Norwalk CT
Rabbi Shem tov wow!
Tante Chava you should run for Governer!
Eli belly.
It was so nice to see bubby Hecht (with the orange shaytel) on COL getting an award for all of her amazing work! We love you bubby! Love your eineklach the Feller family!
A well deserved honor to a unique woman who does everything with Hartz. In all our years of sending various children to all kinds of camps, Rebbitzen Hecht stands out as a mentch to deal with. From your fans in Pittsburgh (A.B. parents)
levi levi he’s our man if he can’t do it, lachie can!!!! T-C-S!!! TC’S ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!
go shushu (shua) hecht the best carpentry person in the world
a tc from first trip
Shmuel and Rochel Kaplan & Family
Maryland
well deserved award
Mazel Tov on this amazing milestone. May you continue to be an example of inspiration for many years to come. We are proud to share a beautiful great grandchild with you.
From your nephew ……… Guess who?
so nice.
Rebetzin Hwcht is that rare individual, who exemplifies the true chasidisha woman. She is totally to doing the Rebbes shlichus, strong and courageous yet at the same time kind and compassionate. Her care and concern for every camper is legendary. I am an educator and have personally observed her consideration for the child that others
May seem to have forgotten or ignored.
I am not a family or staff member but I believe that she is owed a great debt by our community and we should be the ones to present her with honors and awards