Gan Israel Toronto Marks Chof Av

To commemorate the 70 years since the Histalkus of Harav Levi Yitzchok in 5704, and mark the upcoming 50th Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chana in 5725, Vov Tishrei, Camp Gan Israel Toronto published a fact-filled pictorial album.

The album, titled Album HaYovel, contains some fifty spots for photographs, and offered the campers the opportunity to become familiar with the legendary and inspirational life of the Rebbe’s parents.

The historical and biographical sketch of Harav Levi Yitzchok and Rebbetzin Chana, was written, edited, and designed by dedicated staff members. Each camper was gifted the album and afforded the opportunity to collect and fill the album with the photos they earn.

In honor of Chof Av, CGI Toronto invited the CIT bunk from Lubavitch Day Camp for a Shabbos experience at Camp Gan Israel. For some boys it was their 1st Shabbos spent in a total Shabbisdik environment.

“We are proud of all the CGI campers who welcomed the guests and especially the sensitivity of the campers who ‘purchased’ an Aliya for some of the visitors, by committing to studying Mishnayis B’aal Peh,” said the camp director.

The camp Mashpia, Rabbi Menachem Schechter of Chicago had the campers spell bound as he related stories of Harav Levi Yitzchok and underscored the lesson to us. The uplifting spirit continued after Seudas Shabbos during the staff Farbrengen which lasted until Mincha.

The prevailing Shabbos atmosphere was consistent with the Rebbe’s request in a footnote in a letter dated Motzei Tisha B’Av 5744 where the Rebbe notes, “It is my obligation and Zchus to propose and request that the day (20 Menachem Av) be dedicated to Harav Levi Yitzchok’s Torah and Farbrengen.”

The album is honored to feature unique and historic photos from Jewish Educational Media’s Living Archive photo collection.