By Rabbi Mendel Duchman – Los Angeles California
This past Shabbos at Camp Emunah is one I will cherish for the rest of my life.
As I sat in the main dining room, of Camp Emunah, surrounded by the sounds of spirited zemiros, heartfelt tefillos, and the laughter of hundreds of Yiddishe Kinderlach, I kept finding my eyes drawn to a newly hung portrait on the wall — the portrait of my late mother-in-law, Rebbetzin Chava Hecht, of blessed memory.
There she was — ‘the Mommy of us all,’ now watching over Camp Emunah in a new way — silently, lovingly, eternally. Every time our eyes met throughout Shabbos, I couldn’t help but tear up. It was a flood of mixed emotions: sadness, of course, that she’s no longer with us in the physical world… but also a deep happiness — knowing that from her place in Gan Eden, she’s surely smiling as she watches her life’s work continue.
For over seven decades, she dedicated herself to building and nurturing this holy place — lifting up thousands of girls, helping them blossom into proud Bnos Yisroel and Bnos Chabad, and now, so many years later, her legacy is still alive and thriving. This Shabbos, I witnessed it firsthand — girls singing with all their heart, davening with sincerity, learning with enthusiasm, dancing with pure joy. It was like watching the next chapter of her story unfold before my very eyes.
Like so many parents and grandparents, I often worry about the future of our children in today’s complicated world. Will they hold on to their values? Will they remain strong in their Yiddishkeit amid all the noise and confusion around them?
But being at Emunah gave me something powerful: emunah. Real, tangible faith. This camp — and everything it represents — is living proof that the future is not only intact, it’s brilliant. The spirit here is contagious. The chinuch is alive. The atmosphere is holy.
What an exhilarating Shabbos it was. Uplifting. Emotional. Unforgettable.
Our dear Rebbe is proud.
Thank you, Rebbetzin Hecht, for everything you gave us.
Thank you for being a spiritual mother to so many.
Thank you for being the best Shviger in the world.
We miss you.
We feel you.
And we continue walking proudly in your path.
what inspiring words rabbi Duchman
I remember those days with rebbitzen Hecht in the room on shabbas
There’s no doubt that ‘the Mommy of us all’ is schepping tremendous amounts of Nachas as she looks down from Gan Eden at all the beautiful campers, counselors and camp staff and sees them and hears them davening, bentching etc… there’s no doubt that her Neshama is literally soring higher and higher…. aliyah after aliyah…
In the merit of the *increased* unity and Ahavas Yisroel (*especially* during the 3 weeks), may the Eibershter take us ALL out of Golus and may we be reunited with “the Mommy of us all” – speedily. NOW!
Well said…. and if i may add, my father worked for Rabbi Hecht for many years. He was a ball and fire of energy, while his Rebitzen was quiet and unassuming….but together they rocked the Jewish world with so many activities and institutions. thier memory is an eternal legacy.
His family children and grandchildren continue in thier ways….
R’ Mendel Duchman is himself an iconic figure in L.A doing so much for Yididhkeit. May you go from stregnth to stregnth…thanks for a beautiful article
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THANK YOU MENDEL FOR THAKING THE TIME TO SHARE THESE BEAUTIFUL HEARTFELT SENTIMENTS THAT SO MANY FEEL!!! Continued brocha and hatzlocha to all those dedicated to keep rabbi smrs hecht’s work alive!!!!
Yes I still remember the time that we used to pass by and we got a dollar from Rebbetzin hect That was donated by a Doner or something like that. It was so nice that she smiled at everybody and was so nice. Please post more about this camp and pictures would love to see🩷
Proud Emunah girl
Yes, I too spoke to the counselors last week and felt the same excitement and devotion !!!
Emunah is alive and thriving. Bubby Hecht is shepping much nachas!!!
-Rabbi Aaron Raskin