A Transformation In My Shlichus I Didn’t Expect

By Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov

As a Shliach, I’ve been privileged to witness varying moments of growth in our community. But there are some experiences that stand out as truly remarkable, moments that remind us why we do what we do.

One such moment came last summer when a family from our small community sent their son to CKids Gan Israel Overnight Camp. What followed was an experience that impacted the child and his family, and by extension our entire shlichus. And therefore, I feel compelled to share this story with my fellow shluchim, because if it could happen here, it can happen anywhere.

Like many communities outside the major Jewish centers, ours is very small and spread across a large geographic area. One family, let’s call them the Cohens, moved here about ten years ago and immediately got involved in everything we offered: Shabbos services, holiday programs and events, and eventually as their kids got a little older, Hebrew school.

Given the size of our community and the relatively few Jewish children here, the Cohen children inevitably started outgrowing what we were able to offer them. Of course, they continued attending regularly, and eventually they left the public schools and began commuting to the nearest Jewish day school.

When summer approached, and I learned about the CKids Gan Israel overnight programs, I knew instinctively that this could be meaningful for their oldest son, Yonah. These camps embody the authentic Gan Israel spirit, delivering the very 24/7 overnight experience the Rebbe spoke about so often as the irreplaceable core of Jewish summer camp. Yet they are also designed to reach children from our style communities, kids from families who started taking their first real steps but are missing the feeling of real Jewish camaraderie. The camps are run by fellow shluchim who understand exactly what those families need.

I was well aware of the potential impact such a summer could have; I’d seen it before in other settings. So, I figured I’d try my luck and mention it to the family, and they were open to the idea. The camp staff was an absolute pleasure to work with, and before long, Yonah was packed and on his way.

What happened next was nothing short of incredible.

In just two short weeks, the camp accomplished what might have taken me years to achieve on my own. Yonah returned with a light in his eyes I hadn’t seen before. He spoke excitedly about late-night “farbrengens,” learning sessions that connected him to Jewish studies in ways no Hebrew school session ever could, and, of course, the absolute blast of the activities, trips, and nonstop fun. More importantly, he came home with a quiet confidence in his Yiddishkeit that has stayed with him ever since.

The change in his parents was equally profound. Inspired by their son’s enthusiasm, they began feeling a sense of shlichus themselves. Their warmth drew in other families who had been on the periphery, creating a ripple effect that strengthened our entire community. One family’s deeper connection led to others following suit, bringing new energy and support to our Hebrew school and programming. In a small-town shlichus like ours, that kind of organic growth feels like a genuine gift from Above.

Fellow shluchim, we all know how vital Jewish summer camp can be in shaping a child’s identity and sparking lasting commitment. CKids Gan Israel carries that legacy forward in a way that resonates deeply with our communities. This year CKids has launched a meaningful new initiative: a $1,000 grant for first-time campers attending an affiliated Gan Israel overnight camp in 2026.

Applications open January 15, 2026 at ckids.org/camp. This grant removes one of the largest barriers families face and opens the door for more children to have the kind of transformative experience Yonah did.

If there’s a family in your community showing even a glimmer of interest, I encourage you to try your luck. Walk them through the process and partner with one of the wonderful CKids Gan Israel camps. One camper can truly change a family. One family can strengthen an entire community.

Let’s make this summer special for as many children as possible.

Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov is a shliach in Northwest Indiana.