An Account of the Rebbe’s Visit to Camp Gan Israel

After coming to America in 1941, the Rebbe spent every single day working tirelessly on behalf of the Jewish people from his office in 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn.

On only three occasions did he leave New York City limits, each time to visit Camp Gan Israel in the Catskill Mountains, NY.

Today is the anniversary of the first time the Rebbe visited Camp Gan Israel, on 16 Tammuz, 5716. The two subsequent visits were on 15 Tammuz, 5717 and 15 Tammuz, 5720.

The third visit was on Sunday, 15 Tammuz. The Rebbe left in the early afternoon from 770 to visit two summer camps – Camp Gan Israel and Camp Emunah. Seated in the car were also Rabbis Kazarnovsky and Hodakov, Reb Shmuel Levitin, Rabbi Leibel Groner, and Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, who drove.

Upon their arrival at Camp Gan Israel, then located in Swan Lake, NY, at 4:00 p.m., the entire camp, as well as the large crowd that had come especially for the occasion, came out to greet the Rebbe. The grounds were adorned with signs proclaiming ‘Baruch Haba’ and ‘Yechi Hamelech Adoneinu Moreinu V’Rabbeinu Shlita.’ The children were lined up in orderly fashion by bunks. The Rebbe exited the car, stood up on the running board, and vigorously encouraged the singing of “Ufaratzta” with the wave of his hand.

The Rebbe then walked through the entire campgrounds, visiting the buildings and sports fields, escorted by the camp directorship—Rabbis Yossi Weinbaum (director); Moshe Lazar (head counselor); Asher Heber; Simcha Bunim Piekarski (assistant head counselor), and Rabbi Avraham Shemtov (general director). The Rebbe had requested for all the doors to be open, so that he could get into each room. Indeed, the Rebbe visited every single room without exception! When they got to the bunkhouses, each camper stood at attention by his bed. The Rebbe mentioned the need for sinks in each area, for netilas yadayim.

Upon reaching one bunkhouse’s corridor after passing through all the rooms, the Rebbe noted that three rooms did not have mezuzos, and pointed out each door. All the bunks were clean and organized, and this pleased the Rebbe very much. Upon reaching the watchman’s room, however, the Rebbe was surprised to find a closed door, and said he’d like to take a peek. The walls were splotted with paint, and the words “zecher lechurban” were painted on the ceiling. Upon seeing the lettering the Rebbe smiled and remarked: “Why ‘zecher lechurban?!’ ‘Zecher lemikdash!’”

When the Rebbe expressed his wish to go down to the basement of one of the buildings, the staff explained that no one goes down there. Nonetheless, the Rebbe persisted. After going down the Rebbe reasoned that because a child may wander down there, it’s important that everything is safe, including the stairs which needed repair. All throughout the visit, the Rebbe showed much interest in every detail. Upon reaching the monkey bars, the Rebbe asked what exactly they were for. The Rebbe showed a special interest in everything related to the children’s comfort and wellbeing. Upon seeing the swings and slides, the Rebbe mentioned that it may be a good idea to add more such playgrounds. After proceeding to the lake, the Rebbe pointed out the need for proper safety precautions, including competent lifeguards. The Rebbe also mentioned the importance of tipping the waiters.

Watch:
Footage of the Rebbe’s third visit to the camp on 15 Tammuz, 5720 – July 10, 1960. Narrated by Rabbi Tzvi Telsner, a camper at the time.

In 5756 – 1996, a celebration was held to mark Camp Gan Israel’s 40th anniversary. In attendance were camp director Rabbi Avraham Shemtov and the camp’s founder Rabbi Moshe Lazar. Singer Avraham Fried performed a song composed by Yossi Deren about the Rebbe’s historic visit to the camp and the Rebbe’s comments to the Directors and Staff and the camp’s impact.

Following the visit to Camp Gan Israel, the Rebbe visited the girls’ camp, Camp Emunah. Despite the late hour, the Rebbe held a short visit in the camp, inspecting only one bunkhouse. The Rebbe also spoke to the campers.

Standing on the porch of the main building, with all the girls present, lined up by bunk, the Rebbe said: “Today is the yahrtzeit of the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar. This has a special connection to Jewish girls, for as is known, he wrote his commentary on Chumash based on the lessons he gave his daughters (he only had daughters) every Friday night. He would then transcribe his commentary, from which the Pirush Ohr Hachaim al haTorah was published. Each of you must learn from this that it’s not enough to educate yourselves in the proper way, rather, you should also try and influence others.”

At the visit’s end, the Rebbe left a stack of dollar bills with the camp’s director, Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Hecht, in order to distribute them to the head staff.

AUDIO: Recording of The Rebbe’s Home (Every Day, Every Hour) by Levi Sasonkin

Lyrics for Gan Yisroel NY 5756 – 40 years:
(Tune of Klimovitcher Niggun (Nichoach 2/2/3)

The Rebbe gives a message out, he’s leaving 770
His destination Gan Yisroel, with chassidim following
Throughout his years of holy work, he never takes a moment’s rest
To see his camp, precious hours on the road he spends

The Rebbe shows his concern for every little thing
“Keep the lake safe, tip the waiters, add another swing—
For a healthy guf will make a healthier neshamah
With warmth of chassidus we will be like one mishpachah”

Every day, every hour, in the Rebbe’s care
Every camper is his child whom he holds so dear
I learn and play in Gan Yisroel, in the Rebbe’s home
He’ll surely see to it that as his chossid I will grow

In years bygone, Lubavitch was the cradle of chassidim
Now the grounds of Gan Yisroel carry on this mission
Until the day we’ll greet Moshiach very speedily
Proudly marching as his soldiers on to victory