This past Shabbos, Camp Gan Israel Parksville, New York, under the directorship of Rabbi Yossi Futerfas, hosted Rabbi Yossi Lew, Shliach to Peachtree, Georgia.
Rabbi Lew, who served as head counselor in Camp Gan Israel in 5746 (1986), shared many memories of his time in Gan Israel. A special moment he shared was when the camp traveled to the Rebbe for Chof Av. He recalled when the Rebbe gave him and Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov, executive director of the camp, dollars for the entire camp.
The visit was part of a greater initiative in honor of the 70th summer of camp, founded by the Rebbe in 5716 (1956), to bring head counselor alumni for Shabbosim to add an extra boost of chayus to the camp, staff, and campers alike.
“Rabbi Lew’s presence brought a tremendous chayus to camp. An extraordinary way to kick off the 70th summer. The campers and staff were all very hyped up!” The head staff commented.
From the moment Rabbi Lew arrived on the grounds of Gan Yisroel, the head staff kept him busy with a full schedule.
During Kabolos Shabbos, Rabbi Lew started off Shabbos with a passionate message to the campers about the tremendous zchus that each camper has to be in the Rebbe’s camp. Rabbi Lew then continued to share memories from the summer he served as head counselor. He concluded that it’s the duty of every camper to look out for each other with love, as the Rebbe showed to each and every person.
As Rabbi Lew passionately addressed the camp, there wasn’t a sound in the Shul as the campers were completely captivated by his words of inspiration.
Later, Rabbi Lew addressed the camp again during the meal. Drawing comparisons between the 70th summer of camp and the period in Lubavitch when the Rebbe turned 70 years old in 1972. The unprecedented growth of Lubavitch then, and what is demanded from each camper as camp reaches such a momentous milestone.
His address culminated with the entire camp breaking out to the niggun of “Becho Hashem Chosisi”, the niggun which was composed in honor of the Rebbe’s 70th birthday.
On Shabbos afternoon, Rabbi Lew Farbrenged for the Bar Mitzva Division (BMD). After addressing them, the campers were given the opportunity to ask questions. The campers took full advantage to ask a variety of questions about the Rebbe’s historic visits to camp and concepts in hiskashrus in general.
Following that, Rabbi Lew sat with the staff for a Farbrengen in the camp’s guest dining room, sharing with them beautiful stories and highlights from his time as a bochur with the Rebbe. As the Farbrengen carried on, the room filled up as the staff were taking in Rabbi Lew’s words of inspiration.
As Shabbos was drawing to a close, the staff enjoyed a beautiful seder niggunim with Rabbi Lew, where he shared various anecdotes connected to the soul-stirring niggunim.
After Havdala, Rabbi Lew addressed the staff at the Melava Malka, instilling within them the tremendous responsibility that they all carry.
His visit made a huge impression on camp and was extended another invitation for later on this summer.
I was hoping to see a picture of him from mem-vov!
As a camper that summer, would be amazing if someone has pics or video from that summer. If sent to col I’m sure the editor would post to this article.
BH
Harav Avraham Gerlitzky, Harav Zushe Winner, Harav Itchik Rivkin, Harav Binyomin Scheiman, shey, etc. Go way back! They have great stories to tell!
Hatzlocho.
This is a wonderful article I am a member of Rabbi Lew’s shul in Peachtree city ga. I get the pleasure of seeing him every shabbos davening and listening to his wonderful meaningful stories. I’m sure the campers were quite inspired by Rabbi Lew being there.