Gan Yisroel Florida Brings Joy to Senior Communities

This summer, campers from Gan Yisroel Florida Girls Overnight Camp had the unique opportunity to visit Jewish senior communities across South Palm Beach and North Broward counties — an experience that warmed hearts, bridged generations, and left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Chabad for Seniors, directed by Rabbi Eli and Shira Wajsbort — who also lead the Gan Yisroel Florida Girls Overnight Camp — organizes these visits each year.

Upon arrival, the campers joined the seniors in davening, infusing the room with youthful energy and sincerity. The program continued with lively skits, heartfelt poems, and beautiful songs, along with inspiring Torah thoughts and personal stories shared by the girls.

The visits always began with introductions. Campers proudly shared their names, where they were from, and something special about themselves. In return, seniors shared their Jewish names and meaningful memories, creating an instant bond.

Although decades apart in age, the campers and seniors found much to share and teach each other. Through warm conversations and lighthearted interviews, they exchanged summer stories, discussed meaningful ideas, and discovered how much they had in common.

The atmosphere was electric with simcha and connection. One resident commented, “The campers coming is my therapy for the year. They teach me the true joy of being Jewish.”

Another participant, Lori, reminisced about her own childhood camp days and, with a smile, declared that she wanted to “sign up as a counselor.” She concluded by giving heartfelt brachos to the girls for the rest of the summer and the coming year.

For many campers, these visits became a highlight of their summer — a cherished time to connect with “bubbys and zeidies,” receive their encouragement, and share their own Torah knowledge and experiences. To show appreciation for the tremendous effort and heart they put into these visits, the campers are rewarded afterward with a special trip to Wawa or 7-Eleven for Slurpees — a sweet treat to end a sweet mitzvah.

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Help ensure that programs like these continue to inspire and connect our community’s seniors by participating in the Chabad for Seniors Summer Raffle, with tickets starting at just $36 and prizes including $10,000 cash, a MacBook Air, trips to New York or Israel, and more; the raffle closes Monday, August 18 at 11:59 PM (EST), with the drawing on August 20, 2025—join today at ChabadSeniors.com