This past Sunday, Camp L’man Achai had the extraordinary privilege of hosting Chaplain Major Rabbi Shlomo Goldfarb, a heroic figure who recently completed nearly 600 days of active duty in the Israel Defense Forces following the events of October 7th. His visit was nothing short of electrifying for the campers, who were deeply moved and inspired by his firsthand accounts of courage, faith, and unwavering dedication to Yiddishkeit on the front lines.
Rabbi Goldfarb’s connection to the camp began last summer through his son Mendel, a devoted staff member who built strong bonds with his campers, kept in touch with them throughout the year, and even continued giving shiurim. Mendel’s impact made such an impression that when the local shliach told Rabbi Goldfarb about the incredible dedication of the camp’s staff, he decided he had to see it for himself.
Currently on a lecture tour throughout the U.S., Rabbi Goldfarb spent this past Shabbos in Deal, New Jersey, before heading to Camp L’man Achai to share his extraordinary experiences with the boys.
He spoke about his unique role in the IDF, ensuring that the religious needs of soldiers were met—even during combat. From putting up mezuzahs on army bases to performing weddings, brissim, and pidyon haben ceremonies under the most extreme circumstances, Rabbi Goldfarb’s stories brought tears to the eyes of many listeners.
One particularly powerful story involved a base where he and his team installed 35 new mezuzahs. Later that very same day, the base suffered a direct drone strike by Hezbollah. Miraculously, no one was hurt and no serious damage occurred. In another instance, his community gifted a Sefer Torah to the army. Though the base that housed it was destroyed in a subsequent attack, a Sefer Torah remained almost completely untouched—a clear sign of Divine protection.
Rabbi Goldfarb shared tales of printing the Tanya for the first time ever in Lebanon and Syria, lighting menorahs across war zones, and celebrating Jewish life in even the harshest conditions. One soldier asked him what to do about his wedding plans when war broke out—so Rabbi Goldfarb married him and his kallah right on the base. Another soldier couldn’t leave the battlefield for his newborn son’s bris or pidyon haben—so Rabbi Goldfarb brought the ceremonies to him, using creative halachic solutions to ensure mitzvos were still fulfilled.
The campers sat spellbound. One camper, visibly emotional, raised his hand and said, “Rabbi, I want to hug you. I’m so proud of you.” The two embraced, a moment filled with Jewish pride and achdus. Rabbi Goldfarb shared military patches and even gifted his personal IDF cap and green tzitzis to campers who accepted hachlatos, such as wearing tzitzis every day or putting on tefillin regularly.
The entire experience left a powerful impact. Many campers lined up afterward to get his autograph, ask questions, and express their admiration. The air was electric with inspiration and pride in being Jewish.
Later that evening, Rabbi Goldfarb continued his tour with a stop at Camp Emunah, spreading his message of strength and emunah wherever he goes.
If you’d like to bring Rabbi Goldfarb to speak at your Chabad House, community center, or organization, please call Chaya at 347-798-5308
Best Head counselor ever!!!!!
kudos to all involved
He’s amazing! Best teacher I ever had