Patron Tours Toronto Camp

By COLlive staff

Canadians celebrate July 1st as Canada day, while the 4th of July remains a regular working day, but Mr. Sidney Spiegel was pleased he took the day off and flew up with his wife Naomi to visit the fledgling Camp Gan Israel in Haliburton, Ontario.

As the primary patrons of the newly developed site they were overwhelmed by the incredible spirit and enthusiasm of the campers. So too, the spacious dining room and state-of-the-art kitchen were beyond their expectations. Arriving during breakfast, the campers welcomed them with cheer and a hearty Bruchim Habaim.

In his welcoming remarks, Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, the Head Shliach of Ontario, noted that this year is precisely 300 since the Baal Shem Tov at the tender age of 14, began to promulgate his novel insight of what constitutes genuine Ahavas Yisroel.

That year “Tof Ayin Bais” was coined Tavo Alecha Bracha. Hence, Rabbi Grossbaum extrapolated, “since Gan Israel is named in honor of the Baal Shem, the added Shin (300) makes provisions to recognize this inaugural year of our camp Gan Israel as ‘Tavo Shama Alaichem Bracha.'”

“In merit of the Baal Shem Tov, let there be much Bracha in his newly dedicated northern ‘garden’,” he said.

In expressing his delight, Mr. Spiegel said that “it’s quite obvious that counselors and campers are having a wonderful summer, invigorating for the body while nurturing the soul. This is only a begining of a facility which we intend to enhance year after year.”

Before taking a tour of the site, bunkhouses and lakefront, Mr. Spiegel was honored to affix a Mezuzah at the main entrance to the dining hall and the Shul building. While there is still room for the August boys session, the girls session is full to capacity.