For two unforgettable weeks, Released Time brought waves of excitement, learning, and inspiration with its action-packed day camps during the school vacation.
The camps welcomed 200 public school children from across New York City, turning their time off into a meaningful journey of Jewish pride and learning.
From the moment campers were picked up each morning, the air was filled with joy and anticipation. Led by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic Bochurim, each day began with a hot, nutritious breakfast followed by heartfelt davening sessions, infused with the signature Released Time spirit. One camper, Sarah, shared, “I never thought I’d wake up early on vacation to pray, but now I look forward to it every day!”
This year, due to the dates of the public school vacation, Released Time held camps for both weeks of vacation instead of the regular single week. The Brooklyn camp headquartered at the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Ocean Parkway, was led by Rabbi Sadya Engel, while the Queens camp headquartered at the Anshei Sholom Chabad – JCC, was sponsored, led, and directed by Rabbi Mordechai Z. Hecht.
The camps’ mornings were carefully planned to blend Torah learning with hands-on, creative activities, many of which the campers proudly took home to share with their families. “My daughter came home every day with something new to teach us about Judaism,” said Mrs. Levy, a grateful parent. “It’s been a blessing for our entire family.”
Afternoons were equally thrilling, with each day taking the children on an exciting trip. From trampoline parks to bowling and pizza to exploring the vibrant streets of Crown Heights, and visits to Kids N Action Fun Zone, each excursion created cherished memories while fostering friendships and Jewish identity.
The Released Time Program, the flagship program of NCFJE, has long been a cornerstone of Jewish outreach, providing thousands of public school children with opportunities to experience Jewish learning in a fun and engaging way. Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the NCFJE Executive Committee highlighted: “The camps provided 200 public school students with an immersive experience of Jewish learning, values, and joy—creating memories and lessons that will last a lifetime. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Bochurim, who were truly the driving force behind it all.”
Special thanks to the lead directors; Zalmy Davidson, Mendel Roth, Yechiel Vogel, and Yehuda Friedman—and all the staff and volunteers whose dedication made this possible.
The camps were dedicated for a complete Refuah Shleima for Harav Sholem Dov Ber ben Chava.
Hashem should give a Refua quickly to the visionary behind release time ,rabbi Hecht! Thank you to all the bachurim who gave their time and energy. I work in queens and many of the adults I come in contact with have fond memories of release time and r carry the impact it made on them. You are doing holy work!