This winter, Jewish children from across Ukraine gathered on the beautiful campgrounds of the Or Avner Alumim Children’s Center, near Zhitomir, for the much-anticipated Yeka Winter Camp. Designed to inspire a deeper connection to their Yiddishkeit, the camp brought together Jewish children for an unforgettable 10-day program filled with learning, fun, and connection.
What made this a reality is the dedication of the counselors, led by head counselors Mendel Goodman and Yasha Lerner, who, months before the camp began, took it upon themselves to fundraise the necessary resources to make it all happen. They proceeded to work hard with outstanding dedication and energy to give the kids a joyful Jewish experience like none other.
Despite the ongoing war, the camp offered a safe haven. When missile alerts forced the children and staff into bomb shelters, the counselors kept spirits high with singing, dancing, and games, ensuring the children felt supported and joyful even in uncertain moments.
A key highlight of the winter camp was the activities planned over the course of months by coordinators Shua Levin and Mottel Kleyman, ranging from outdoor sports to exciting indoor games for snow days and long waits in the bomb shelters. With the generous support of Cazenove Judaica, Jewish themes were woven into many of the activities, turning them into learning experiences. The meticulous planning ensured an amazing experience for all campers, no matter the circumstances.
A unique aspect of this winter camp was that it coincided with the Chabad Yom Tov of “Hey Teves,” which the Rebbe instructed to celebrate by buying Seforim. The children at Camp Yeka marked the special day by purchasing their very own Seforim translated into Russian, with “dollars” received by participating in Tzivos Hashem. The program was initiated L’llui Nishmas Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Kotlarsky.
The camp was greatly assisted by the guidance and support of Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, the Chief Rabbi and head Shliach of Zhitomir and West Ukraine, who generously hosted the program and worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
The camp’s emotional conclusion left a lasting impression on everyone involved. In a moving ceremony, two young boys underwent Brit Milah (circumcision), formally entering the covenant of Abraham and affirming their connection to the Jewish people. The Brissim were conducted by Dr. Yacov Gaissinovitch, the Chief Mohel of Ukraine, from the Worldwide organization Brit Yosef Yitzchak. Serving as Sandek was Artiom’s counselor, Shloime Ulman. Witnessing this sacred moment was deeply inspiring for campers and staff alike.
Additionally, two other boys committed to fulfill the Mitzvah of Tefillin daily after being inspired by the camp’s atmosphere. To support their commitment, they will each receive their own pairs of Tefillin, generously sponsored by Tefillin Connection, the DansDeals Tefillin campaign, ensuring they can uphold this significant practice as part of their Jewish journey. A key element of the Tefillin Connection campaign is that each recipient commits to helping at least one more person wrap Tefillin with the pair received, spreading the Mitzvah.
As the campers return to their homes, they carry with them newfound knowledge, memories, and a stronger connection to their Yiddishkeit. The success of the Yeka Winter Camp is a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Jewish life in Ukraine, even amidst challenging times. Camp Yeka is led by Rabbi Levi Berger, together with Rabbi Ari Block. To learn more about Camp Yeka, please visit Yekaboys.com
The best camp in the world, making the Rebbe proud! Shout out to all the most amazing bochurim who go there!