Camp Chomeish was privileged this summer to host an incredible lineup of Shabbos guests.
During Shabbos, the campers and staff enjoyed a full schedule of inspiring farbrengens, uplifting stories and invigorating Stump the Rabbi.
Also lending a special atmosphere were Rabbi Levi and Esther Draiza Raices, shluchim of the Rebbe to Charkiv, Ukraine, who served as resident Rabbi and Rebbetzin at camp this summer.
Campers and staff said this after the summer:
“I learned so much from Rabbi and Mrs. Raices – the shlichus is their life and they stayed to help others until they couldn’t…”
“When Rabbi Raices did stump the Rabbi about Inyanei Geulah U’moshiach, so many questions I had about Moshiach was answered!”
“I really like Rabbi Raices’ shiur. He always has so many interesting stories in his lessons. He is also hysterical, I understand why he’s friends with Rabbi Stock!”
Following a special Shabbos with Rabbi Shmuel and Mushkie Avtzon, Director of Sichos in English and acclaimed Morah, campers and staff had this to say:
“When Rabbi Avtzon spoke by Stump the Rabbi, he took the time to think first, to give over the answer properly… because Torah is infinite, and if he started he would speak forever.”
“He would start from the foundation up to give an answer. It takes a lot of thought to give over information properly to another person to get you and I really appreciated that.”
“Mrs. Avtzon’s headstaff farbrengen was actually life-changing. I got a lot of clarity with something I was struggling with…”
After an inspiring Shabbos with Rabbi Shimmy and Zelda Weinbaum, Tzivos Hashem Headquarters, campers and staff remarked:
“It was so inspiring to be taught what happens by Davening, how our Neshama is trying to talk and we’re not listening… and we should start listening to our Neshama!”
“I want to thank Rabbi Weinbaum, because when he came to farbreng I was so inspired to Daven and I want to thank camp for inviting him.”
“I really liked Rabbi Weinbaum at Stump the Rabbi. He was very real, not lofty. He always made sure to validate the question and made sure to understand it.”
“I like stumping the Rabbi because it forces me to think deeply… when someone asks the question, you think if you know the answer and find the deeper meaning, and channels your brain to learn more Torah.”
“Rabbi Weinbaum’s shiur on relationships was so interesting. I learned a lot about myself and how it relates to davening.”
After Shabbos with Rabbi Yechiel Shlomo and Rochi Levitansky, Shluchim of the Rebbe to Sumy, Ukraine, campers and staff said:
“It was so inspiring to see how the Levitanskys spent such a big part of their day and focus working so hard to get Cholov Yisrael milk, something that others easily get a heter for..”
“Their stories were so inspiring, like how she had exactly enough candles to light on the sidewalk, the woman in the French monastery. Learning how a shliach doesn’t ask questions… ”
“Even when they left from their war they didn’t abandon anyone. They weren’t afraid to continue their shlichus in the middle of a war. The kids were singing their Emunah songs and it’s so nice to know how the parents inspired their kids.”
“I loved how she said even when you think you’re choosing your life, it’s really all hashgacha pratis and Hashem planning your life.”
After Shabbis with Rabbi Yehuda and Chanale Levin, the response was:
“it was genius how clearly he built up his lesson.”
“It’s amazing that as soon as he had the full belief and bittul that he would get an answer from the Rebbe, then he started getting clear answers.”
“I found it amazing how he made Moshiach so palpable and the fact that this is our purpose in life, so genuine and exciting! And relevant how our generation has the struggle.”
“When we know that our whole purpose in life is bringing Moshiach, then it fulfills our deepest need of having purpose and really connects to Geula coming.”
Great way of tapping into the many hidden dynamc wonderful personalities in Chabad that can have a great impact on our youth.
Such a great positive atmosphere.
Thank you camp Chomeish for changing so many campers lives!!
-from a former camper and staff!