Ontario Camps Mark Meaningful Gimmel Tammuz

At Lubavitch Day Camp in Toronto, over 600 campers and 140 staff members gathered on Gimmel Tammuz for an energetic rally. And with some out-of-the-box thinking, girls at Gan Yisroel, Haliburton, Ontario, hosted a moving challah bake with neighboring Camp Bnai Brith.

In preparation for Gimmel Tammuz, the campers at Gan Yisroel, Haliburton, Ontario have been busy attending the early morning Coca Club, studying Tzivos Hashem material, and writing their daily Duch. Still, the component of outreach is sometimes a bit challenging in remote rural communities.

Still, with some brainstorming and “out of the box thinking,” Goldy Grossbaum, Co-Director of camp Gan Israel, Toronto succeeded in adding this important component to the Gimmel Tammuz preparations. With her “can do” resilience Goldy extended an invitation to the grade 7 campers and staff at Camp Northland Bnai Brith to visit and join CGI for a Challah bake, an activity they readily welcomed.

The entire camp welcomed the girls and staff with song and dance. Both camps gathered for an assembly of Torah, Tefillah, and Tzedakah under the able leadership of Head Counselors, Mushka Horowitz and Rosie Hecht. This was followed by a video of the Rebbe extolling the unique power and influence of the Jewish woman. After the inspiring video, the girls experienced the joy of baking Challah. On the heels of Mitzvas Hafrashas Challa, the assembly Davened for the safety and security of Eretz Yisroel.

The event was especially inspiring as all CGI campers stepped up to the plate and portrayed the Mitzvah and message of Ahavas Yisroel. The Northland girls were so inspired, and amazed with the Chayus, Achdus and the visible love of Yiddishkeit!  After the Challah Bake all the girls wrote a note committing to do something more.

Wow, we really felt the Rebbe smiling at our camp!! Not to be surprised, the song “It’s geshmack to be a Yid,” was a big hit that the guests took back to their base.

Shortly after departing, the visiting camp director texted, “Thank you for hosting such an amazing program! The girls absolutely loved it! Hopefully, this is a start of a yearly program! Sounds like so many Mitzvot were done! It was so special and meaningful and so much fun!”

Another gathering of Torah, Tefilla, and Tzedaka was organized on Tuesday, Gimmel Tammuz. During the day the campers explored the different countries that have Shluchim. At the Grand banquet, Niggunim were sung and stories were related. The traditional roll call followed. A young camper spoke beautifully about her life on Shlichus and despite some challenges, she is proud to be called a Shlucha. The evening concluded with a Shluchos panel of campers and staff, which was naturally followed by heartfelt singing and “spontaneous” dancing.

Camp Lubavitch’s rally in honor of Gimmel Tammuz was an unforgettable event. Over 600 campers and 140 staff members gathered together at the day camp’s headquarters in the Chabad Lubavitch auditorium, at 770 Chabad Gate in Thornhill, Ontario! The atmosphere was filled with energy as campers led the reciting of the Pesukim. They then gave Tzedakah and received treats. 

The gathering concluded with a Rebbe video and Hachlatas for campers and staff alike in honor of the day. It was truly an incredible event that left a lasting impact on every participant.