One of the rare times the Rebbe left New York was on 16 Tammuz, 5716, to visit Camp Gan Yisroel and Camp Emunah. As we mark 69 years since that day, we bring you the remarkable story – including the car that flipped three times, and the unusual things the Rebbe did, that only later became clear.

By Anash.org staff

In the summer of 5716 (1956), Camp Gan Yisroel was founded – the first summer camp specifically for Lubavitcher boys. Until then, Lubavitcher boys would attend other frum camps, such as Camp Agudah or Camp Mesivta. (Camp Emunah for girls had been founded three years earlier, in 5713.)

Gan Yisroel was unique not only in its focus on Lubavitcher chinuch, but also in its open-door policy: welcoming Jewish children from all backgrounds, with the hope that camp would spark within them a desire for Torah and Yiddishkeit – and ultimately inspire entire families.

That summer, before camp officially opened, something unforgettable took place.

In the morning hours, Rabbi Leibel Groner walked into the camp office at 770 and asked Rabbi Moshe Lazar how long the drive to camp takes. A few minutes later, he returned with astonishing news: The Rebbe is going to camp!

After Shacharis, the Rebbe got into a car driven by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, with Rabbis Chaim Mordechai Hodakov, Moshe Leib Rodshtein, Shlomo Aharon Kazarnovsky, Leibel Groner, and Yisroel Jacobson joining the caravan. Rabbi Kehos Weiss (Camp Director) and Rabbi Avremel Shemtov led the procession. At the tollbooth, the lead car paid the Rebbe’s toll. Along the way, the Rebbe stopped to recite Tefillas Haderech. After a three-hour journey, they arrived at the original campgrounds in Ellenville, NY.

Upon arrival, the Rebbe immediately began touring the camp. He visited the bunkhouses, walked by the lake – asking whether it could be used as a mikvah – and visited the infirmary, commenting, “It’s a good thing to have, but, m’zol dos nit darfen nutzen – we should never need to use it.”

After the tour, the Rebbe asked to wash Netilas Yodayim in honor of the Chanukas Habayis of the new camp. Before doing so, he changed into his silk Shabbosdike sirtuk and entered the dining room. The Rebbe encouraged everyone present – around 50 people – to also wash. The Rebbe had brought pieces of matzah with him, distributing them to the crowd but putting aside a portion and returning it to his pocket.

The Rebbe explained that he would keep his remarks brief, as he also planned to visit Camp Emunah that day. The Rebbe then said a sicha on the deeper purpose of summer camps: While intended for rest and physical health, when used for strengthening the neshama, even the body’s rejuvenation becomes part of Avodas Hashem.

The crowd sang several niggunim, including the Niggun Hachana, and then the Rebbe began a ma’amar: “B’N’os Deshe”. Afterward, the crowd sang Nyet Nyet Nikavo and broke into joyous dancing.

During the dancing, Rabbi Kehos Weiss approached the Rebbe to inform him that a van carrying 13 passengers had flipped over three times in a serious accident. The Rebbe asked who was involved, then calmly stated, “S’vet altz zein in ordenung” – “Everything will be okay”. He took the matzah from his pocket and instructed that it be given to those in the accident.

The Rebbe then led Birkas Hamazon, including the words “Shehasimcha bime’onoi” in honor of the Sheva Brachos of Rabbi and Mrs. Mendel Shemtov, a”h. When it came time for Mincha, no one was sure which way was mizrach. The Rebbe walked out onto the terrace, looked at the sky, and returned to indicate the proper direction.

Before leaving, the Rebbe gave Rabbi Yosef Weinbaum a bundle of dollar bills to distribute among all the camp staff and workers as tips.

As the Rebbe was preparing to leave, two of the bochurim involved in the accident drove up. The Rebbe asked them about their condition and gave them a piece of matzah from his pocket.

From there, the Rebbe continued to Camp Emunah, which was already in full session. The Rebbe toured the grounds and noted how clean and orderly everything was. The Rebbe then spoke briefly in the dining room, giving a bracha that the girls grow up to build strong, Chassidishe homes. The Rebbe once again distributed tips for the entire staff – specifically asking that non-Jewish workers also be included.

On the return trip, the Rebbe’s car passed the scene of the earlier accident. The Rebbe looked out the window at the site before continuing back to 770.

As the Rebbe had stated, although he typically did not leave New York, the camps are an extension of 770.

To hear the full farbrengen, click here.
The sicha and ma’amar can be viewed here.