Camp F.R.E.E. Never Ends

Seven has always been significant and rich in meaning, and the seventh Camp F.R.E.E. (Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe) Shabbaton was certainly an event full of inspiration. The Shabbaton was held in conjunction with Gan Isreal Montrial on Shabbos Parshas VaYakhel. Twenty-five children from all areas of New York City came to Crown Heights to participate in the Shabbaton; some from Public Schools and others  from “modern orthodox” schools, with little or no background in Yiddishkeit.

Some time before the Shabbaton, Rabbi Sholom Ber Avtzon,one of Camp's directors received a phone call from Mrs.Ginsburg, a teacher in a “modern orthodox” school. “Two of my students were in camp F.R.E.E. last year and participate in your Shabbatons,” she said. “They come back to school like different people; full of energy, bubbling with stories about their Shabbaton. The other children in my class are so jealous! I’m calling to ask that other children also be allowed to participate in the upcoming Shabbaton, even if they didn’t attend the camp.”

It was arranged that a maximum of five children could attend the Shabbaton, but only those who excelled in learning and behavior in class. Indeed, the class took the competition so seriously that word of it spread throughout the whole school, causing a tremendous Kiddush Shem Lubavitch. The best five children in the class were permitted to join the Shabbaton.

The children and their counselors wore special uniforms throughout the Shabbaton, proudly displaying their connection with Camp F.R.E.E.. On Friday afternoon the group visited the 71st Precinct, the police station serving the Crown Heights community. This was followed by a special treat, story time with master storyteller, Sholom Ber Mendelsohn A.K.A. Phil DooL'ittle

Friday night began with davening in 770, together with the staff and campers of C.G.I. Montreal, after  a "Chayusdike" davening  and dancing with the Rebbe's Minyon , the campers together with thier counselors marched to the Oholei Menachem ballroom for the grand "Camp Izzy style" Shobbos meal  The camp spirit and unity made a tremendous impact on these youngsters. Rabbi Nissan Brenenson, Head Counselor of Gan Yisroel Montreal, farbrenged with the boys after the meal and told them many inspirational stories. Later, as the children proudly marched to their “home for Shabbos” at the Reich residence, they sang Jewish songs loudly on the streets of Crown Heights.

Shabbos morning began with a spirited davening with Rabbi Engel in the “children’s minyan” on the lower floor of 770. The children came up to the actual shul for Krias HaTorah and Musaf. Later, as the children went upstairs, Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, head shaliach of California, called them over and farbrenged with the boys, telling them how much the Rebbe loves every one of us. “Now we are the Rebbe’s hands and the Rebbe’s feet,” he explained. “It’s up to us to bring Moshiach! Spread the word!”

Rabbi Cunin spoke to them with warmth and passion about the importance of learning in a yeshiva environment. His words had such an effect on the boys that one of the children considering public school resolved to learn in a yeshiva. Afterward, the group walked to F.R.E.E. headquarters on President St., where Rabbi Mendel Okinov spoke to them about the importance of Shabbos. The actual meal was in the hospitable home of the Nagel family, where the campers experienced the warmth of a traditional Chassidic Shabbos meal. Rabbi Epstein of the Chassidic Discovery Center made a special effort to come and farbreng with the boys about his personal encounters with the Rebbe.

In the afternoon, Shmuli Gutnick led a Shabbos party for the group, with educational games and competitions. Shmuli Gutnick also organized a program for the group between Mincha and Maariv, where Rabbi Shwartz told them Chassidic tales. Later, after Havdala, the boys spent time in the Crown Heights “Y,” swimming and playing basketball with the counselors. After an uplifting Melaveh Malka, the staff treated them to pizza and bowling. The boys went home in high spirits, bolstered by the physical and spiritual experiences they had in the Shabbaton.

Head Staff of the Shabbaton wish to express their gratitude to the families who opened their homes to the Shabbaton and to Rabbis Cunin, Epstein, Okinov, Schwartz, and Brenenson, for reaching out to touch and inspire these young children, many of whom have little exposure to true Torah Yiddishkeit throughout the year. Success of these Shabbatons have spread far and wide, and it is hoped that future events will meet with even greater success.