Links for this past summer
And So Ends Another Great Summer in Israel
By: Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum
Despite the
war that raged in the northern part of the country and Lebanon, S”dei Chemed
campers had what they described as “The most awesome summer ever!” While touring
of the northern part of the country was greatly restricted, campers didn’t miss
a single day of touring throughout their six week stay.
Much
of it was spent around Yerushalayim and in the southern part of the country.
They spent a few days of the summer at the magnificent Kinnar Hotel and the rest
at our base in the outskirts of Netanya and the Yeshiva Netiv Aryeh, located
only a minute walk from the Kotel. They went on some magnificent hikes through
valleys and mountains that took them to spectacular waterfalls and discovered
the hidden beauty of the southern part of the country. They climbed to the peak
of Massada to witness a magnificent sunrise, hiked through the oasis of Ein Gedi,
and swam in the Dead Sea. They hiked up Ein Avdat, and through Nachal Arugot,
and visited Mini Israel. At our rented enclosed beach in Eilat they enjoyed many
different water sports at such as scuba diving, banana boating, and parasailing.
They swam at the beautiful dati beach in Hertzelia, enjoyed horseback
riding at a nearby ranch, and even went Jeeping and camel-back riding down
south. They also enjoyed a visit to Neot Kedumim where they learned about the
plants growing in Eretz Yisroel and saw some interesting displays of different
Sukkos mentioned in Halacha and had great fun baking their own pita bread. Tour
B called “Off the Beaten Path”; a tour for those returning for their second
summer, also had a magnificent time exploring parts of the Land few have ever
seen. The boys’ davened at many of the holy places and learned about the
history-soaked land and even learned how to make the T’cheyles dye from what
many believe is the ancient Chilazon. Each day would begin with learning
and end with learning as well with special emphasis put on kedushas h’aaretz
and Nach.
Many of the parents were concerned for their children’s safety, and would call their son every time a katyusha would hit an Israeli town. Only one boy returned home but only after his parents promised that b’ezras Hashem he would be able to return again next summer.
The
first Katyusha rockets hit the city of Tzfas on a Thursday and the camp which
had been scheduled to stay at a hotel in Tzfas for that very Shabbas was in a
terrible bind. It now had to immediately change its plans, but where were we to
go with a hundred boys on such short notice? Fortunately, the Kinnar Hotel which
was already completely booked for the Shabbos agreed to set up tents which were
provided with mattresses. The boys spent a fantastic Shabbos there and even
enjoyed the presence of the famed Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak who personally addressed
them. They experienced Israel the way Avrohom Avinu had when he pitched
his tent thousands of years ago.
Sdei Chemeds new girls’ camp was also a phenomenal success. On Thursday the girls’ second week in camp, as they returned to their campus, after a full day of touring, rumors began to circulate that people from the north of Israel were being evacuated south. By the time they got back, those rumors were confirmed. A group of people from Tzfat was coming to their campus for Shabbos. Friday afternoon, as the sun began to set in the west and the tranquility of Shabbos descended upon camp, Our guests, two hundred and fifty men, women, and children walked peacefully and safely to welcome the Shabbos Malka, with the girls of Sdei Chemed. They shared their Shul, they shared their Dining Room, they welcomed them to their dormitory, They opened their hearts, and davened for their safety, the safety of the soldiers, the safety of the country, the safety of Klal Yisrael.
During the summer the boys had the opportunity to be personally addressed by Israel’s chief rabbi, Rabbi Yona Metzger, Rabbi Noach Weinberg, rosh yeshivah of Aish Hatorah, Rabbi Binni Freedman who heads a large kiruv organization known as Isralight, as well as many other famed personalities who added great meaning and inspiration to their summer stay.
Camp
S’dei Chemed International was the first camp on the Israeli scene. It started
37 years ago and remains the pace setter in its field. It is in a class of its
own. It offers youngsters six weeks of pleasant sunshine filled with pulsating
excitement, packed with thrills, pleasure, learning, playing, hiking, touring –
and never-ending fun and enjoyment. No point of interest is missed. Hundreds of
its campers have gone on to spend their post-teen years in Israeli yeshivos and
many of them have gone on to settle in Israel after being married. When I asked
one boy what he is bringing back with him after such a special summer, he
replied, “Beside the great memories I’m returning with, I’m also returning with
nearly one hundred new great friends that I hope I’ll continue to be in touch
with. I came without a single friend and now everyone is my friend. There are
such nice and friendly kids and counselors here that it was worth it just for
this alone.” The boys spent their entire last night of camp singing, dancing,
and praying at the Kosel and saying their last tearful goodbyes. It was a most
inspiring scene that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. To see
the beautiful pictures from the past summers, go to
http://campsci.com/CAMP/past_summers/2006/2006.htm
