Kiddush Hashem in Legoland
After spending the past week discussing the ins and outs of a Kiddush and Chilul Hashem, Pioneer Division, a Lubavitch boys camp in Miami Beach, Florida put it to the test.
Head Counselor Mendy Garfinkel challenged the boys to put their knowledge of the Mitzva to the test by showing the meaning of an AM KODOISH throughout the recent trip to Lego Land, Fl.
After an amazing day of rides, fun, and excitement, it was back to the luxury coach bus for the long ride home. But not before a Pioneer Divison Mincha, just off the entrance to Lego Land.
As the boys began a heartfelt rendition of Ashrei, onlookers were mostly mesmerized to see Jewish kids capping off the amazing day with prayer and of course thanks to Hashem. But the best was yet to come. A Lego Land official (who turned out to be the Electrical Engineer and Designer to the WORLD OF CHIMA) drove over in a security cart. He stopped and watched until finally approaching head counselor Mendy. Mendy had asked if there was any concern, but He said he just wanted to watch. After Shemona Esrei he tells Mendy, “I used to sing these prayers many many years ago when I was a kid, when I heard them off the distance I needed to come and experience them again.” That’s all we needed to hear! Being well before shkia, a pair of tefillen was brought and in moments he was singing Shema Yisroel with the entire camp. It was an emotional sight for all to see, but even more as he said it has been 18 years since he put on Tefillen.
The boys were so proud of this Mitzvah and how it was their Ashrei that caused it! They danced with him like it was his Bar Mitzvah.
Our new friend who’s Jewish name is Eliezer Yisroel parted from us, assuring us his next step was to connect to a local synagogue and rekindle his beloved Jewish roots.
We were so proud to be a part of his new excitement for Yiddishkeit.
The best part of the day, was that the counselors needed not preach the idea of Kiddush Hashem any longer, for the children saw and experienced firs thand its value and meaning. A most powerful and kinesthetic learning experience.
A special thank you to Rabbi Benjy Korf, Dean of the Lubavitch Edcuational Center, and Principal Mrs. Chaya Sara Dalfin for their strong support in creating a quality and affordable camp experience for boys ages 9 -14.
Camp staff includes returning Head Counselor Rabbi Mendy Garfinkel, and Counselors Yossi Cohen, Chaim Gutt, Mendel Spalter and Moshe Garfinkel. C.I.T. Aaron Cohen, Yossi Prigan, and Yossel Pinhas.
Wow
Proud of that camp!
My son enjoys it tremendously!
He was so happy to be apart of this story!
Great job to those hard working counselors!
A very grateful parent!
sam k.
I think that is a phenomenal story and this has to create goodwill in heaven to speedily send our righteousness Redeemer.
Mendy Garfinkel and his brother yakov have run an incredible camp for many years in the state of Florida.
Many anash are grateful to them.
Keep up the best way for my people.
Another parent
Kol Hakavod! May Hashem always give you the opportunity, the ability ,and the desire to be Mekadesh Shaim Shamayim. What nachas!
wow :)
so inspiring! Everywhere you go you’re a shliach of the Rebbe!
fun
mo looks like you are having a blast
Brought tears
Beautiful heartwarming story!
What a lesson to us all to be on our utmost behaviour when out amongst the public
What a huge kiddush Hashem! Brought tears to my eyes! Well done!
the camp is trul;y well run and one of the best lubavitch has to offer
the children are well behaved and the staff is respomsible caring and truly makes a great impression everywhere they go
great job by rabbi garfinkile and his staff