CGI Florida Prints Its Own Tanya

A short month ago, on the 25th of Tammuz, a memorable and historic day was celebrated in CGI Florida. The entire camp, all staff & campers, gathered for the printing of the 1st-ever Tanya by CGI Florida and the city of Groveland, FL.

Learning Director Rabbi Nisson Friedman opened the program by sharing a brief history of Chassidus and Tanya. Tzivos Hashem & MBP Director Leibelovitch followed with an explanation of the Rebbe’s Campaign to print Tanyas across the globe in as many places as possible.

Rabbi Yosef Biston, Executive Director of CGI Florida was presented the honor to be the 1st to print an enlarged copy of the Tanya’s Sha’ar Blatt.

Director Rabbi Yosef Goldblatt was called upon to print ‘Perek Lev’ – the 32nd Chapter and “heart” of the Tanya. As the pages printed, campers and staff joined in spontaneous singing of “Eimosai Ka Osi Mahr” and the Alter Rebbe’s “Keili Ata.”

Rabbi Yitzchok Meir Teitelbaum – a Counselor in the original CGI Florida in the late Tof Shin Chof’s and special Shabbos guest was given the honor of printing Perek Lamed Beis for the older division of camp.

Campers were then handed a copy of Perek Lamed Beis “fresh off the press.” Together the Camp read a few lines which was followed by a brief explanation. A clear sticker with each camper’s name was placed next to the space where they read, and returned to the organizers. When the Tanyas are completely printed, the campers will receive the very Tanya that they learned from! The names of all campers and staff will also be included in the back of the Tanya.

Over the ensuing days and weeks, the “printer” made its way from bunkhouse to bunkhouse and from learning class to learning class, where campers were able to experience a ‘personal close-up’ with this monuments project.

Chof Daled Menachem-Av, the last day of camp and a mere 4 hours before the buses were scheduled to pick up the campers, campers and staff gathered to daven Shacharis. Everyone then assembled around the “Tanya Printer” to watch the Head Staff print the very final copy. What an honor and what a finale to an incredible summer experience! All joined in festive and joyous song as each page came out of the printer.

The Tanya is soon scheduled to be sent off to a binder and then mailed to each camper shortly before Rosh Hashana.

CGI Florida encourages all of our past campers, staff, as well as the public at large to join us in this beautiful project by having their name included in the Tanya. You may email your request to Director@cgiflorida.com

Dedications and sponsorships are also welcome.

The final day to submit a name or sponsorship is 6th of Elul (August 24th).

May this project give the Rebbe much nachas – and bring the Rebbe’s vision and dream – to fruition with the coming of Moshiach now!

A special thank you to Rabbi Sholom Jacobson for his instrumental involvement in bringing this project to fruition.