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Chana Devora Solomon: A Director Who Cares

The Rebbe teaches us that the power of an individual is limitless. We each have tremendous potential that, if tapped, allows one to reach amazing heights. While we are not always given the opportunity to see the fruits of our labor, one Shlucha was recently shown the results of her hard work.

This past summer, Mrs. Chana Devora Solomon (CD), Co-Director of Gan Israel Day Camps – Morristown, NJ, celebrated her milestone birthday – the big 4-0. Ever since CD was a little girl, she had just one dream: to direct the day camp in Morristown and to make it the best possible camp ever. Never in her wildest dreams could she imagine that 20 years later she would be directing (together with her husband Rabbi Mendy Solomon) one of the largest CGI day camps in the world! B”H, the camp has grown astronomically, reaching record enrollment of 515 campers at its peak. Countless precious Neshomas have been enriched by their summer at CGI.

In honor of CD’s 40th birthday, staff members from all 20 years submitted letters of appreciation and personal stories for a book that was compiled as a surprise gift in her honor.

While it’s obvious that Gan Izzy Motown was a great success, what CD never realized was the impact she had on her staff. Year after year, dozens of Lubavitch teens and young adults walked through her camp doors, preparing for the summer of a lifetime. They developed relationships that extended far beyond the long hours of the camp day. The Solomons’ doors were (and still are) open at all hours of the day and night, and anything they needed or wanted, CD would provide. Often CD could (and still can) be found staying up late, chatting with her staff members. Chana Devora goes beyond caring for each and every counselor’s well-being; she creates a personal connection, listening and giving counsel wherever she can. No matter how much work is already on her plate, she is always there for those in need. Many of these connections have become beautiful friendships that have lasted throughout the years. In her own words: “My staff has been and will always be my number one priority. Plus, if my staff is happy, then the campers will be happy.” This has been her mantra from day one, and it has certainly paid off.

B”H, many of the over 1500 Lubavitcher teens who served as staff members are now Shluchim and Shluchos themselves. They fully admit that CD’s selfless devotion and guidance to them during camp and what they have learned from their summer(s) with the Solomons has inspired them to live their lives differently.

One Shlucha in California writes in her letter in CD’s birthday book: “The first time I ran camp, the first question I asked myself was “What would CD Do?””

Another Shliach in Florida writes that over ten years later, he has implemented many concepts and ideals that he learned from working with Chana Devora into the running of his own CGI.

A Shlucha in North Carolina sums it up best when she wrote that in her own Camp Gan Israel, she as the director feels CD’s presence every single day. She attributes all of her success from the experiences and instruction she gained from her.

These are just a few sentiments from the letters that were collected for Chana Devora’s book, expressing their love and thanks for her dedication to them.

There is no doubt that an entire generation of Lubavitch youth has been positively affected by the personal devotion, attention and care given by this one very special person. In just 20 years, Chana Devora Solomon has been a shining example of what one person with a dream can accomplish. She continues to serve as an inspiration to us all of the power of a Shlucha and her Meshalaiach.

Many camp directors today follow her lead on how to cater to and care for one’s staff. This surefire path to success will certainly enhance every program, and build everlasting friendships.

May she and her family be blessed to continue their Shlichus in Short Hills, NJ and at Gan Israel for many years to come!

To send a personal birthday message to Chana Devora or to view the book online, send an email to CDisCGI@gmail.com

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12 Comments

  • Yankee & Binah

    Wow Mazal tov on this recognition! We always knew (and know) you’re the best and the most dedicated at whatever you do. It’s great to see that you’re being appreciated for the positive impact you’ve had on Lubavitch as a whole! Make us all proud and keep up the great work!!!!

  • A. Diamond

    There is nothing said that is not true in this article. CD is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone else like her. I’ve had the pleasure of working for CD and Rabbi Solomon for the past 7 years, in camp and out of camp, and they are truly amazing people. The devotion and hard work she puts into camp and everything she does is unreal and I’ve had to yell at her countless times to get some sleep! CGI Morristown is probably the most amazing summer experience anyone can experience and CD and Rabbi Solomon have so much to do with it! Too add, I’m so happy others who don’t know about CD get just a little peak of what she’s truly about just from this article!

  • Shui

    Great article!!! but doesnt even cover 1% of what an amazing person she is. One of the most dedicated and caring people I have ever met!!

  • Big fan

    I was a counselor the first year she ran the camp. It was such a pleasure working with her and Mendy.

  • Michoel S.

    I worked for Mendy and CD many years ago. They are shining examples of how to run an outstanding camp. They took GREAT care of us staff members. One of the best summers of my life! Thank you Mendy & CD!

  • Eliana

    I’ve had the pleasure of knowing CD for 15 years and she has changed my life. I had the privilege of being a camper, a junior counselor, a counselor, and head counselor, so I got to see her in many different lights and everything she does is with care, love, patience. She puts her heart and soul into everything and sincerely makes each person be at home. They have made me the person that I am today. No article can do her justice but this is definitely a good start!

    THANK YOU CD AND RABBI!

  • mume Rivka

    chana devorah!! wow!! so nice to hear and see all theese wonderfull comments about you!! ive seen your book on parsha, amazing, and now this!! really good feeling to have such a special first niece!!
    lots to learn from you surely! wish i had a chance to be a councilor for u too!
    great naches for the Rebbe,your parents, mendy and fam too!
    hatzlocho rabo rabo for the future, besuros tovos!