Released Time Hosts Two Transformative Day Camps During School Vacation
For two unforgettable weeks, the Released Time Program created waves of excitement and inspiration with its action-packed day camp during the school break. This extraordinary initiative brought together 200 public school children from across New York City, transforming their school vacation into a journey of Jewish pride and learning.
From the moment the children were picked up from their homes each morning, the atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation, led by a team of enthusiastic and dedicated Bochurim. The day began with a hot, nutritious breakfast followed by heartfelt davening sessions, infused with the unmatched Released Time spirit. One camper, Sarah, shared, “I never thought I’d wake up early on vacation to pray, but now I look forward to it every day!”
Each day was meticulously planned to blend Jewish education with high-energy fun. The children’s mornings included gym sessions, interactive Torah lessons brought to life through creative arts and crafts, and hands-on projects they proudly took home to share with their families. “My daughter came home every day with something new to teach us about Judaism,” one parent, Mrs. Levy, remarked. “It’s been a blessing for our entire family.”
Afternoons were equally thrilling, featuring trips that had the children buzzing with excitement. Whether they were bouncing at trampoline parks, exploring the vibrant streets of Crown Heights, or enjoying the thrills of Kids N Action Fun Zone, each outing became a cherished memory.
The Released Time Program, the flagship initiative of the NCFJE, has been a cornerstone of Jewish outreach and education to thousands of public school children across New York. Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the NCFJE Executive Committee emphasized the thought and care behind the program: “Our goal was to give these kids a vacation that would energize their spirits and strengthen their Jewish identity. The feedback has been incredible—so many parents expressed heartfelt gratitude.”
The Released Time team’s efforts turned the camp into more than just two weeks of activities. It gave 200 public school students a chance to discover the joy and meaning of their Jewish heritage in a way that will stay with them for years to come.
The camps were dedicated for a complete refuah Shleima for Rabbi Sholem Dov Ber ben Chava.
Released Time would like to thank Rabbi Mordechai Hecht of Anshei Sholom Chabad – JCC for directing and hosting the Queens camp, and Rabbi Sadya Engel for directing the Brooklyn camp, as well as United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Ocean Parkway and Ohel Moshe Chevreh Tehillim Lubavitch for hosting the Brooklyn camp.
Special thanks are also extended to the head counselors and lead team that made camp the great success it was: Menachem Shimaov, Yechiel Vogel, Zalmy Engel, Mendel Roth, Yankel Raices, Levi Bryski, Yehuda Friedman, and Yisroel Gurary.
