Historical Discovery and Closing the Circle at Russia’s Main Camp
During these days of summer vacation, thousands of children from all corners of the Russian Federation are gathering at Jewish camps in dozens of different locations. They are enjoying weeks of Yiddishkeit at all levels and for all ages, operated by the dedicated and experienced hands of hundreds of rabbis and Shluchim, featuring highly organized and deeply invested programs.
The vanguard of Russian Jewry is represented by hundreds of young Shluchim and children of community rabbis. These children grow up throughout the year in remote cities, often serving as the only observant Jewish children in their environment. The summer months are not just a break from their regular studies; they are a time for Chassidic gatherings, social bonding, and spiritual recharging ahead of the coming year of Shlichus.
At the center of this educational endeavor once again stands the “Camp Gan Israel – Tzeirei Hashluchim,” located in the pastoral ‘Ramenskoye’ complex in the suburbs of Moscow. The camp, expertly directed by the educator Rabbi Avraham Zaks, experienced a moment of historical closure this week. This occurred during a visit by the founder of the camps, Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berl Lazar, to the camp grounds. During the visit, Rabbi Lipsker, director of educational institutions in Moscow, presented him with a unique gift that embodies the concept of “Zeh L’Umas Zeh” (one in contrast to the other). Chief Rabbi Lazar received an original, century-old red “Pioneer” tie, which was used in the summer camps of the communist regime that attempted to uproot religion. Alongside it was a new green tie bearing the emblem of the Chassidic camp—a living testament to the victory of the Jewish spirit and tradition.
In his remarks to the campers, Chief Rabbi Lazar said that alongside their responsibilities, they must remember the immense privilege each one holds, especially as they are on Shlichus in Russia. He thanked the educational staff, adding: “The greatest success in Shlichus is when people see how we care for our children.”
The spiritual climax of the camp days was recorded when the “soldiers” set out on an emotional journey to the cradle of Chassidus: the town of Lubavitch. Following prayers and a spiritual awakening at the holy Ohel of the “Tzemach Tzedek” and his son, the Rebbe Maharash, they continued with a tour of the historical sites in the area. The campers joined a special initiative of archaeological excavation and exposure works taking place in the courtyard of our Rebbes—the very courtyard where the first “Tomchei Temimim” Yeshiva was established and founded, and the complex where several generations of Lubavitcher Rebbes lived for many years. During these works, a literal treasure from the past was suddenly uncovered: a luxurious and incredibly rare pocket watch, alongside ancient ruble coins that had been buried in the ground for decades.
The discovery sparked tremendous excitement among the children and staff, who immediately broke into sweeping Chassidic dances on the holy soil of the famous Yeshiva courtyard in the center of the town. The rare findings were reverently transferred to the hands of Rabbi Gavriel Gordon, the Shliach and director of the Chabad House in Lubavitch, who is responsible for the restoration and maintenance of the holy sites. After an initial examination of the items, Rabbi Gordon noted that the finish and luxury of the watch indicate with high probability that it belonged to a family member of the Rebbes, a fact that further elevated the spiritual upliftment among those present.
As mentioned, this camp is one of many. Particularly noteworthy is the framework for the daughters of the rabbis and Shluchim, running concurrently in the city of Nizhny Novgorod, dedicatedly directed by Rebbetzin Fradi Lerman, with the assistance of the city’s rabbi, the Shliach Rabbi Shimon Bergman, and Rebbetzin Bergman.
These events, which combine deep-rooted Chassidic education with a tangible connection to a glorious history, are expected to leave an indelible mark on the campers’ hearts. As the children return to their places of Shlichus across Russia for the upcoming school year, they will, with God’s help, carry with them the immense spiritual charge they absorbed. They will continue to illuminate their communities with Jewish pride and the dedication that characterizes the legion of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Exactly 70 years ago during these very days, the Rebbe arrived for a rare tour of the first camp, which was founded at the initiative of the Chassid Rabbi Moshe Lazar, father of the Chief Rabbi of Russia. Since then, the name “Gan Israel” was established by the Rebbe, named after the founder of Chassidism, the holy Baal Shem Tov; a project that today spans the entire globe, educating hundreds of thousands of Jewish children during the summer months.
Photography: Levi Nazarov
