250 Kids Join Ukraine Pesach Camp

Over Pesach 5777, The Ukrainian Jewish learning and outreach organization STL (Shiurei Tora Lubavitch), founded by Rabbi Dan Makogon, under the guidance of the Chief Rabbi of Dnepropetrovsk and the surrounding region, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky, conducted three beautiful camps titled: ‘Gan Yisroel’ catering to Jewish boys aged 10-17 in conjunction with YEKA, ‘Sonya’s Camp’ for Jewish girls aged 10-17, and ‘Your STyLe camp’ for Jewish youth aged 18-28.

In total, over 250 Jewish youth from all over Ukraine were able to experience a joyous and Kosher Pesach.

Rabbi Kaminetzky was quoted as saying: “The STL initiative is helping the young generation expose a type of Yiddishkeit that the older one did not have a chance to experience under the Soviet Union”.

One distinctive feature of our activities is that we are able to combine a meaningful Judaism with boundless fun and excitement. Throughout each camp, the participants were treated to first class lessons pertaining to the Yom-Tov, the Jewish role in today’s society and Jewish tradition in general, all through the lens of Chassidus, together with excursions on Chol-Hamoed and fascinating in-house games and entertainment.

As with all of our activities, we ask every participant to give feedback. Some of the highlights the children singled out were the warm Sedarim, Soulful Farbrengens, Chol-Hamoed trips, and the camp-wide programs, although the biggest highlight that was mentioned were the warm, talented and fun counselors who showered the children with unparalleled love and care, providing a warm, positive Chassidish atmosphere.

As per usual, the concluding of camp coincides with a presentation of colored bandanas, representing each participant’s level of participation in the multitude of STL’s programs, with the top children earning a certificate of achievement and a special sweatshirt. Additionally each participant received a certain amount of points which goes toward receiving an exclusive opportunity to travel to new York, to visit the Rebbe and go to 770 for an inspiring encounter.

A special thanks to all those who made it possible, and above all, our beloved Rebbe.