Camp HASC celebrated an unforgettable Hachnasat Sefer Torah sponsored by Dov and Shaindy Lisker & family in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son Elie, a camper at HASC.

The emotional Hachnasat Sefer Torah began with a lively Uncle Moishy concert and beautiful seudat mitzvah. Campers participated in flag-making art projects and other adaptive activities to mark the special occasion. Led by a live band and sefer Torah truck, hundreds of children and adults joined the family members to escort the Torah to its new home in the Camp HASC beit midrash. Jojo Aronoff of Englewood, a member of Camp HASC Kollel Torat Chesed, said “this was one of the highlights of my three summers at camp… seeing the campers’ faces light up while celebrating with the new sefer Torah – incredible.”

Shuki Weinstein, a first year counselor from Teaneck shared, “It is so amazing how everything is adaptable and accessible, so that every camper, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities, is able to participate”.

The Jewish community’s premier summer program for individuals with special needs, Camp HASC provides for the physical, medical, therapeutic and personal needs of over 300 children and adults with a range of special needs and developmentaldisabilities.

Dozens of campers in wheelchairs and with walkers moved alongside children on their counselors’ shoulders, singing and dancing all together in honor of the Torah. For many of the special campers at HASC, this was their fi rst opportunity to hold a sefer Torah and participate in a sefer Torah procession. Rav Judah Mischel, executive director at Camp HASC, said, “It was such a special honor for us, and a beautiful day of kovod hatorah, simcha shel mitzvah and kvod shamayim.”