The inaugural year of Anshei Lubavitch’s brand new Winter Camp, under the leadership of Rabbi Eli Steinhauser, has been a major success! Scheduled during the winter break of New Jersey public schools, Anshei Lubavitch has established a fun and dynamic week-long Judaism immersion adventure for public school students between the ages 5-11. “We set out to create a fun and meaningful way for children to spend this week off of school, and as always, the community has responded with enthusiastic participation.” said Rabbi Steinhauser, who is also the head counselor of the Anshei Lubavitch Summer Camp.

Each day of Winter Camp kicked off with a nutritious kosher breakfast, Chanukah-themed crafts and rousing group davening, leading up to the day’s main event. Winter campers enjoyed something new and exciting each day, including ice skating, arcades and a trip to Urban Air. The highlight of the week was an excursion to the Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights, where they travelled in time through the entire history of Judaism and experienced each of the seven days of creation. The children particularly loved the lechem exhibit, where they learned about the rising process and climbed inside a giant challah.

The campers and their parents were impressed by the tremendous impact that resulted from this packed and impeccably planned week. “We were looking for a safe and well-supervised environment for our children to spend their winter break while we were at work,” said Orly Shalom, mother of campers Noga, 7, and Lavi, 5, “but what the children got was all of that and so much more! In this one week they formed friendships and made memories that I know will stay with them for a very long time.” Her children agreed, “Rabbi Eli is really funny!” Lavi laughed, “The best was when he told us the Chanukah story with funny voices.”

“Sign me up for next year!” added Noga.

Together with the Anshei Lubavitch administration, Rabbi Steinhauser has already begun to make plans for next year’s winter camp. “This year was fantastic, but next year is going to be even bigger and better!”