(Courtesy of Camp HASC) Camp HASC had the great privilege to host Rav Berel Lazar shlita, chief rabbi of Russia, this past Sunday. Upon arriving in a helicopter on the Camp HASC baseball field, Rabbi Lazar was greeted by Camp HASC board members, directors, staff and, of course, the special children of Camp HASC.

Rav Lazar took time out of his busy schedule to make the time to visit and share words of chizuk. Although it was a short one, it was electrifying, uplifting and a visit the special campers and staff will always remember.

An interactive tour was led by Camp Director Shmiel Kahn and Executive Director Rav Judah Mischel.

Each camper and staff member was greeted by Rav Lazar with warmth, patience and sensitivity. Live niggunim were played as Rav Lazar and honored guests were led throughout camp. Campers and staff joined in for some lively dancing and song. The energy was palpable as smiles were seen on everyone’s face.

At the camp-wide kabbalat panim, Rav Lazar had an opportunity to meet and spend time with an ecstatic group of yaldei hasheluchim – children of Chabad shluchim from all over the world. It was special to witness the love and attention Rav Lazar paid to the hundreds of campers and staff. While touring the beautiful Camp HASC’s adaptive campus, Rav Lazar visited the pool, therapy complex and sensory room. In his short time there, Rav Lazar spent quality time immersed in the Camp HASC spirit, was able to feel and witness firsthand the magic that happens in Camp HASC and remarked that “every inch of this campus is filled with ahavas Yisrael.”

In sharing inspiring divrei bracha, Rav Lazar shared the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s message that everyone has a special shlichut in this world to fulfill. He expressed how impressed he was with the mesirut nefesh and dedication of the staff. He also noted that the counselors grow unimaginably by taking care of these special neshamot. “Hakadosh Baruch Hu promises that when you take care of His children, he will take care of yours.”

It was a day jam-packed with beautiful moments and an unforgettable day of chizuk and support for the special children of Camp HASC, their families, staff and all of klal Yisroel.