Camp Update

For those that are being told different times of buses departing tommorow, the buses are pulling out at 10:30 therefore you should be there at 10:15.

Camp Update

Now for the updates you have all been waiting for!

• Busses will, IY"H, be leaving from Empress and Balaclava at 10:30 on Thursday morning, 28 December.
• The primary division of camp will be returning on Thursday, December 28 at approx. 3:00 PM.
• Details on Masmidim camp to follow.

Thank you for your understanding.

Night Activity

Minchah in YG @ 8:00

followed by a Grand wonderful, thrilling, exciting,
electrifying breathtaking, awesome, gripping game of:

Capture The Flag!

Be there!

Didan Notzach Farbrengens!

Minchah will be at 8:00 in YG.

Following Minchah we will Farbreng in honour of Hey Teves.

*Update*

Year 7 Farbrengen will take place at the Aron household, 20 Linda.

Year 8 at the home of Goldmans (In honour of the birthday of Leibel Goldman)

Year 9-10 at the home of Levi Loebenstein.

Monday Afternoon Programs

Years 7-8 have swimming now at the Werdigers

Years 9-10 come to YG!

Monday Program

9:00 AM Chassidus, followed by intense programs throughout the day, including swimming and other exciting surprises that are being worked on.

Programming Update

UPDATE:

Minchah is in YOYYL, (in the Mesivta room) not YG as blogged previously. Please let everyone know. We apologise for the miscomunication.

Following the early part of today’s events, (stay tuned for written and photographic reviews) we have set up an important evening program.

Unfortunately, due to a significantly insignificant secular date, we are unable to do any learning. So, before you get started with your chess games, sewing buttons and whatever else you are going to get up to pass the time, make sure you come first to YOYYL.

7:00 is going to be Minchah, followed by one of the most important meetings of your life. We will be discussing the Grand Masmidim Play. Be there, get involved and show the world all your hidden and revealed talents.

Shabbos in Review

"If not for the last minute, nothing would get done." These words certainly rang true this Shabbos. Don't get the wrong idea, Gan Yisroel is anything but unorganized, but desperate times call for desperate measures. The fires may burn, but Gan Yisroel would not be reduced to ashes. Late Thursday night it was decided, that as everyone knows, Shabbos in CGI is like no other experience in the world, so why should a fire in Rawson Village deprive our Masmidim of that experience? Plans were made, late night trips were made by Shliach and Truck Driver Zevi Greenwald, and supplies were bought. In the words of the great sage, Shliach, Car-Pool Companion and Jack Of All Trades Berel Majeski, “S’iz Gevoren.” The board of YG was there for us in our time of need, and helped us through some of logistics and graciously allowed us the use of their property. For this we will be eternally grateful.

And so it was, late Friday afternoon a few Bochurim embarked on an epic journey. Catering for over a hundred growing boys used to fine home-cooking is no mean feat; add to that the time constraints, it seems an impossibility! But as you all know, Shluchim are capable of doing anything. In the words of Menahel Gashmi, Rabbi A. Procel, “A Shliach is a Kol Yochol. (If he has to light a commercial stove, so be it)” The journey hiked up the steep trails of Melbourne streets as Dorm Counsellor, Taxi Driver, Courier and Printer Yisroel Haller, made his way from place to place picking up the essentials. The trail continued up over the mountain of vegetable peels that had been created and through the deafening roar of the music that blared throughout YG.

Shliach, Telemarketer and Publicist Yossi Unsdorfer, made sure the world was informed of the events.Head Chefs and Shluchim Mendel Perlstein and Mendel Dubov[w/y-ed] headed the Kitchen Kingdom, while the representative from our sponsors, Chabad of CA, and director of operations Shliach S.B Cunin, ran around making sure everything was in place. Shliach and Director Berel Lerman oversaw and made sure everything was fit for a Masmidim camp proudly bearing his name. Shluchim Meir Wilshansky and Yaakov Chaiton formed the Spiritual Advisory Committee, while Shliach Tzali Wilshansky brought in the much needed song books. The WhyGee layout needed a bit of a change, so enter our Venezuelan Shliach and Table and Food Design Specialist, Deepthroat Shuchat. Together with a few of our Masmidim, “each one a jewel so precious and rare”, he transformed the Zal into the likes of a five star dining facility.

After this team effort, we were just about ready to reach the peak of the climb, and begin what had been aptly named, “A Shabbos of Light and Unity.” After everyone lit their own personal Menorahs, they made their way over to the site of, the first ever, Grand Masmidim Public Menorah Lighting Ceremony. The aforementioned Berel Lerman inspired the crowd with warm words of encouragement, as he explained the message of Chanukah, “A little light can banish a lot of darkness.”

In yet another first, a young Israeli lit the Menorah, reciting three Brochos on the eighth night of Chanukah! Indeed, it was his first time lighting this year! Everyone present burst into a rendition of Haneiros Hallalu, followed by a short dose of singing and dancing.

We then paraded back to YG, warming up for a Shabbos promising to be like none other.

Sure enough, Kabbolos Shabbos was beautiful. There is no way a blog post can do justice to an experience of such proportions. The chayus, the energy, the life, the warmth, the liveliness was extraordinary. You could see the sparkle in the eyes of every Masmid, as they looked inside their Siddurim and pronounced each word loudly and clearly. Sydney Shluchim Zalmy Raskin and Dovid Lerner really had their bunks going! When it came to Lecho Dodi, each bunk was given the opportunity to begin a stanza with a different song. We seemed to cover all aspects of this Shabbos, from Chanukah to Niggunim of Simchah, from Didan Notzach to Niggun Hakafos! At the end, all Masmidim joined as one and danced in unison.

After that inspiring Davening, it was hard to imagine how the meal could improve on anything. But, believe it or not, get better it did! Berel Lerman kept tight control of the proceedings, as he called on different Masmidim to speak on the themes of their bunk. To that end, Birthday Boy Yechiel Klein represented the bunk of “The Alter Rebbe, Chabad Chassidus,” by telling a story of the Alter Rebbe. Masmid Alon Hammershmit represented his bunk, “The Rebbe, Moshiach Now” expressing how the Rebbes entire focus was the coming of Moshiach, and inspiring the crowd to increase in their focus of bringing Moshiach now. Masmid Eli Tatarka spoke on behalf of his bunk, “The Rebbe Rashab, Tomche Temimim.” He spoke about Bochurim being Neiros Lehoir and how we are Lamplighters.

As the delicious courses were dished out, Masmidim were confused at the reports that all this food had been made by Bochurim. “Surely this must have come from a catering company,” said one. “Yum, I think I’ll eat here next week also,” said yet another. The Gan Yisroel spirit was in true force as we all sang together. Each song with an important message, everyone got really involved as we sang with our arms over each others shoulders and danced happily on our chairs.
Guest Speaker and “Eirev Rav” Semichah Bochur Shmuly Geisinsky inspired the crowd with a story of king who mistakenly scratched the most precious diamond in his collection. He was inconsolable until a jeweller came and turned the scratch into the stem of a flower, making the diamond even more beautiful than before. “So it is with us,” he proclaimed, “Rawson Village may have been evacuated, destroying your hopes for a fun summer. But what we have done here is turn the situation into a flower, making it even better than before.”

As for the most important part of the meal, dessert, we were lucky to have the aforementioned birthday boy in attendance. Thanks to the Klein family, we all joined in the birthday celebration by sampling of the delicious birthday cake! Toffuti Cuties was the last touch up to complete the feast.

After the meal, different Farbrengens could be seen scattered throughout the Zal. Shliach and Head Mashpiah Yanky Raskin was seen Farbrenging well into the morning.

The cleaning crew didn’t have a moment to stop and soak in the spirit of the evening as they went around sweeping and cleaning the Zal, leaving it even nicer then when they had started!

The people that have to be thanked for helping make this Shabbos the great success it was, are too numerous to mention. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for EVERYHTING you did. From peeling to chopping, from setting up tables and chairs, to cooking up fish, from sweeping the floors to washing dishes, from making phone calls to taking pictures, you guys helped out tremendously and we, seriously, could not have done it without you.

Thank You.

So, for now, this is me, Blogger Boy Leibel signing off. Hope to see you by the rest of the Yeshivas Kayitz programming. And remember:

You can take us out of Gan Yisroel, but you can’t take Gan Yisroel out of us!

Thank You

We would like to publicly thank the Goldmans for opening up their hearts and allowing us to use their Mikveh. In desperate times, when other Mikvahs were closed, their kindness shone like a candle in the darkness.

Thank You.

NEWS UPDATE.

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of:

Yeshivas Kayitz Melbourne, 5767.

Shacharis on Sunday will be at 10:00 in Yeshiva Gedolah followed by an exciting program.

Details to follow, but please go to sleep and find out tomorrow, as we need you fully energised!

Please get on the phone and spread the word.

Last Minute Pics

Well, after many hours of work and preparation, it seems we are just about ready for this amazing Shabbos. We would like to thank all the Masmidim who came and helped, IY"H soon we will have pictures up showing everyone what a great job you did.

Special thanks must go to Mrs Rosenbaum and Mrs Loebenstein who gave their kitchens over to us, to use and abuse. We really appreciate it, and could not have pulled of this meal without your help.

As Shabbos closes in, we'd like to give you a glimpse at the transformation that has taken place here at YG. In order to accommodate the large crowd expected, we had to set up the meal in the Zal and the shul in the Lunch Room!
Take a look and see for yourself:

The dining room turned into a Shul!

the Zal turned into a dining room!

Every bunk has their place!

The last minute preps in the kitchen. Shliach Berel Majesky working hard!
Notice the amount of food on the stove, thats not nearly all of it.
Prepare to feast, my boys!

Shabbos Prep Pics!

YG Kitchen is a hub of activity. As we speak, or type, pots are on the stove, the oven is stacked up and the music is blaring. Nothing is being overlooked as we prepare the meal of a lifetime.

There are quite a number of Masmidim who gave of themselves to help prepare for this historic event. We thank them, and will post pictures of them shortly.

Here is a sneak peak at our Head Chefs, Mendel’s Perlstein and Dubov!

Service with a smile!
Photo Credit: L Liberow.

I'll leave the last 2 captions up to you guys. Please post your captions in the comments section. Best caption wil win a special prize! or not!

Shabbos Schedule

The long awaited details on our spectacular Shabbos program are here!

Please Daven Minchah and light your personal Menorahs before joining the program. Please make sure your Menorah has enough oil to last into the night!

8:00: The program begins with a special Grand Masmidim Public Menorah Lighting ceremony. Join us on Carlisle and Orange Grove, in front of the Chabad house for Israelis, as we light up the night with candles and song. Help to bring the message of Chanukah into Jewish hearts on the last night of Chanukah.

The Menorah lighting will culminate in a procession to the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand.

8:45: Kabbolas Shabbos in YG. Be there as we sing and dance together in honour of the holy day.

The sure-to-be-inspiring Davenning will lead right into a special Masmidim feast. Imagine; all types of delicacies and dishes, add in a dash of song, a generous helping of Chayos, a spoonful of laughter. Spice it up with chassidishe Maaysos, and a first class Farbrengen and you begin to understand what kind of Seudas shabbos you will be enjoying. You have never, and will never, see such a thing in your lives. So come join us celebrate this Shabbos Chanukah with true Gan Yisroel spirit.

As soon as you read this, pick up the phone and tell all your friends about it. Make sure everyone knows the schedule and that no one misses out on this tremendous Shabbos of a lifetime.

Looking forward to seeing EVERY SINGLE MASMID tonight, Have a wonderful Shabbos!

Year 8 Swimming

All Bochurim from Year 8 should make their way over to the Goldmans, 18 Alexandra Street, RIGHT NOW! Go there, have a swim, chill out and get ready for our unbelievable Shabbos program!

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH!

There will be a special Friday night program for all Masmidim including an amazing Menora lighting ceremony and Grand Friday Night Seudas Shabbos and Farbrengen!
Stay tuned for details.
This will be the Shabbos of your life!

Being that not everyone has internet access, B"H, we ask that you please spread the word.

Masmidim Summer Fun

Until overnight Masmidim Camp plans are finalized, exciting programs are being arranged for all Masmidim. Please check this blog for constant updates on schedules and programing.

Here is the schedule for tomorow, the 7th day of Chanukah:

9:00 - Shacharis in YG.

Following shacharis there will be a fun filled program including special games, sports and other activities. Light refreshments will be served. Program will end at approx. 12:00 PM

Unless otherwise noted, All programs include the entire senior division of camp, years 7-11 inclusive.

Its going to be fun like you've never seen before. Miss it, miss out!

More programs are being worked on, so for funs sake, keep your eyes on this blog and keep in touch with all your friends so you don't miss a second!

Dreidel Games

Yechiel Klein waits anxiously as his Dreidel spins out of control!

Shliach Zalmy Raskin having a blast with Izzy

Tension in the air! Nun gimmel, Hey and shin, watch my little Dreidel spin!

Oh, the stress! They call this a game?

Program in Pictures

The program began with an exhausting game of basketball. We split up into different teams and played our hearts out.

We then moved into the library and Davened Minchah.

Minchah was followed by special Chanukah videos.

As the video ended doughnuts were distributd to add in the Chanukah spirit.

Afterwards the boys split up into different groups and played a grand game of DREIDEL!

Year 8 Program Tonight!

What: A special Year 8 program, including a video, sports, dreidel games, Minchah and other exciting surprises TBA!

Where: Yeshivah Gedolah, WhyGee.

When: 5:45 this afternoon till 8:30 pm.

Campsite

The campsite is NOT in the 'Lansfield' area it is the 'Lancefield' area! My appologies for the confusion.

Primary Buses leaving from Empress

Please note that due to restrictions on parking, the buses will leave from Empress and Balaclava.

not outside yeshiva as originally planned

Notice Regarding Buses and Supper

Please note that the Primary Buses will be parked on Abeckett Street.

Parents should also be aware that the Camp will provide supper to the Campers when they arrive in camp.

Thank You

LATEST UPDATE FOR CGI BOYS CAMP

Major Breakthrough

Dear parents

Camp Gan Yisroel is pleased to announce that thanks to our hard working staff, Cgi is back on track.

The primary division grade 2–6 inclusive will be leaving from Yeshiva College at 5:00pm this afternoon. They will be going to the campsite week-a-way located in the Landsfield area. The camp will start on Thursday December 21, 2006 (today) and the Campers will return to Yeshiva College on Thursday December 28, 2006 at 3:00pm.

A Campsite for the High School division is being currently worked on. however if we do not find a Campsite then the High School grade 7-11 inclusive will be leaving Yeshiva College at 10am on Thursday December 28, 2006. They will be located at the above mentioned campsite. They will be returning on Thursday January 4th 2007 at 10:30am. Please G-d Masmidim camp will continue after that until January 12th 2007, location TBA.

For the High school boys there is a local Yeshiva Kayitz being arranged that will run From This Sunday December 24, 2006 till Wednesday 29th December inclusive. More information will follow if necessary.

At this time Chabad Youth would like to thank all the Shluchim/Head staff, Ruth and Adam Ruschinek, Ezzy Kestecher and Shmuli Tatarka for their tireless effort to make camp happen.

We would also like to thank all the camper, staff and parents of CGI for being so understanding and patient over the past few days.

Thank you,
Moshe Kahn

UPDATE FOR CGI BOYS CAMP

Dear parents

Greetings and blessings.

We hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirit.

Camp Gan Yisroel has been working tirelessly to relocate our campers to a safe and secure venue. Boruch Hashem 3 very viable options are being considered and right now our staff are on their way to check them out.

Further notice of confirmed info with times and dates of travel will be sent to you sometime during the night.

We appreciate your understanding and patience and look forward to a successful summer camp.

Thank you,

Moshe Kahn

Breaking News

This is just a check-in from Ezzy. Please note: We are on the verge of a major breakthrough. Keep watching this space, please stay calm, cool and Jewish!

Year 9 CORRECTION!

Year 9 have a Soccer match this minute in the Werdiger Hall!

Keys

IF THERE ARE ANY MEMBERS OF STAFF OR CAMPERS WHO HAVE KEYS TO ANY ROOMS IN RAWSON VILLAGE, PLEASE RETURN THEM AT ONCE TO THE CHABAD YOUTH OFFICES!

Lost Luggage

In light of last night's confusion, there are reportedly several cases of missing luggage. We have a designated area for all lost property. If you have lost your luggage you may come in to the Chabad Youth offices and try to locate it.

We urge everyone to check their suitcases and bags to see if they've possibly picked up someone else's belongings. If you have, please bring it to our office, or try to contact the person who's luggage it is.

It is not yet known when the next truck will be leaving to Rawson Village. If any luggage was left there, we will endeavour to locate it and bring it back to Melbourne.

Keep all your hopes positive, looking forward to camp- EZZY!

Year 9 Swimming

Year 9 swimming will join Year 8 at the Teleshevskys...

Timezone Un-Technicalities

The Timezone has now been set to EST. you may now rely on it! (Thank you, Yossi Salamon)

Latest Programs!

The following programs are just being prepared for years 8 and up for today:

Swimming 4:00PM -Check your year below
Mincha 6:30 PM -Yeshivah Shule
BBQ followed by video presentation 6:45 -Yeshivah Premises

Swimming houses:

Year 8: Shloimie Teleshevsky (159 Orrong Rd -Cnr. Tantram Ave. & Orrong Rd., entrance in Tantram Ave.)
Year 9: -WE WILL KNOW SHORTLY-
Year 10 & 11: Alon Hammerschmidt (Josefsberg House 4 Killwinning Ct.)

There is a small chance that camp will be back on from tomorrow!

Timezone Technicalities

PLEASE PAY NO ATTENTION TO TIMES AND DATES OF BLOG POSTINGS. THESE ARE BASED ON GMT -06:00 (AMERICAN TIME ZONE) AND IS COMLETELY INACURATE AND CONFUSING.

Day 1

It is now coming up to 1 day since the disaster that sent us back to Melbourne.

Boruch Hashem, CGI were well prepared, and although bitterly disappointed, all campers were accommodated and taken care of. More updates on that later.

At this juncture we would like to profusely thank the following families who's support was absolutely invaluable: Balbin; Gutnick (Avremki); Herszberg (David); Klein; Loebenstien (Yirmy and Yossi); New (Chaim); Procel; Rapp; Teleshevsky; Wajsbort; Werdiger; Wolf;. There may be other families that have skipped my mind. Please let me know, so I can include you in my next update.

At the moment we are still hoping for an overnight camp to take place, the questions are where, when, and for how long.In the interim we are attempting to entertain all our dear campers by putting together some kind of day camp program. As soon as developments arise, we will iY"H keep you informed.

For all further information, please speak to myself, Ezzy Kestecher on 0419 533 354 or Moshe Kahn on 0408 740 011.With prayers to Hashem for the ultimate downpour in the entire Gippsland, especially the Moe area; until next time, Ezzy Kestecher.

Bushfires!

WE BRING YOU UP-TO-DATE BREAKING NEWS ABOUT THE SITUATION WITH BOYS' SUMMER CAMP THIS YEAR...

Due to a terrible bushfire raging in the area, boys summer camp has come to an abrupt suspension. At the moment the boys have just arrived back safely, boruch Hashem, and the area which holds the campsite is threatened.

We will continue to bring you updates as soon as there are developments, iY"H. All questions such as, 'Will camp continue?', or 'Where will it continue?', etc, are going to have answers as soon as possible.

The camp's excellent staff will convene for an urgent meeting as soon as all children are safely home. It is hoped that this meeting will shed light on some major developments, and we hope to all be safely back in camp in the very near future.

WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED!!!