Despite the challenges of the busy Pesach season, this year’s Pesach Released Time Camp in Queens, run under the auspices of NCFJE, was an outstanding success, servicing public school children who often have limited opportunities to connect with Yiddishkeit.

The camp occurred during the days of Chol Hamoed giving the children a chance to experience the warmth, joy, and meaning of Pesach in a fun and welcoming environment.

Although this year’s calendar limited the camp to just three days, instead of the usual full Chol Hamoed program, parents still chose to send their children, clearly demonstrating how much they value the experience. As Mrs. Babayev, a proud mother shared, “Released Time camp turns our children’s school break into a full Passover experience! Every day was amazing, we’re so grateful!”

Each day of camp was filled with davening, learning, engaging activities, and memorable trips, including a visit to Crown Heights and a high-energy Ninja Park. A special highlight was joining the children’s rally at 770, where Rabbi Shimon Hecht, a member of NCFJE’s executive committee and chairman of the children’s rallies, gave the public school children special attention, making them feel truly valued and inspired by the unique energy.

What made the program especially remarkable was the dedication of the bochurim who ran it. During Yom Tov, when there is officially no mivtzoim and they could focus on their personal interests and learning, they chose to give of their time and energy for these children.

The impact was clear: close to 100 children arrived excited and left each day with smiles, songs, and a deeper connection to Pesach. The staff and counselors created an environment where every child felt included and inspired. Even the fully coordinated bussing system, became an extension of camp, where through the “Torah by Heart” program the children reviewed key Yiddishkeit concepts like Moshiach and Brachos.

Special thanks goes to camp Directors: Zalmy Engel, Zalmy Davidson, and Rabbi Zelik Newman. On-Site Directors: Meir Levy and Mendel Levy. Head Counselor: Yehuda Simon. Bussing Operations: Rabbi Levi Yaffi, Yisroel Gurary, Yosef Ezagui, Mendel Backman, and Yossel Backman. Recruitment: Moshe Rubin.

We invite the community to partner in supporting this special endeavor. Your generosity helped make this meaningful Yom Tov experience and these lasting connections to Yiddishkeit possible.
Click here tinyurl.com/Passover-Camp or zelle to shneur at 917-601-8331