On Parashas Beshallach, Bais Medrash of Cedarhurst (Rabbi Spiegel) and Bais Ephraim Yitzchok (the Island Shul) hosted parallel Shabbaton reunions of campers from Camp Nageela for Boys and for Girls. Over 100 staff and campers integrated into shuls and homes throughout Cedarhurst and Woodmere. They enjoyed home cooked seudos, and get-togethers hosted by the Fruchters, Tennenbaums, Gerbers, Schonebruns, and Kaminetzkys. The highlights of the shabbatons were the onegs and meals, where members of the community got to meet the campers.
Many of the campers are making tremendous strides in their commitment to Torah learning and shmiras hamitzvos. Campers told of things like walking miles to shul on Shabbos rather than driving, learning by phone with counselors, and dressing modestly even in public school. The experience was eye-opening to many in the community. As Mr. Ephraim Tennenbaum, one of the hosts, said after the shabbaton, “Whereas everyone has heard of JEP, there is a big disconnect with the community about what is really being accomplished.” The campers and staff thank the community for opening their homes and hearts, and hope that they contributed some inspiration to the community.