Rachmistrivka Prepares for Even Hapinah Ceremony At New Campground

By Idy Perl

The last preparations are being made for the historical even hapinah for the new Rachmistrivka boys camp, Machne Ohel Yochanan Rachmistrivka, which will take place next week Sunday. The camp is located on a 47-acre property in Greenfield Park, near Woodridge and Ellenville where thousands of Yidden spend the summer months. 

This project is truly historical as unlike many other camps in the Catskills, this is a brand-new camp that is being built from the ground up on a new, empty property, and is not taking over an existing campground. The camp is one of the largest new projects for Rachmistrivka in recent years and is a true historical moment for the chassidus. The Rachmistrivka Rebbe had strongly encouraged the project, and the campground property was bought with his blessings when he was still alive. 

Although Rachmistrivka has its own building in Boro Park, their hundreds of talmidim have been wandering and staying at different hotels every summer for the last few years. Now they will bezras Hashem be able to spend next summer on their own property and truly enjoy their camp experience. 

The cost of this project will total an astonishing $30 million. The campgrounds will include a beautiful beis medrash, which has been sponsored for a million dollars by a donor who received the zechus of the shem habinyan. The shem habinyan for the dining hall and the camp have already been sold to donors as well. Additionally, there will be several bungalows to house camp staff, comfortable bunkhouses for the campers, classrooms to learn in, a mikvah, two swimming pools, and several other facilities. 

Throughout the last two years, since the contract closed on the property, askanim have been working around the clock to get the necessary permits in order to build new structures on the property. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the permits were approved a few months ago and the preparations for construction started immediately after. The date for the even hapinah, which is now quickly approaching, was confirmed at that time as well. 

The ceremony will take place with the rare appearances of all the Rachmistrivka Rebbes. The cornerstone will be poured by the Rachmistrivka Rebbe shlita, which will be followed by divrei bracha. Reb Moshe Yehoshua Kramer, who carries the responsibility of the entire mosed on his shoulders, will be brought out at the event as well in a show of appreciation for all his hard work for this project, as well as multiple other ones. 

A large number of Yidden from all walks of life and communities are expected to attend the historical event, in addition of course to the thousands of Rachmistrivka chassidim who will be participating. The attendees will come from all over, and there will be bus transportation from various cities. Askanim have worked with local and state police and city administrations to provide security and ensure the event runs smoothly.