More than 500 campers and staff from Yachad‘s Summer Programs came together at Goldschein’s Homestead for the biggest Yom Yachad yet! Campers, vocational participants, and staff from programs including Bachutz, Chaverim, Morasha, Mesorah, Lavi, Kesher, Moshava Bair, NJ, and Getaway spent the day reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and celebrating as one big family. These programs in the northeast are just a few of Yachad Summer’s 27 programs across the United States, Canada, and Israel.
From spirited activities and friendly competition to countless smiles and hugs, the atmosphere was filled with ruach and joy. Participants delighted in visits with adorable puppies, sensory play in the corn pit, opportunities to feed the animals, and many of the farm’s other attractions. Yet, some of the most meaningful moments happened between activities, when campers and staff spotted an old friend from home, a regional program, school, or previous summer, or made a new connection; they felt like the belonged.
Yom Yachad gives participants and staff the opportunity to see firsthand that they are part of something much bigger than their individual camps. Throughout the day, participants cheered not only for their own camps, but for one another, celebrating the friendships, confidence, and experiences they share through Yachad. Through its summer programs, along with year-round opportunities in education, employment, friendship, and Jewish life, Yachad empowers individuals with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities to grow, connect, and participate in their communities. At the same time, counselors, staff, and volunteers develop leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of why and how to make sure everyone feels like they belong.
As Dr. Joe Goldfarb, Director of Yachad Summer, shared, “This is a wonderful day that highlights the breadth of Yachad Summer. It gives all the staff and participants the knowledge that they are part of something bigger. The impact of those experiences extends far beyond camp, shaping lives and strengthening communities long after the summer ends.”
While each summer program offers its own unique experience, they all share the same goal: creating fun, meaningful summers where every participant is known, valued, included, and given the opportunity to grow.
Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Executive Vice President and COO of the Orthodox Union, and Rabbi Shay Schachter, rabbi and spiritual leader of Yachad, also addressed the crowd, sharing words of inspiration and reinforcing the importance of community and belonging. Rabbi Joseph reminded everyone, “Being nice. Bringing shalom into the world… Saying hello. Seeing what is special in each and every person. That is what Yachad is about. That is what Yom Yachad is about.”
Yom Yachad continues to be one of the highlights of the summer, reminding every participant, counselor, volunteer, and family that they are part of a community where everyone belongs.