The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2025- Page 15
Religious Life
Chabad Lake Norman’ s Camp Gan Israel 2025 Summer Recap
This summer, the joyful sounds of Jewish songs, spirited cheers, and giggling campers once again filled the air at Camp Gan Israel Lake Norman. A program of Chabad of Lake Norman, CGI has quickly become a beloved summer experience for families seeking a meaningful, fun, and Judaism-rich camp experience.
Each day was filled with hands-on activities— crafts, cheers and trips. Highlights included a tie-dye extravaganza, an " I love Israel " day, and our
signature Shabbat party Fridays, where campers danced, braided challah, and celebrated together.
As we wrapped up another incredible season, the buzz for next summer has already begun. Parents and campers alike are asking: When can we come back?
For more information about Camp Gan Israel Lake Norman cgilakenorman. com
Having fun with a marshmallow challenge
Riding the train at Village Park
Enjoying our field trip at Lazy 5 Ranch
IMAGINE A LIFE OF HEALTH & SMILE WE DID...
SmileCharlotte has been helping our patients have healthy and beautiful smiles for 35 years.
Dr. Tricia Rodney
Dr. Kevin Berman
Challah Baking is a must at CGI!
New Patients Welcome
704-377-2503 smilecharlotte. com
2711 Randolph Rd., Suite 205, Charlotte, NC 28278
Campers show off their Israeli Salad for“ I love Israel Day.”
Athletes for Israel
( Continued from page 14)
as the course. With a fully kosher grill, an over-the-top breakfast spread, and even a Manischewitz food truck parked on site, every detail was thoughtful and inclusive. It was a true kiddush Hashem: a Jewish event that was elegant, welcoming, and impactful, drawing both Jewish and non-Jewish guests into a shared celebration of values and vision.
Meeting Coach Bruce Pearl( Even Before I Knew Who He Was)
My personal discovery of Athletes for Israel came, of all places, in a security line in Jerusalem. I was waiting to enter the Kotel, the Western Wall, when a group of 15 very large men walked right past the line and were ushered in through the side entrance. A few minutes later, I noticed them again inside the Kotel Tunnels. One man, older than the rest and clearly their leader, was standing nearby. I asked him who the group was.
“ They’ re Athletes for Israel,” he said,“ and I’ m Bruce Pearl.”
I smiled politely, took a photo with him, and sent it to a few sports-loving friends. Their responses came flying in:“ HOW did you get a picture with BRUCE PEARL?!” For those like me who didn’ t know, he’ s one of the most famous college basketball coaches in America— head coach of the Auburn Tigers, and a proud, vocal Jew. Fast forward a few years, and here we are: our Charlotte community sending representatives to his events and standing behind the cause he champions. Why It Matters In a time when antisemitism is rising and misinformation about
Israel spreads easily, especially on college campuses, Athletes for Israel is doing something simple yet profound: showing, not telling, young leaders the truth.
When student-athletes travel to Israel, meet Israelis, walk the streets of Jerusalem, and experience Shabbat in the Holy Land, they return changed. They speak up. They become advocates. They use their platforms, sometimes with thousands or even millions of followers, to share positive messages about Israel and the Jewish people. Some even ask how they can keep learning, stay involved, or return to Israel again.
This is grassroots diplomacy at its best— real relationships, real impact.
From Charlotte to Scarsdale and Beyond
Whether it’ s a heartfelt speech in a locker room or a perfectly hit drive down the fairway, the mission is the same: to build a more educated, compassionate, and connected world— one athlete at a time.
As Jews, we know that the world isn’ t changed by arguments— it’ s changed by encounters. By showing up. By extending a hand. By inviting others into our story.
Athletes for Israel is doing just that, and we at the Charlotte Torah Center are proud to play our part.