Jewish children throughout Nigeria spent their annual spring break celebrating their heritage at day camps established for the first time in the nation’s history by Chabad-Lubavitch of Central Africa.

Taking place last month, the camps provided children in Lagos and Ibadan with a Jewish atmosphere and unique activities, such as the opportunity to bake the special unleavened bread known as matzah and to design their own charity boxes.

Aryeh Leib Hurwitz, one of four rabbinical students who helped run the camps and lead Passover Seders in Nigeria, said that the people he met in Lagos – primarily Jewish professionals and expatriate Israelis – were energized by the programs.

“I feel privileged to have been in Lagos,” he said. “The children embraced the chance to experience the warmth of Judaism.”


Their days full of activities, Jewish children in Lagos, Nigeria, take a break during a day camp run by Chabad-Lubavitch of Central Africa.


The two-week camp, which also had a branch in Ibadan, was a first for the West African nation.


Taking place last month, the camps provided Jewish children with opportunities to explore their heritage.


The children designed their own charity boxes during the camp.


Arts-and-crafts played a central role in the day camps, which took place during the annual spring break.


Campers also learned how to bake challah, a traditional bread typically eaten during Shabbat.


A wealth of art supplies were at their disposal for various activities.


Jewish campers in Lagos try their hands at a puzzle.