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  updated 5/13/08
320 Building Blog Update New pictures and updates are now posted on the 320 Building Blog for May 2008. See the asbestos removal, the geo-tech sub-surface soil testing and the exciting "farewell to 320" ceremony held right after the Grad Party on Sunday May 11th. The utilities have been disconnected and tree removal should begin at the end of this week. Demolition will take place after Graduation.
Grad Party '08
5/11/08
Pictures are now online from the Grad Party - Farewell to Class of 2008, a special celebration to honor the contributions and accomplishments of the graduating seniors (including May, Summer and December graduates). Those graduates who were unable to make it (due to packing/moving, Mother's Day, study-review-sessions etc) can come by to the Open House BBQ on Sunday following commencement to pick up their gift and CD of the Memories power-point presentation.
ZFA Israel Shabbat
5/9/08
As a closer to the successful "Israel Awareness Week" on campus, ZFA sponsored a great Israel Shabbat spread at Shabbos House with everything from shnitzel and couscous to babaganoush, felafel and schug and lots of other specialties. Shabbos House was festively decorated and following dinner some 30 people stayed on for an oneg led by the Bnot Sherut girls here in Albany for the year with JERNY.
  updated 5/8/08
Pictures to come soon...
5/8/08
We have nice photos of the updates below - but it may take until after the Grad Party this Sunday to get those picture-pages posted. Sorry for the delay, I know some of you are eager, and we like to keep current, but this end of the year season has been a hectic, but exciting, marathon.
Preparing for the Grad Party The annual Grad Party is a special event, and there's lots of preparation work that has to go into it. For good reasons this year (late Passover, Israel Awareness Week, Rabbi Rubin's 60th and more) we got a late start, and now hope to get everything ready in time.
Rabbi Rubin's 60th @ MHDS
5/6/08
Rabbi Mendel's father's first name is Israel. And he turns 60 this week, just as Israel does. Both born this time of year in 1948. Rabbi Rubin is regional director for Chabad in northeastern upstate NY and the founder and dean of the Maimonides School in Albany. Mendel and Raizy (and some Rubin siblings) got word out to the community to come for a surprise party at the school, and they also prepared a binder full of nice letters and cards from people, and people also contributed in multiples of 60 for the Building Fund at the Maimonides School which is now in middle of their expansion construction. A lot of people showed up - including Mendel's grandmother from Montreal! Raizy catered the whole thing, so this was one more reason why this week is especially busy.
Asbestos Abatement Complete
5/6/08
As part of the demolition process at 320, we had to remove all the asbestos external tiles around the house. It took a few days, and some cost, but at least now we're one step closer! One more hurdle out of the way. We'll soon post photos on the 320 Building Blog Page for May 2008.
IAW & The Israel Fair
5/5/08
As part of a week-long "Israel Awareness Week" filled with events celebrating Israel's 60th, students (and UAlbany Hillel) arranged a fountain-full of tables with information, activities and giveaways about Israel. We actually have a ton of beautiful pictures, it was a gorgeous day and many students came by, but we'll have to post them soon, as this is a very hectic week.
Last Spring '08 Hillel Dinner - with Joel Chasnoff The last Hillel dinner of the year was very well-attended, and featured comedian Joel Chasnoff, who's on the Jewish circuit (USY, birthright, Hillels etc) and also writes for mainstream shows. That night Chartwells did an outstanding job with the food, it was plentiful, there was great variety and good taste. They're probably trying to make up for the Chinese-themed dinner they botched a month or two back. Joel, last minute, asked Rabbi Mendel to open for him, which he did. Joel was very good. He had the crowd with him, he kept the place laughing and people had a great time.
Yom HaShoah The 24-hour memorial vigil of reading names, and candles-around-the-fountain was held Thursday at noon to Friday at noon. As usual, couches were shlepped down from the Hillel Office, Holocaust movies were shown around the clock, and while many stopped by to read names, a group of hard-core guys and girls stayed up huddled in the chilly night outside on the podium. Believe it or not, we had a Minyan for prayers and Kaddish for all three - Mincha, Maariv and a 7:30am Shachris. The speakers (a survivor of the Kinder-Transport and a US Army liberator) were very interesting and spoke upstairs in CC 375.
  updated 4/28/08
Librescu Video and Yom HaShoah It's around the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech and the heroism of Professor Librescu. NCFJE in NY produced a short film on his life and legacy, see NCFJE's  "Courage Under Fire" Librescu Film on YouTube (and elsewhere online).

This coming Thursday will mark Yom-HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day on campus, with a 24-hour vigil of Name Reading, Holocaust Films, and Minyans on the Podium, as well as Holocaust Speakers (one is a Holocaust survivor, the other is a US Army Liberator) 6pm on in CC 375.

May 2008 Demolition Schedule Updated Check our 320 Building Blog (and click on the April 08 and May 08 pages) for news and updates on the progress toward the construction of the new, bigger and better Shabbos House to be built at 320 Fuller Road, two doors down from the current Shabbos House at 316 Fuller Road.
Close of Passover After a great holiday weekend, we closed Passover with a small meal, mostly family and a few students, with stories, songs and 4 cups of wine at the traditional time for the Baal Shem Tov's Moshiach Meal (our 2nd time for the holiday). Following Havdalah, instead of cleaning up right away and getting Passover packed up that night, we opted for a lazier night, and took all the kids out to a 24-hour Wal-Mart... 
Nearly All Passover  Minyans We had nice Minyans (beyond the necessary ten men) for 4 of the 5 prayer services on the second weekend of Passover, including the Birkat Kohanim, two Torah Readings and many blessings and a great many Amens. Unfortunately, on the morning of Fountain Day (8th day of Passover) we only reached 9 men, but the comraderie and spirit were special as well.
8th Night of Passover As is our annual tradition, Shabbos House hosts a festive wine dinner on the 8th and last night of Passover celebrating the "Looking Forward to Moshiach Meal" instituted by the Baal Shem Tov. We had a sing-off with each table choosing a song, Rabbi Mendel spoke about Rabbi Tarfon and his 5th Cup, and the atmosphere was especially warm and festive.
Friday Night 7th Night of Passover
 
As the 7th night of Passover fell on Friday Night this year, and Kosher Dutch was open all week for Passover, it was hosted by Hillel in the Campus Center Assembly Hall. In addition to Passover food and prayers (thanks Adam Kris and Aviva Snyder for remembering to copy the holiday prayers) it was also end-of-year Awards Night at Hillel with numerous humorous awards presented by the Hillel Student Board and the annual David Liebschutz Leadership Awards presented by Aviva Snyder, Director of UAlbany Hillel.
  updated 4/25/08
IsraelLinks further subsidized to $299! The post-birthright 3-week educational adventure Israel trip with Chabad on Campus, is now further subsidized to $299 including airfare. It's a powerful, meaningful and rich experience that goes beyond where birthright goes (geographically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually) staffed by Chabad on Campus families (like the Rubins) and is now available at an amazingly low price. If you are available this summer, check out www.IsraelLinks.org We also posted additional  summer study opportunities and programs here in the USA and in Israel online.
L'Chaim Meeting
4/24/08
As the semester is rushing to a close (finals will be in two weeks, graduation in three!) we got together with the old and new L'chaim Board, a much larger board than ever before to plan end of year and next semester calendar and events. An exciting table is planned for the IsraelFair on Monday May 5th, some ideas thrown around for the "Farewell to 320" following the Grad Party on May 11th, and a Safari-Shabbat was planned for Parshat Noach of next year, and a Russian-themed Shabbat for the Shabbat of Sukkot. Also save the Sunday of September 14th 2008 for a Cornerstone Ceremony at the new Shabbos House...
Trip to Ballston Spa
4/24/08
Again, in the Passover Chol HaMoed (intermediate days of the holiday) Rabbi Mendel took the kids up north, just below Saratoga Springs to the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa. It's a small place, but filled with thousands of hand-blown glass bottles, categorized according to style, era, and use. The tour guide was fascinating and taught us a many interesting things. After that we took a nature hike in Woods Hollow, the Ballston Spa Nature Preserve.
Visit to Binghamton
4/23/08
As we rapidly move to the construction of the new Shabbos House (on the site of 320 Fuller Road) we took a trip down the 88 to Binghamton to see their mega-expansion under construction. Rabbi & Rivky Slonim took us through their old and new (which are connected and will both be in use) legendary Chabad Houses, explained us the use of the rooms and gave us some ideas and tips to incorporate in our plans.

We took a longer route down south, since we stopped way-up on a mountaintop to visit and bring Passover food to an older man living alone about an hour south-west of Albany. It was so scenic and the windy ways up the mountain were itself an adventure. Since it is Chol HaMoed (intermediate days of) Pesach, we took the kids to the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton, they always enjoy a zoo. It's a small place, but tastefully designed and cared for.

Day in Saratoga
4/22/08
Rabbi Mendel's brother Rabbi Abba at Saratoga Chabad hosted a Passover Fun Family Day up in historic and beautiful Saratoga, so went went up there for the afternoon. The kids enjoyed a great interactive juggler named "Incredible Larry" who took the time between shows to teach kids juggling tricks and tips, and they were able to practice using his equipment. There was also a rock-climbing wall, an orange-juice squeezing stand, "Picture Yourself Leaving Egypt" magnets, a Passover dinner and more.
  updated 4/22/08
Rest of Meals on Passover Days 1 & 2 The lunches on the first and second days of Passover were very small and sporadic at Shabbos House, with UAlbany off on Sunday and classes cancelled on Monday, and most students away for the holiday. It was cozy and relaxing, with stunningly beautiful weather all weekend.
Seders at Shabbos House SEDER I: About 45 of us sat around one box-shaped connected table (Shabbat Lunch-style). Rabbi Mendel introduced each reader and passage as we went around the table reading Haggdah sections. Around the table were freshmen students, grad students, alumni, two faculty members, several families, the Rubin Kids, and others. It began at 8:30pm and ended at 11:30pm. It was a special time and atmosphere.

SEDER II: This one was even cozier, with about 25 of us, also starting at 8:30pm but ending at 11pm, and enjoyed a higher interaction level. The Rubin Kids were up for both Seders (just about). On both nights, all had their appropriate share of Matzah, Marror and wine or grape-juice, of which there was a great selection. Plus, there was plenty home-made Passover food, Raizy cooked up a storm.

Summer Trip & Study Opportunities There are a number of exciting, free or subsidized, meaningful and relevant study programs and opportunities that Shabbos House is affiliated with through National Chabad on Campus, and we're pleased to be able to recommend them to UAlbany students. Check out this page of Summer Trips and Study Opportunities. If this is something you're interested in, we'd like to discuss these options with you (as we know these programs well) to see which might be the best fit for you.
Signed the Contract!
4/17/08
We got the ball rolling once we signed the new Shabbos House construction contract with Yefim Baskin. This is an exciting milestone, long-awaited for many years. As Yefim and his team work on demolition, site-work and construction, Mendel and Raizy will be at work fundraising for this project, so that it can be financially feasible. Keep checking the 320 Building-Blog Page as developments progress.
  updated 4/16/08
Building Committee approves contract
4/16/08
At a meeting today the Shabbos House Building Committee met and gave the go-ahead (despite the current financial fundraising gap) for Shabbos House Chabad Center to sign a construction contract with Yefim Baskin of Baskin Custom Homes Construction, which we hope to do as soon as possible. We will soon set-up an online photo page/blog with ongoing construction progress, as well as mailing an updated Building Brochure to all Shabbos House friends with an updated construction timeline and dedication opportunities.

During the discussion about the missing $600K yet to be raised, one of the participants received his daily motivational email via blackberry that read something like this: "Don't be afraid to take chances, if you don't take chances you won't be successful and it won't get done." It got a great chuckle and helped set the theme that the construction has to go forward even before we have all the funds in place.

Rabbi Israel Rubin pointed out that there were 3 sets of people around the table, representing the 3 Pillars upon which the world rests (Ethics of Our Fathers) "Torah" representing those who run Shabbos House, "Service" refers to the architect and engineer who volunteered many professional hours on this project and "Acts of Kindness" are the major supporters behind this project.
 

Shopping for Pesach
4/16/08
Today was a big Passover shopping and shlepping day. Special thanks to L'chaim President Rachel Serkin, Rachel Woren and friend Cynthia, and Evan Ginsberg and the staff at Price Chopper and the Party Warehouse for all their assistance.

Thanks to L'chaim Student Group (sa funded) group sponsorship and special Student Association Supplemental Funding, Shabbos House made a major Passover food shopping at the Kosher Price Chopper in Colonie in preparation for the Seders for students not headed home, as well as for the 2nd days of Passover. A huge, special thanks to the Party Warehouse on Fuller Road for a major contribution of paper-goods for use at the Seders and Passover and year-end events at Shabbos House.
 

Cleaning for Pesach
4/13-5
It's been hard to get to Pesach cleaning with all the events going on at Shabbos House, but eventually we had to get to it and its remarkable that we (thanks to help from Mr. Z. and students) managed to get it done in a little more than one week. Although the current Shabbos House is only 1800SF, it has so much stuff in it, and 5 kids can get Chametz in more places than 150 students can. But we cleaned behind the kitchen appliances, sorted all the kids toy bins, moved all their furniture, cleaned all the bookshelves and nooks and crannies, and had the carpets shampooed and deep-cleaned. There are still things to do, besides a ton of cooking, of course: vacuum both cars, scrub down the chairs, sort through Passover dishes, buy some more wine, and a bunch of errands. We'll get there in time!
  updated 4/9/08
Craig Israel Learning
4/8/08
Thanks to Craig Messer for doing a student presentation at "Torah Tuesdays" on "Mapquest: Biblical Israel" tracing the roots of G-d's promise to our forefathers, tracing their journeys, and discussing the Israelites conquest of the land, down to modern-day imperatives to live in Israel. It was well-attended, nearly 30 between both sessions, and his talk sparked lively discussion and many good questions.
Congrats New Hillel Board Mazal Tov and congratulations to the newly elected 2008-9 Hillel Student E-Board: Adam Kris, President;  Jen Sovronsky, Vice President; Sam Marcus, Jewish Life Chair; Yael Gavronsky, PR Chair; Aleeza Sklover, Social Action Chair; Barbara Gossin, Community Chair; and Steven Berkowitz, Treasurer.
  4/6/08
Emptying 320 Garage As construction hopefully nears, we spent a few hours this afternoon emptying the garage at 320 Fuller, removing the Sukkah Boards and cross-beams, the tent-tarps, poles and supports, and a number of other items and brought them to a different storage location. Thanks to Jason Mendelson, Chase Liebowitz, Yisroli and Maishe Backman, Rabbi Mendel and Rabbi Israel Rubin, plus visiting alumni Eric Himy and Jeremy Soussan for making the schlep on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It's an exciting, practical step toward construction, may it be very soon!
Cleaning for Pesach Due our work on the Maimonides School Dinner (in the Albany Jewish community) during Spring Break, and the hectic week of events that followed (Torah Tuesday, Challah Baking, meetings for building, and then the full Shabbat weekend) we haven't even thought of Pesach Cleaning and Preparations until today. We hope to get a battle-plan in place and start tackling one room at a time. Shabbos House is small, about 1,800 SF, but with five little ones and all the food here all the time, it's quite a challenge.
Alumni Guests for Shabbat
4/4-5/08
An especially warm Oneg came after the meal in welcome to several alumni who came up for the weekend. Laura Novello ('07) used her spring-break weekend off from Medical School in Philadelphia to visit Shabbos House and see old friends, Ariel (Masters '07) came up with Ita to study with Mendel and Raizy before their wedding this summer, Arie Lipnick ('03) of AIPAC in NYC came up for the weekend to speak at a SAIPAC political campaign training institute this weekend in the Campus Center, Eric & Jeremy (Class of 2005) of Simchat Torah fame, and Farrah Fidler (who came up with friend Randy from Bayside Chabad) founder of the "Spread the Word" Open Mic program at UAlbany was delighted to discover that current L'chaim President Rachel Serkin is active in that program today.
Post Spring-Break Shabbat
4/4-5/08
We had a beautiful well-attended Post Spring-Break Shabbat. It rained much of Friday, but cleared up mostly in time for dinner on Friday Night, and Shabbos Day was absolutely gorgeous. Taste of spring. There were many announcements: Hillel announced its Student Board Elections on Monday Night, ZFA spoke about the rare opportunity to hear a Zionist Sheikh speak in the Ballroom on Wednesday, Rachel Serkin announced Shabbat Services and this week's Torah Tuesdays topic. Rabbi Mendel spoke about the spiritual significance of "Relays" in honor of the Relay for Life event in the RACC / SEFCU Arena. Raizy announced several summer study opportunities and trips recommended by Shabbos House, and Mendel asked for RSVPs for the Seders for those not going home. While we missed some of the AEPI guys who spent the weekend at the Dippikill Retreat in the Adirondacks, and others who went away for Shabbat, we did manage a nice Minyan thanks to the alumni guests. We also hosted the Albany Maimonides / Bnos Chaya High School girls.
  4/2/08
Work on Building No construction contract or timeline at this time, yet - but work is progressing toward that end. Details are being worked out with the likely contractor, and we continue to increase our efforts in raising the necessary funding to make the exciting and necessary new Shabbos House a reality - at 320 Fuller Road! We will keep you posted on any developments.
The Chapel House Mural Sadie Rosenthal of NYC is the artist-in-residence, and students dropping in and out are the painters of a new, colorful and interesting mural going up on the white walls of the Jewish sanctuary at Chapel House. Arranged by Aviva Snyder of UAlbany Hillel, together with a special grant from Avodah Arts on the Move. Painting is being done all the first week of April.
Spring-Break We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing Spring Break - wherever you were. At Shabbos House we were busy preparing for the Maimonides School Dinner, which was catered by Raizy and the Journal and video prepared by Mendel. It was a hectic, busy and rewarding week. The event was well-attended, got great reviews, and was a wonderful celebration for "Israel@60" (the theme) as well as the Maimonides School.
Cozy-Purim-Shabbat
3/21-22/08
As Purim fell on the eve of Spring Break, most students were gone by the time Shabbat arrived. But for those who came to celebrate we had a most unusual Shabbat, with the meal begin on Friday afternoon as part of Purim, and continued into Friday Night for Shabbat, using a special Talmudical formula that Rabbi Mendel described using the analogy of a traffic signal. It was a festive evening with L'chaim and wine as befits Purim. Continuing the topsy-turvey Purim spirit, we concluded the evening with the evening prayer (with a minyan!) which is usually done before the meal.
The Purim-Cruise
3/20/08
With Purim on the eve of Spring Break, instead of the usual on-campus Megillah and Festivities, we did it at Shabbos House. Lo and behold, nearly 70 came to hear the Megillah and enjoy the at-sea Purim theme, complete with life-savers, an anchor, captain and sailor hats. We took a "Purim-Cruise" photo following the light dinner served after Megillah Reading, of bagels, lox and all kinds of goodies, including Hamantaschen.
Pre-Purim Shabbat
3/14/08
We left the traditional pre-Purim wine-dinner to the Shabbat immediately following Purim, when most will be away on break. But every Shabbos dinner is a festive occasion, good atmosphere, good food and good people. A "congestion-saving" resolution was decided to do away with sliced Challah, so that less will crowd around for the HaMotzee on whole Challah loaves.
2 Pre-Purim Torah Tuesdays In preparation for Purim - two Torah Tuesdays were devoted to a deeper understanding of the holiday: "Torah Take 3" on the 3 angles of the Hamantasch and other significances of the number 3, and "Behind the Mask" in relationships, in life and in the Purim Story. At the first Torah Tuesdays, we packed 1,800 holiday packets with Hamantaschen and soft-mint candies. The hand-clapper graggers came the next day.
Hillel Film Festival
3/12-13/08
In conjunction with Avodah Arts on the Move based out of NY, UAlbany Hillel presented a Jewish Film Festival for two nights at the Spectrum Theater on Delaware Avenue. The first night featured: "The Tribe" on Barbie Doll's history as intertwined with Jewish history, and "Matzah and Mistletoe" about a young woman raised as Catholic learning of her Jewish identity. On the 2nd night (which is when we Rubins attended) they showed an 8-minute short titled "Naturalized" on a Russian boys fight for circumcision with his family, Rabbi Mendel loved the profound and powerful ending. The last film was "Orthodox Stance" the remarkable personal story of Sabbath-observant Jewish rising boxing star Dmitry Salita. Thanks to Rachel Serkin for pioneering this special film festival event at UAlbany, with Aviva Snyder, Hillel Director.
Hillel-Semi-Formal
3/8/08
Once again, the annual Hillel Semi-Formal was held at the Appel Inn in Altamont, catered by Raizy, complete with DJ by Conway and a most festive atmosphere. Buses left from Chapel House on the last Saturday Night before Daylight Savings kicked in, and all who went had a splendid time.
  updated 3/2/08
Jamming Night II
3/1/08
Jamming Night II (final for Spring Semester '08 before DST change) was mostly a strings-affair this time. Dan Small on Violin, Josh Isaacson played the Ukulele, Yael Gavronsky on acoustic guitar, Jacob Zemon on electric guitar and Daniel Goldstein on base guitar. Being the second time for most of these musicians to play together, there were some excellent musical pieces, it came together nicely. Plus we went through more than seven pizza pies, and a case of hot pretzels. It was a relaxing and casual atmosphere.
Healthy Minyan
2/30/08
Minyans have been tight lately, so we were delighted to have a healthier Minyan, even with some regulars away, thanks to some new faces, as well as the assistance of Motti Rubin and Eli O'Brien of Albany Mesivta / Maimonides High. Professor Herman read the Haftorah, as he often does, turns out it was in honor of his birthday. Shabbat Lunch as cozier than usual.
Sushi-Shabbat
2/29/08
More than 500 pieces of sushi were prepared at Shabbos House for Friday Night (lox, mock-crab and vegetable) plus the full-course Shabbat meal as usual. The decor and theme added a lot to the atmosphere. Rabbi Mendel put out a booklet in tribute to Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jews with visas that brought them to Shanghai for the duration of the war, saving them from the Holocaust. Two of those visas went to Raizy and Mendel's respective grandfathers.

Thanks to the student teams who rolled sushi, prepared salads, schlepped out the couches, set-up tables, and more. And to those who served, cleaned-up, brought back in the couches... It takes a lot of work to make the Shabbos House Friday Night atmosphere possible, and we appreciate everyone's help.

Challah with Love On a cold wintry night in the heat of midterm stress just a few showed to bake more than 4 dozen mdeium sized elegant Challahs (mix of whole-wheat and white) to be personally delivered to seniors who would appreciate homemade bread in time for Shabbat. Special thanks to those who braided the Challah and to those who delivered them. The seniors appreciation is what makes this a very special Mitzvah.
  updated 2/25/08
Big Week Planned.. Coming up... The Rice Blessing at Torah Tuesdays (research into Rabbinics behind the rice blessing) along with a rice-oriented dairy dinner menu, "Challah with Love" baking on Wednesday Night to distribute to seniors before the weekend, Friday Night will be "Sushi-Shabbat" and an associated theme, and Sat Night will be the second and final Jamming Night for the Spring '08 semester. - All at Shabbos House. Obviously, not everyone can come out to all the events, but try to make it for a one, two or three... you'll enjoy!
Presidents Week NY Alumni Trip As the years go by, there are more and more alumni to keep in touch with, so we decided (in addition the the annual summer reunion in NYC) to make periodic trips to NY to visit alumni in their homes or offices, just to catch up, see how everyone's doing, and to keep them in touch with current Jewish life back in Albany. This Presidents Week we spent four full days doing that, as our kids had off from school all week. See our Presidents Week 2008 Alumni Visits gallery for pictures of many of these visits.
Presidents Shabbat UAlbany gave off an extended weekend through all of Tuesday, so most students went home but we had a wonderful mid-semester Cozy-Shabbat. The "going-around-the-table" questions was "name two important character qualifications you'd like to see in the next President.." and Rabbi Mendel tied all that together with a Dvar Torah on personal leadership. Thanks to the visiting Maimonides/Albany Mesivta High School boys we even had a Minyan all Shabbos!
Bids for the New Shabbos House We continue to meet with contractors and construction companies to get the best possible construction bid before we go ahead with plans to the finally build the long-awaited new, bigger and better Shabbos House. While more than $850K has already been raised, and we are now working (together with current students and their families, and alumni friends) to raise additional funds so we can begin construction, the final price will have to be in range of a reasonable mortgage that Shabbos House can handle. Once we have a firm price and a construction timeline, we look forward to mailing a revised building brochure to all Shabbos House friends.
Jamming Night Pics
2/9/08
 
Jam Pics are now up for the first Jamming Night of Spring '08. Though these musicians never played together before, Jacob Whitt, Yael Gavronsky, Jacob Zemon and Daniel Goldstein did a great job bringing the music together. The "Last Jew" poem sang/read by Mike Sloman to the background improv haunting melody was the highlight of the night.
  updated 2/6/08
Looking for Musicians.. This Sat will be the Spring '08 Jamming Night at Shabbos House. As some regular musicians are away, we are on the lookout for musicians to play solo or together at this weekend's Jamming Night (2/9) starting 8pm at Shabbos House. It's an informal atmosphere, not a concert. Come and enjoy.
Regards from Albany in Israel A number of UAlbany students are abroad this semester studying in Israel, and a few have apartments in the same dorm building at Hebrew University! They called (and emailed and IM'd) to tell us about their Ulpan experiences, ask to check about yeshiva programs and opportunities, tell us about the snow in Jerusalem, and just to catch up. We are happy to hear they are doing well there.
Spa for the Soul III
2/2/08
On Superbowl Sunday afternoon, students from the UAlbany Jewish Womens Connection joined a number of area Jewish Womens groups for the 3rd annual Spa for the Soul communal event, an afternoon of inspiration and interaction at the Clifton Park Comfort Suites. The UAlbany contingent was about 10 people, and spoke up beautifully, positively representing college students and UAlbany in the greater community.
Superbowl Shabbat
2/1/08
Superbowl XLII Shabbat 2008 Page has a two pre-Shabbat photos, a link to the Jewish Football Booklet, and Rabbi Mendel's Dvar Torah on the Giants vs. Patriots.

Despite an icy film on the walkways and cold rain outdoors, it was full inside (and even too hot!) at Shabbos House (though there was room for more) for a special themed "Superbowl Shabbat". The menu included 2 types of wings, celery sticks and ranch dressing and many other football-related specialties. In addition to the weekly Table-Card, there was a booklet (by Rabbi Mendel) of Jewish Football messages and trivia. Balloons, tablecloths, centerpieces all added to the football themed decor.

Tu Bishvat
 
UAlbany students at NYS Capitol Tu Bishvat Party  A few UAlbany students took part in the annual Tu Bishvat (Jewish New Year for Trees) celebration that Capital Chabad brings to the NYS Capitol.

Tu Bishvat Seder at Shabbos House. Thanks to Craig Messer's student initiative (and his mom's help) we hosted a Cozy Tu Bishvat Seder at Shabbos House for about twenty people on the last day of Winter Break. We had an assortment of fresh and fried fruits, both exotic and not, plus grape-juice of varying colors. While this wasn't originally planned, due to the winter break scheduling, it was an great event.

  updated 1/27/08
Secure Online Donations Shabbos House now is able to accept online credit-card contributions on a secure mini-site to be processed at Shabbos House. Contributions to Shabbos House - Chabad Center are tax-deductible and can be designated toward the Operating Fund or the Building Fund or both. Thanks to the many supporters who make Shabbos House possible.
First Shabbat Back
1/25-26/08
Friday Night Prayers and Dinner was at Hillel, first of the Spring '08 semester, highlight of which was Aviva Snyder (Hillel Director's) announcement (in middle of the usual announcements) that she has a little blessing growing inside her, and we all wish her the very best of health and all good things, and eagerly await a Mazal Tov in the right time.

Shabbat morning prayers were at Shabbos House instead of Chapel House, to allow Rabbi Mendel to read his Bar-Mitzvah parsha (Yitro) and participate in the services, while keeping an eye on the little kids at home. A few girls came early and got lunch all set-up, thanks to Aviva of Hillel for ordering deli, breads and salads, the students for chopping up fresh salads and setting up the tables and desserts, and Rabbi Mendel's two Chulents didn't turn out that bad after all. A little watery, but allright. It's not the same without Raizy, of course, but no one went hungry and the atmosphere was great.

Special guests included a gentleman Tanni from Queens, our old friend Avi Klinkowitz, and alumnus Danyel Goldberg who brought up enough clear plastic tablecloths through Spring '08 (or close enough).

Raizy off to Conference Most of the times, we travel as a family to each other's annual conferences, but this time Mendel stayed home with the younger three (Thurs-Mon) while Raizy went down to NY with Mushky & Chani (who have their own Junior Shluchos Camp with kids from all over the world, literally).
Thanks to Newsletter and Building Contributions Many thanks to those who have mailed contribution response envelopes this month back to Shabbos House. Your contributions to the Operating Fund allow us to get another wonderful semester underway, bills paid, and keep the good works going. Building Fund contributions and pledges are especially important now as we hope for a Spring '08 groundbreaking effort toward the new, bigger and better Shabbos House.
Cozy Shabbat Winter Season '08 The Cozy Shabbat weekends were not so cozy after all, thanks to the area students, grad students and alumni, and those up here for work and internships. We also took the opportunity to welcome neighbors inside Shabbos House and share in the spirit. Each week we kept up the Cozy-Shabbat tradition of going around the table and nearly everyone sharing something inspirational, meaningful, funny or interesting from their week's adventures and activities.
  updated 1/8/08
Albany Weather Update We're having a warmer spell here now, upper 40's, the sun is out now and then, and much of the snow is finally melting. Winter isn't over yet, and it will get colder before it gets warm for good.
OK, PDFs now really online. Thanks to the alumni who emailed pointing out that the Building PDF links were not online. Now they are, and you can browse them all in PDF format.

The Fall 2007 "What's Cooking?" newsletter will soon be mailed to homes of students and alumni, you can browse it online here in PDF format. Progress is going forward on the new Shabbos House Student Center building. Check updates using these PDF pages from the newest updated building brochure: Good Problems, Better Solutions and Building Plans, Pledge/Contribution Page, and an updated list of all Building Contributors through November 2007.

Cozy Shabbat
1/4-5/08
'Tis the political season, and as much as in general we don't talk politics at Shabbos House, it was a whole different story this Shabbos afternoon, with animated discussion between 3-4 guys over lunch until nearly the end of Shabbos. There's a lot going on now, so much in unknown, so much changes so quickly...

On Friday Night people shared about events and highlights of their week, and we talked about the Parsha (weekly Torah portion) with help from Sara and Moshe.

  updated 1/3/07
Sudden Passing of Rick Friedman Mr. Richard Friedman, of the Ganz, Wolkenbreit and Friedman law firm was a prominent member of the Albany Jewish community and backbone of Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy and Temple Israel, passed away suddenly and will be buried in the Temple Israel cemetery on Western Ave on Friday January 4th. Rick was helpful to us at Shabbos House as we began to explore legal options in the zoning approval process for the new building at 320 Fuller Road.
Chanukah Picture Pages now online Check the Chanukah 2007 page for links to updated Chanukah pages with pictures of the Latke Eating Contest, Midnight Breakfast, Ariel Lipper's "Represent!" class on the first night of Chanukah and more!
PDFs now online The Fall 2007 "What's Cooking?" newsletter will soon be mailed to homes of students and alumni, you can browse it online here in PDF format.

Progress is going forward on the new Shabbos House Student Center building. Check updates using these PDF pages from the newest updated building brochure: Good Problems, Better Solutions and Building Plans, Pledge/Contribution Page, and an updated list of all Building Contributors through November 2007.

  updated 1/2/2008
Albany Weather Situation Since most students are now in warmer locales - New York, Carribean or even Israel, we thought you'd be interested in a Albany weather update. Almost everyone we speak to on IM is. Over New Years weekend quite a bit of new snow (and some ice) fell in Albany, but some of it melted by New Years Day. Then the temps started falling and Wednesday and Thursday will be some of the coldest days yet this season. This is pretty intense, especially considering the unseasonably warm temps we had in the last week of December 2007.
pre New-Years in NY
12/26/07-1/1/08
On Wednesday afternoon we met a few Rockland area alumni at Chai Pizza (on Route 59 in Monsey) on our way down to NY, two of whom we have not seen in a long time. We stayed the week at Raizy's parents in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. We met a few alumni in Manhattan on Thursday, even ate in Colbeh (our first formal eating-out in a very long time). Shabbat we spent at Raizy's parents, and her sister Nechama Dina and Sholom Ber came over with their baby Levi. On Sat Night we went to Ariel Lipper's engagement party to Ita Golus in a Georgetown (Brooklyn) synagogue, where we met some more alumni. On Sunday we took the family to the Rebbe's Ohel (gravesite and visitor center) in Queens, and met a few alumni there. Mendel stayed on all afternoon to study and farbreng with two alumni who wanted a preparatory experience before going to the Rebbe's Ohel. Then on Monday afternoon we started heading back to Albany, traveling through NJ where we met two alumni couples and their children. A busy week, but hey - no computer!!
WC Newsletter at Printer
12/26/07
In the last minutes before our year-end trip to New York, we somehow managed to get the Fall 2007 "What's Cooking?" update newsletter to the printer. It will be ready after the New Year, and mailed to students, alumni and their families by mid-January. There's a building update and sketch on page 8, plus a centerfold full of pictures of the exciting Fall 2007 semester at Shabbos House and in the UAlbany Jewish community. Can't wait? You can download and view the newsletter in PDF format right here.
Moshe's New Sicha-Art "Sicha" is Chabad lingo for a talk of the Rebbe. It's usually based on the Torah portion, piece of Talmud or the like, but ends up being a journey and a message weaving multi-dimensions of Torah into real life perspective. During these quieter weeks, Mendel has been learning a simplified weekly Sicha with Moshe each Shabbat, and after Shabbat Moshe uses his artistic skill to paint his impressions of the learning on canvas. Since Moshe likes animals - so the first two Sichas were about a wolf and a donkey. The wolf refers to Jacob's blessing his youngest son Benjamin as a wolf, and the donkey is reference to the donkey used by Abraham and Moses, and the donkey to be used in the future by Moshiach.
  updated 12/23/07
Getting out with the kids
12/23/07
Finally, after a week of snow and ice, the temps have risen and the rain fell all day, melting the snow. AS we cleaned up from Shabbos, and to-do lists that have been waiting all semester, the kids had their noses pressed to the windows - with nothing to do, much like the two kids in the Cat in the Hat. So we dropped all else, piled into the car and got out of the house. 'Tis the season to avoid the mall, so we shopped at self-standing stores for things the kids needed, and enjoyed the time together out of the house.

This coming week, our school has half-day AM Judaic-only sessions. Later in the week we plan to head down to NY, spend time with family, meet up with alumni, attend the Lipper engagement, and go to the Rebbe's Ohel. While it may sound strange, we will be heading back up here before New Years Eve.
 

1st Winter-Break Cozy Shabbat
12/21-22/07
No Minyan, but nine is quite close for the first Friday Night Cozy Shabbat of Winter Break 2007-8. We put four tables together for a cozy "around-one-table" feel, and as is our "Cozy-Shabbat" custom, we went around the table and nearly everyone shared an inspirational, memorable, humorous and interesting highlight from their week. It turned out that nearly half of those around the table were alumni of undergraduate UAlbany, and an equal number were employed or students of State government. We also enjoyed the company of a visiting Satmar Chassid who was in town on business and could not get home in time for Shabbat. For Shabbat Lunch its was 3-4 of us, plus the Rubin family. Cozy, indeed!
  updated 12/19/07
Start of Winter Break Finals are finally over, and by now most everyone has gone home. A new layer of snow fell tonight, only about an inch or so, but it's enough to give that serene, pristine feel, with few cars passing by our corner and hardly anyone walking by.
125+ Building Packets Many, many thanks to the more than 125 students who took home brochure packets to share with family and friends back home, expanding the support base for the new, bigger and better Shabbos House Chabad Jewish Student Center!!! It all adds up and will make a major difference... Portions of this Building Fund packet are now available online in PDF format - (1) Problems, Solutions & Plans  (2) List of Building Fund Contributors updated as of November 2007  (3) Pledge/Contribution Form
Student Plans for Break Quite a number of students are just planning on taking it easy, spending time with family and catching up on stuff. Some are working part-time/seasonal jobs. Some are committed to internships or year-round work. Other students are traveling to Israel on birthright, missions, leadership programs. Some are vacationing with family and/or friends in sunny spots. It was amazing to hear the wide spectrum of activities and places students have in their winter break plans.
The Last Fall '07 Shabbat
12/14/07
Despite the hectic studying pressure, and the bitter cold, especially with the wind-chill following the snow, tables got quite full on Friday Night of Finals Week. We took out the lighter couches, but left the heavy couch in, and there was still room around tables. People talked about their finals, their favorite studying spots and techniques, and their plans for winter break. We even got a small Oneg/Farbrengen going after the Friday Night meal.
  updated 12/9/07- recent event updates posted below, picture pages coming soon...
Shabbos Day Chanukah
12/8/07
Minyan came together eventually at Chapel House, and when it did we had a good group, about 18 of us. After Shachris, Musaf, Mincha and the 2 Torah Readings we finally got to Shabbos House for Kiddush, Lunch and Cholent at about 1:30pm. The women had a meaningful discussion over Parsha and a Prayer and still had plenty of set-up time by the time lunch came around.

Being a short Shabbos, some students stayed around much or all of the afternoon. After Havdalah we lit the Menorahs. A student passing up happened to see them through the window and came inside to light.

Friday Night
Shabbos Chanukah

12/7/07
All Friday afternoon Raizy fried home-style Latkes (along with cooking soup, baking chicken, cooking up Matbucha, prepping salads, and readying the house for Shabbos). Friday Night dinner was full, though there were seats here and there at different tables. The Menorahs were all lit at the narrow table closest to the window. Tables were decked out with Chanukah tablecloths, and in addition to the weekly table-card, each table had a copy of the new updated Building Campaign Brochure which made for excited table discussion.

New for this Friday Night, Raizy prepared Matbucha (spicy mix) and a cranberry-apricot chicken. Along with Latkes during the main-course there were 2 types of doughnut-holes for desert.

Following dinner approx 40 students stayed on for the "Farewell Farbrengen" bidding farewell to graduating December '07 seniors (Laura Gerson, Harlan Rozenberg) graduating masters degree (Ariel Lipper) studying abroad students (Sheryl Hoffman, Yitzy Hoppenstein) and transferring student (Jordan Zager). Everyone around the big table (we joined 6 or 8 tables together) offered a L'chaim and a wish to the students who are moving on, as well as to each other and the great atmosphere at Shabbos House.
 

Latke Eating Contest
12/5/07
Once again held in the Campus Center Commons (ground floor across Dreidels Cafe) the Latke Eating Contest and Menorah Lighting drew quite a crowd this busy season before Finals. Rachel Harris of the Judaic Studies and Hebrew Department lit the 6'+ Menorah and alumnus Dan Small and student Andrew Burg were announcers for the Latke Eating Contest. This year's T-Shirts were red with white coke-styled lettering saying "Enjoy Torah - it's the real thing!"

Chartwells/Kosher Dining shorted us on Latkes, because Price Chopper shipped them the mini-Latkes instead of the triangular ones, so there was little choice but to add a jelly doughnut to the Latke Eating Contest. This time - the winner would be the first to polish off all the Latkes and the Jelly Doughnut! Ariel Lipper (graduating masters student) was the hands-down winner, with Ari Akaberi, Keith Rosenblum and Dan Schwartz were runners-up.

Chanukah First Night & "Represent!"
12/4/07
On Tuesday, the first night of Chanukah nearly 50 students came out to light their Menorahs, enjoy homemade hot Latkes, and a dairy dinner, and the last of the Fall 2007 "Torah Tuesdays" an exciting and relevant presentation by graduating Masters student Ariel Lipper. His topic was "Represent" and how it relates to being Jewish in a secular society, and how various ethnic, religious groups show pride in their heritage and traditions.
Menorahs & Dreidels on Quads Special thanks to the L'chaim Student Board and Torah Tuesday participants for packing nearly 2,000 holiday packets with a dreidel, choco-coin and a card about Chanukah (including the humorous and insightful modification of "American Gothic" courtesy of the Jewish Holiday Guide). Rabbi Mendel, Yitzy Hoppenstein and Moshe Rubin went around to all the quads with buckets filled with these packets, plus a large wood and electric Menorah to share the Chanukah spirit.
  updated 12/1/07
Shabbos Pre-Chanukah
11/30-12/1
Hillel Dinner was this week upstairs in CC 375 with special guests from the community who are new board members on the UAlbany Hillel lay-board. New tables had to be set-up to fit everyone.

Impromptu Oneg at Shabbos House following the Hillel Shabbat dinner in Campus Center, honoring Ariel Lipper's engagement, with friends and well-wishes.

Rabbi Yaakov Werde, who was formerly involved with Chabad work on campus at SUNY Buffalo, the University of Miami and other places, and is now a computer programming teacher who travels for business around the country, was stuck in Albany with Shabbat coming early on Friday. So, we were glad to have him join us for Shabbat! He read the Torah at the morning minyan, shared important life messages at Shabbat Lunch and shmoozed with students all Shabbos afternoon, including a good game of Apples to Apples. In addition to his computer expertise, and Torah knowledge, he is also a certified and practicing Mohel and is father of 10 children and grandchildren, too. To top it all off, he will be staffing the birthright israel bus that Yitzi Hoppenstein is traveling on this winter break.

  updated 11/24/07
MZT Ariel Lipper & Ita
11/24/07
We heard the news tonight of Ariel Lipper's (graduate student Dec '07 of the Rockefeller School of Government) proposal and engagement to Ita Golus. Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov - we hope to be able to host Ariel and Ita for a special Kiddush/Celebration sometime before his graduate graduation this December.
  updated 11/20/2007
Best wishes for Thanksgiving Weekend We wish all students, alumni, friends and their families - an enjoyable and memorable Thanksgiving weekend with family, in good health and with much happiness. Students, enjoy the extended weekend off, we look forward to Chanukah celebrations when you get back in early December. Regards home!!
- Mendel & Raizy and the Rubin Kids.
Alumni Wedding in Crown Heights
11/18/07
We were pleased and honored to attend the lively wedding of Melissa Gardonyi ('00) to Ari Pollar (of California) at The Razag Ballroom in Crown Heights, just a few blocks from Raizy's family's home. We made a quick trip into NY with Mushky (the other kids stayed at Mendel's parents in Albany) and managed to pick up tin Menorahs, boxes of candles and 2,000 Dreidels for Chanukah. At the wedding we enjoyed celebrating along with Tzvi Tischler ('00) who did the photography, David ('01 Masters) and Stacey Gosman (who host this website as part of PCamerica.com) whom we haven't seen in quite some time, and Ephraim (Fred) and Shoshana (Stacy Wolinetz) Lotwin (both '01).
Hawaiian Shabbat
11/16/07
Hawaiian Shabbat at Shabbos House! Outside the first snow-flurries were falling and the chill set into the wind. Inside the room was bright and warm with tropically colored tablecloths, balloons, and pineapple centerpieces. A long wall-like palm-tree scene-setter lined the entire wall of Shabbos House, with parrots, toucans and parakeets. So, the setting was different. The menu included: tropical gefilte fish (well, regular fish with a sauce), Alochallah, a tropical sunshine salad, pineapple chicken and macademia blondies among other specialties. Each table had a card highlighting Jewish Hawaiian connections - the Chabad Houses there, a story on Hawaii's Jewish Governor Linda Lingle, and the evening's menu.
All on Raizy
11/14-16/07
Mendel had high fever and was stuck in bed for 2-3 days up until and including Friday Night. With the help of students, Raizy pulled off this whole Shabbos on her own, all the prep, cooking, shlepping, shopping, plus dealing with the kids and other Shabbos House business. She said the Dvar Torah on Friday Night, too.
Building Developments In order to set a construction timeline, and be sure the planned building is feasible, we are now developing our final building budget, and will have to begin Phase II of the Building Fund Campaign to ensure there are enough funds to get this project off the ground.

Since it's planning stages six years ago, construction costs and material prices have skyrocketed, plus we now have more extensive site-work (storm-water, parking etc) to deal with. Currently we are getting preliminary bids from respected area contractors and will post new information as it develops.

  11/7/07
Finally, ZONING APPROVAL!
11/7/07
Yes, it is finally true! After years and years, the new, bigger and better Shabbos House Jewish Student Center has been approved by the Town of Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals!

We'll soon be meeting with our architect and engineers and plans for the new building will be going forward very soon. We hope to announce a construction timeline as soon as possible. There will be Phase II of our Building Fund Campaign announced soon as well. Friends, this is history in the making for the UAlbany Jewish community, especially for so many students and alumni who have been waiting for this moment for so long!!

  updated 11/1/07
Long Update Delay We apologize for the long update delay (yet pleased that so many people notice!) but we got very behind (paperwork, website etc) over the hectic holiday season with so many events, meals, people and celebration. Plus, we're in between 2 zoning hearings for the new Shabbos House building. And for the last week or so, we took some time figuring out our options before finally buying the new car. We hope to get back into regular updates- and thanks for checking in!
Return of the Sunday Minyan
11/4/07
After the Tishrei holiday season and other interruptions, we finally got back to having a Sunday Morning Minyan with a Bagel Brunch. We had exactly 10 - a perfect and nearly timely Minyan. It's been a little more difficult, since a number of our Minyan regulars teach at area Sunday Schools, and factoring in that people go away for weekends now and then. So, we're glad it worked out again.
Jamming Night
11/3/07
What a Jamming Night! The music was awesome, as if this band had prepared and rehearsed (which it had not). We had 2 base guitarists (Dan Goldstein and Jacob Whitt), Josh Sisskind on drums (he's the longest-serving Jamming Night member), Yael Gavronsky on acoustic guitar, and guest Rabbi Rami Strossberg (Judaic Principal at the Hebrew Academy, also a veteran musician of major Jewish orchestras in NYC). The music was incredible, the vibe in the room was awesome. Plus we went through about 100 slices of pizza!
Sephardic Shabbat Day
11/3/07
It so happens, we didn't plan it this way (though we should have!) but we enjoyed the company of 3 Persian/Iranian Albany School of Pharmacy students who live in the Albany Jewish community, but stayed here for this Shabbat. Muniz and Pedram, along with David - whose wife is Chani's 4th grade teacher at Maimonides. As the Shabbat morning Minyan began at Chapel House, we realized that most of the Minyan were Sephardic, once you count in Professor Herman Prins Salomon, Mike Nissan and Gil Abada (plus Rabbi Mendel davens Nusach Ari, which is very close to Sefardic) so we switched gears to an all-Sephardic Shabbat service, with all their tunes. We even did the priestly blessing - twice! The energy continued through lunch with Sephardic tunes and melodies.
AEPI Friday Night & Oneg
11/2/07
The brothers at AEPI Alpha Nu (Albany chapter) sponsored this Friday Night at Shabbos House. The tables were decked in blue and gold, the table-card carried their emblem, and Rabbi Mendel said a Dvar Torah about brotherhood (which goes beyond AEPI as a group) using the phonetic Hebrew transliteration of the letters AEPI. We appreciate their weekly involvement, and many contributions (as individuals and as a group) to our Jewish campus community.
Our New Mini-Van
10/31/07
Our old Plymouth Voyager is going the way of all cars. Virtually every fluid was leaking - oil, coolant, transmission fluid.. and we already put thousands of dollars into rebuilt transmissions, head-gasket repair, pumps and you name it. The past few years we rented minivans to travel out of town. We were interested in the Chrysler T&C or Dodge Caravan because of their new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, but when it came down to it we realized that we'd be better off with a van that has 8-seats. We are already 7 passengers and we hope to have this new car for long-term. So, to make a long story short, we got an excellent deal on a new 2007 (car-wise it's already 2008 now) Honda Odyssey EX (with a small 8th seat) and we hope to make good use of it, going to good places, for good reasons.. all in good health! And we still have our trusty Buick '91 wagon that Oren gave us, and that's a great car, too.
Jewish Intimacy Part II
10/30/07
By student request this class was separated by gender, with boys gathered in 320 Fuller (thanks to Heshy and John for hosting) and the girls at Shabbos House (316 Fuller Rd) so people could feel more comfortable to discuss this personal stuff and ask frank, open questions. Which they did, and the informative and engaging, and well-attended sessions lasted until after 10pm.
Hillel Camping Trip
10/28/07
As the chill set-in students headed up to the Liberty Ridge Farm for a campfire with guitars, hookahs, and marshmallows, plus all the on-site activities including the largest corn-maze in the Northeast (this year cut into the shape of "American Gothic").
Maimonides Mesivta Visit
10/27/07
The Albany Mesivta (Yeshiva High School of Maimonides) Boys came for the weekend, helped out with our Minyan and with the Torah Reading (which is always helpful, of course).
Jewish Intimacy Part I
10/23/07
This first of the 2-part series at "Torah Tuesdays" was about relationships- how Judaism looks at ways to enhance, enrich and deepen relationships... No texts this time (as usual for Torah Tuesdays) just a sheet with bulleted points arranged by topic. The topic being what it is, elicited lively discussion and not a few jokes, and a couple of good questions.
Bnot Sherut for Shabbat
10/19-20/07
Originally, this was planned to be a special ZFA Shabbaton Weekend, but some technical issues got in the way. Either way it was a nice opportunity to welcome Tamar and Tehillah, the new Israeli Bnot Sherut working for the year at JERNY. At the Onegf ollowing Shabbat dinner they told stories, and we got into the marathon discussion about Shachar's question on the song with the narrow bridge. Check out this year's "Time Out for Torah" Page.
Sinai 2 SUNY The 2-part historical overview at Torah Tuesdays, titled "Sinai 2 SUNY" covered 1500 years in each segment, highlighting key events and personalities during major historical periods.
Homecoming and Family Weekend
10/12-13/07
The Hillel Dinner on Friday Night was held in the UAlbany Ballroom and there was a full house with many family members of students in attendance.

For Shabbat Lunch at Shabbos House we set-up nine tables and took out 2 couches, to accommodate the many families who came by all throughout the afternoon.

Sukkah Take-Down
10/7/07
Thanks to the many regulars, friends, volunteers and the fraternity folks that came over, we got the Sukkah and tent down and away in quick order. Raizy made dozens of french-toasts using the leftover Sukkot sliced Challah, and we were all done by mid-afternoon.
Shabbos Breishis
10/5-6/07
Believe it or not, even after more than a week of holidays and meals, students still came out to celebrate - so we had a very full house (not enough room in the Sukkah) for Friday Night. Shabbos afternoon, as the Sukkot and Simchat Torah spirit was easing off, there were several "Etrog to Etrog" games held, both inside the house and outside in the Sukkah.
Simchat Torah Day
10/5/07
Simchat Torah Day is that very long prayer service with everyone getting an aliyah, and the dancing. We danced in the Sukkah, with 2-3 songs (at least) per Hakafah, and even after a night like Simchat Torah people still had some dance left in them.
Simchat Torah
10/4/07
Simchat Torah is always a lively, energized and special time at Shabbos House. There was a huge crowd, especially for the first two Hakafot, and the dancing alternated between the house and the Sukkah. There were some L'chaim modifications this year, but it was lively and spirited nonetheless. Thanks to all who gave dancing their all, with songs and energy of all flavors ranging from Ashkenaz to Sephard, Chabad, Yeshivish, Modern, Israeli, USY and NCSY and everything in between.
Sukkot
2nd (3) Days
10/3-6/07
A 3-day holiday weekend (beginning on Wednesday Night through Shabbat) is a hard time for a working fellow to come up and visit, so we are especially appreciative of those alumni who came up and greatly enhanced our Simchat Torah celebration, and indeed the whole holiday weekend.

Again, the meals in the Sukkah were varied, delicious and rain-free. We did have bees, though. There were good crowds and good Minyans for all the prayers and meals in the Sukkah.

The Late Night Torah Study
10/2/07
At first, we were going to skip "Torah Tuesdays" for the week of Sukkot, since students were here all week, and would be again for the last 3 days of the holiday. But some students asked that we get together to study something, especially considering that Tuesday falls on "Hoshana Rabba" when it is customary to do late-night Torah study. Once Hillel's "Hookah-in-the-Sukkah" (which people enjoyed) concluded in the Shabbos House Sukkah, we put out teas, hot soup and nosh - and Rabbi Mendel prepared a text-study based on the famous verse (and popular song) "Torah Tzivah" with its commentaries, nuances, etc. Students divided up into Chavrusa study-partners and in the age-old Yeshiva tradition, discussed, analyzed, asked questions and had a good time.
Sukkot
1st (3) Days
9/26-29/07
To keep food variety over the 3-day holiday, we came up with 3 different lunches that begin with the letter S = Sushi in the Sukkah, Subs in the Sukkah and Sundaes in the Sukkah. Rabbi Mendel had a Torah message for each of the specialty foods (see "Time Out for Torah"). Despite being weekday holidays, we managed to have nice Minyans throughout.

As in past years Raizy's family, the Galperins, came up to join us for their 11th Sukkot with us, which is the same number of years that we have been here in Shabbos House. This year Mendel is Bar-Mitzvah, counts for the Minyan and helped out with Torah Reading, as did Shimon who flew in from yeshiva in Detroit. Many alumni remember tight minyans wishing that Shimon, and later Mendel Galperin would be Bar-Mitzvah, and now they both are.

Miracle of miracles - the rain held up. It did not rain once while we were eating in the Sukkah, though there were some lighter rains in between some meals. And for the first days of the holiday there were no bees. The times together in the Sukkah were meaningful, lively, pleasant and very special. Following the night meals little farbrengens developed with Rabbi Galperin, Rabbi Mendel and amongst the students and little crowds lingered on in the Sukkah.

Sukkah Building BBQ
9/23/07
Thanks to the fraternity brothers of Beta Alpha Psi and AEPi, we got the Sukkah and tent up in record time. Rabbi Shmuly of Union Chabad guided the building process. Besides the Sukkah and tent, plenty of baking and other holiday prep got done as well.
Yom Kippur 2007
9/20-21/07
This unusual timing (Friday Night into Shabbos) for Yom-Kippur did a Shabbos over-ride. Hillel sponsored both the pre-fast (an earlier Friday Night Hillel dinner) and the breakfast. Kol Nidrei and Neilah Services were traditional-style, but campus-friendly format in CC 375. Perhaps as many as 130 came for the peak times of the service. Rabbi Mendel and Yishai Cohen ('04, now with JERNY in the Albany community) took turns with leading the service and with the running commentary and guide. During the day Hillel provided a number of options, with traditional remaining in 375, egalitarian was held in the Terrace Lounge and there were meditation services and a nature walk as well.
  updated 9/20/07
Zoning Hearing
9/19/07
We are grateful to the many neighbors and Guilderland residents and students who spoke up in support of the new Shabbos House at our recent Zoning Hearing on Wed 9/19/07. We waited three years to get this hearing and we are most thankful to our engineer and attorney for representing us and helping move this project forward. While we were not yet approved at the hearing, much progress was made and our expert engineer and attorney will be working to resolve any outstanding issues before our next hearing in one month or so. We can't wait to share the good news!
Temptations
9/18/07
We all have temptations! So we did a Torah Tuesdays on it, with source texts from Talmud and many Jewish texts. Some were quite surprising and it made for a great learning.
Our Rosh Hashanah

 

As nearly all students were away for the extended holiday weekend, we went away as well - downtown to the Jewish community where Mendel's parents live. We davened at Shomray Torah - the house-like synagogue on New Scotland Ave, with beautiful melodies, a meaningful service and delicious meals.

On Thursday afternoon, the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Mendel, Mushkie and Chani, and Mendel's sister Rivky walked up to campus for a 5pm mini-service at Shabbos House with Shofar-Blowing, an abridged one-page service and holiday foods. Following that we walked to a neighbor with a fish pond out back and did the Tashlich ceremony.

  updated 9/12/07
New Year Best Wishes! Rabbi Mendel and Raizy, the kids wish all our friends, students, alumni, supporters and their families, to have a Ksiva vaChasima Tova, a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year, with an abundance of blessings. May you each have an inspiring and uplifting High Holidays wherever you may be.
Steve Jobs Torah Study
9/11/07
Despite being the night before Rosh Hashanah break, between the two learning sessions we had quite a nice turnout. First we watched the video projected on the Shabbos House wall, and then explored the commentaries interspersed in the text of Steve Job's Stanford 2005 commencement speech.
Zoning Update
9/11/07
Finally - after 3 years of waiting, Shabbos House is scheduled to resume its zoning hearing before the Guilderland Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday, September 19th. We are grateful to the friendly neighbors who have agreed to come and voice support or write letters to the town in favor of the project.
Midnight Selichot
9/8/07
It's hard to remember exactly, but this may have been the first Midnight Selichot ever on-campus. It was held at Chapel House, led by Craig Messer, with copies made by Brad Legum.
First Big Shabbos Back at SH
9/7-8/07
Thank G-d for the weather - due to the great turnout, 25 students could not fit inside Shabbos House and enjoyed outdoor seating on the deck. There was plenty of food for everyone, of course. There were lots of new and old faces, great conversations and energy. Rabbi Mendel said a Dvar Torah (made by Shachar and his father Yehudah Luz) on semi-conductors and their connection to the weekly Torah portion.
  updated 9/5/07
Shofar Factory
9/5/07
Many thanks to Rabbi Shmuly Rubin (now of Chabad serving Union College, Schenectady) for coming out and running our Shofar Factory just days after they had a newborn boy! We're glad students were able to make dozens of their own Shofars, and had opportunity to find out about High Holiday events and arrangements. Pictures coming soon!
First Day of School for Kids
9/5/07
Today was the first day of school for Rabbi Mendel (teaching) and the kids at Maimonides Hebrew Day School on Partridge Street in Albany. Mushky now entered fifth grade, Chani's in fourth, Moshe in second and Sarah in Kindergarten. They all have new backpacks and school supplies, and are excited to be back in the swing of things.
First Torah Tuesdays
9/4/07
The first in the series of Fall 2007 Torah Tuesdays was "getting acCUSTOMed" on why customs matterked well in both sessions, with a full house at 5:30 and a very decent crowd at 8:30. Students asked great questions and were also very helpful in packing 1,800 Holiday Packets that will be distributed in the Dining Halls later this week in honor of the upcoming Jewish High Holidays.
  updated 9/4/07
Simchat Torah Motel Info For those alumni interested in motel rates for the (extended) Simchat Torah weekend, we have arranged the following rates at these hotels in close walking distance on Western Ave - be sure to mention the "Shabbos House Student Center":
Days Inn: (newly renovated formerly Capitol Lodge): $75 per night, for double-occupancy or $67 per night for a queen-size room. (518) 489-4423
Best Western: $89 per night, for double-occupancy (518) 489-2981
  updated 9/3/07
Maimonides Horse Front Page NYT
9/3/07
Rabbi Israel Rubin and students of the Maimonides school were featured in a photo on the front page of today's New York Times together with the Maimonides Horse. While we are not into horse-racing or betting, and the horse d