I just wanted to take this time to further tell you guys how I feel. This was my very first semester at Albany and college for that matter. It was a huge period for transition and learning many new things. Shabbos House from the beginning meant so much to me because I saw it as an extremely wonderful place run by amazingly kind and warm people. Also I saw the extremely high quality of the people who frequented the place. Many of the friends I have made since coming to school have been from coming to Shabbos House events. Also, I saw that it was a fantastic place to learn much more about my religion and "better" myself religously so to speak.

So now when looking  back on a fabulous semester behind me, I instead look forward to 7 more wonderful semesters of Shabbat Dinners, monday night learning sessions, Jamming Nights, etc.etc.etc. There is nothing more special to me than having you guys on campus. I truly feel so welcome there and to me it really is my home away from home. I want to thank the both of you for constantly going out of your way to make Shabbos House one of the most amazing places that I have ever had the opportunity to participate in. A place of learning, a place of eating, a place of singing, a place of fun, a place to shmooze, a place to pray, and most of all a place that we can feel comfortable in and I truly believe that it is because of how wonderful the both of you are.

Thanks!

To many it is just another house on the edge of campus. To those who go inside its doors, it is quite a bit more. When I first went to Shabbos House, well over a year ago, I went seeking something. There was a yearning inside of me to learn more about my Jewish faith and identity. Taking that first step was intimidating. I did not want somebody telling me what to do in order to become more religious, I wanted to learn what is right for myself.

The atmosphere that Mendel and Raizy create is nothing short of amazing. Jews of every different background come together, no lines exist. I don't know how they do it, but they've created a place that helped me start down the path I've been unconsciously seeking for years.

What I experience in their home is an incredibly welcoming, friendly environment in which every person plays a part. People learn together. People sing together. People eat together, dance together, joke together, laugh together. People GROW together. Shabbos House is what brings us together.

Whenever I start thinking about my times and experiences at UAlbany, I can honestly say that I think of my visits to Shabbos House most fondly!

I remember my first visit to the home of Rabbi Mendel and Raizy, during freshman weekend very vividly. Anticipating getting lost (a symptom of trying to navigate the UAlbany campus) I set out early to Shabbos House and to my surprise, arrived quite early, too. I was welcomed by Raizy and little Mushkie, and before long the house was filled with students.

There were so many of them - I had never seen so many young Jewish people together in my whole life! Everyone was talking, singing, eating Raizy's wonderful food, playing with the children, renewing old acquaintances, and engaging in lively conversations on Jewish and wordly subjects alike. I felt very happy and excited to be part of the evening. MY first visit to Shabbos House left quite an impression on me.

The work Rabbi Mendel and Raizy do for Shabbos House is truly admirable. One would never imagine that so many college students would opt to spend their Friday evenings at the home of an Orthodox Rabbi, but Mendel and Raizy make Shabbos a pleasure for Jewish students of all backgrounds, never pressuring anyone to alter their Jewish observance, but nevertheless showing us students the real beauty of the Jewish experience. Students are even eager to return during the week, for Challah Baking with Raizy and Learning Nights with Mendel.

Everything about my friendship with Mendel and Raizy, from exchanging Yiddish stories, to discussing Challah braiding techniques, has enhanced my college experience and inspired me to live a Jewish life. I know I'll miss Shabbos House when I eventually leave Albany, but I'll come back to visit!

I knew I could always bring my friends here to Shabbos House, because no matter how they dressed, how little they knew, or how ireligious they were - I could always count on Rabbi Mendel for a warm welcome. Not many people can look deep inside people and ignore what they see on the outside. You were almost like a father to me during my years in Albany, and I will never forget the lessons you taught us about being Jewish.

During my Freshman year, Pinchas and Yehudis Schreiber (the previous Shabbos House family) moved away from Shabbos House to Hartford. Our little campus community was in upheaval. At first we tried to have Shabbos dinners without a family, and now and then a family from the community joined us, but it wasn't the same.When I returned for my sophomore year, the Rubins moved in, with little baby Mushkie in the blue stroller, that has since been used by Chanie and now Moshe.

It has been so inspiring to witness and be a part of the Shabbos House growth.What happens at Shabbos House is hard to find anywhere else. Outside in the real world, there are strict lines drawn between Jewish movements, and people have a hard time seeing beyond the group they're in. Not so at Shabbos House. Rabbi Mendel and Raizy make everyone feel welcome here, and with each other. They reach out to everyone who came and take a personal loving interest in each one of us.

Shabbos House has been a real home for me. It made us all one family. We all had times when we needed someone to talk to and found a listening ear, a loving heart and wise advice from Mendel or Raizy.

I love this place! When I walked through that door, I could leave all the tensions and problems outside, and come rejoice and celebrate within.

This turned out to be a wonderful four years, thanks to Shabbos House. We would not have had a Shabbos House anywhere else.