Dear friends,
Can’t believe it’s almost Chanukah! But first Finals Week Shabbat! For those up here, Shabbat and Chanukah info below. For all of you, even those already home, see bottom of email for “Light that Lasts” and something you can do this week to help get our fundraiser campaign ready for next Sunday-Tuesday 12/21-23!
12/12: FINALS WEEK SHABBAT DINNER
Candle-lighting 4:04pm (this is as early as it gets in Albany NY). Prayers 6:20pm. Shabbat Dinner at Shabbos House 7pm.
12/13: SHABBAT DAY
10:30am Minyan might be too tight, but we can try. Either way we can pray and talk Parsha (it’s the first of 3 with the Joseph and his Brothers story) and have a nice Shabbos Lunch at 12:30pm. Shabbos ends 5:08pm (quite early!)
12/13: HAVDALAH IN HISTORIC TROY SHUL
We’re joining RPI Chabad for an Havdalah 7:00pm at the historic Beth Tephilah Synagogue at 82 River Street in downtown Troy. Dairy food, music, and a chance to get a glimpse into an a synagogue from another era (founded in 1850, building built in 2009), neo-classical architecture, a big balcony, copper dome, stained-glass windows, etc. There’ll be rides over from Shabbos House. Please let us know if you would like to attend/need a ride over.
Chanukah begins Sunday night Dec 14th with the first candle. Wherever you are this Chanukah be sure to light the candles each night! Plus you can also attend Chanukah parties and celebrations and public Menorah lightings wherever you may be!
Have you seen the recent video circulating of the 6 Hostages (later murdered) lighting the Menorah in captivity and singing Chanukah songs? Some say it is a chilling video, but it is also heartwarming, inspiring and a testament to the Jewish spirit. It’s an empowerment to all of us to light Chanukah candles anywhere and everywhere!
12/14: “CHANUKAH ON JAY”
This is the area’s big outdoor Chanukah celebration, on Jay Street near City Hall in Schenectady. 3:30-5pm with LED Drummers, activities, Menorah lighting and more. It’s a joint effort of the Jewish Federation and area Chabads, co-sponsored by area Jewish orgs. It’ll be cold out! it’s forecasted in the 20’s, so bundle up if you want to come out and celebrate as a broader Jewish community.
12/14: FIRST NIGHT MENORAHS AND LATKES
First Night is Sunday night. Starting 7:30pm, we’ll have Menorahs to light, and fresh hot delicious sizzling latkes and other food and goodies for students at Shabbos House
12/15: SECOND NIGHT
Each night we add light! Students still up in Albany? Startiing 7pm, more Menorah and a Chanukah dinner.
12/16: THIRD NIGHT – MAIMONIDES SCHOOL RAFFLE-AUCTION
We’re going to be busy all day at school prepping and setting ip for the annual Raffe-Auction event. Those who want to buy tickets can do so at maimonidessschool.org/auction (tickets are $5,10,15&20 – and are for specific prize packages from A-Z plus mystery and split-the-pot). There is a Chanukah dinner at school that night 5pm-6:30pm for $15pp. Prize Drawings start 6:45pm.
END OF CHANUKAH AND “LIGHT THAT LASTS”
12/21-23 is our annual online crowdfunding campaign where every dollar (up to a certain amount) is matched and is our single largest annual fundraiser. The link will be charidy.com/shabboshouse but isn’t open or ready yet until closer to the campaign. When it goes live, please share with your families!
We’re looking for student and alumni short voice-notes or videos or a quote on how Shabbos House is a “light that lasts” for them. What does SHabbos House ignite or spark that has a lasting personal impact? Or a lasting impression of Shabbos House? We’ll be using these during the campaign. Please send such voice-notes or videos to our email or via Whatsapp.
Best wishes with finals! Thanks for everything this semester. Best regards to your families! Have a wonderful Chanukah and a much-needed winter break!
Love,
Mendel and Raizy
Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center