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Why I’m Seated at Kinus Banquet Table #L7

The Kinus Banquet is a mega Jewish event, the annual gathering of the Rebbe’s Shluchim for the Kinus (conference) from around the globe along with (at the Banquet event) many lay leaders and supporters for a gala event and celebration … Read the rest

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Like Rachel on the Roadside

A year ago, on the 11th of Cheshvan, I attended the opening dedication of a new campus Chabad building. It was well-built, and built with love. I emphasize that this occurred on the 11th of Cheshvan, because that’s the yartzeit … Read the rest

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Shiva Reflections

“Shiva” is the 7-day mourning period following the funeral of an immediate relative. It’s an intense experience, emotionally enriching and draining, uplifting and exhausting, supportive and taxing. It’s all that.

After sitting Shiva with my family upon the passing of … Read the rest

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Gemstones on the Bima Cover

The UAlbany Shabbos House Class of 2003 class gift was a gorgeous velvet Bima cover. It’s still in use. It is a beautiful golden yellow velvet Bima cover embroidered with an inscription that reads: “Shabbos House – Our Home Away … Read the rest

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Going Around in Circles

On Simchat Torah Night of 5787/2026 we didn’t get word yet that my father (Rabbi Israel Rubin) had passed away on Shemini-Atzeret, the night prior. As it turns out that night’s Hakafot were some of the liveliest ever in Shabbos … Read the rest

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Joy is a Boonshoft!

In honor of our guests from Dayton Ohio, I’d like to share a family travel life-hack that we learned from their town. Not sure this still works, but it certainly helped us for a few years visit many more museums … Read the rest

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3 Albany Sukkah Originals

There are 3 things (maybe a 4th below) that I’d consider “Albany Sukkah Originals” – customs and traditions that started here in Albany NY, that my father, Rabbi Israel Rubin, innovated or implemented locally and has since spread elsewhere, some … Read the rest

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From the Smoke of Yom Kippur’s Ketoret to the Schach of the Sukkah

There’s a Chassidic teaching that (on a spiritual level) the Schach-cover of the Sukkah comes from the smoke cloud of the Ketoret-Incense of Yom Kippur. This has some roots in a Talmud teaching/opinion that the Schach cover reminds us of … Read the rest

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It’s a Package Deal

While the reusable and sustainable bamboo mats designed for Sukkot are certainly Kosher to Schach your Sukkah, and many use bamboo-only, and we do use them for much/most of the Sukkah coverage, there’s something about evergreen Schach peeking through. That … Read the rest

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Peripherally on Path of Storm

As we approach Sukkot 5787/2026 there’s a big rain and wind nor’easter storm forecasted to hit Long Island and New England. Terrible timing for Sukkot to be so vulnerable to the elements. May everyone stay safe and dry, and hopefully … Read the rest

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