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The Kshot Story

Long before Glasnost or Perestroika, when the former Soviet Union was in its full Communist glory, Rabbi Dr. Alter Bentzion Metzger visited there along with an American Rabbinic delegation. (It’s been many years since I heard this from him, but … Read the rest

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Remembering Rabbi Alter Benzion Metzger

The legendary Rabbi Dr. Alter Benzion Metzger passed away at age 92. May his memory be a blessing.

He was a professor at YU’s Stern College for women. He was an author and scholar. At weekday farbrengens he would simultaneously … Read the rest

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The Howling Wind, Below Zero Temps, Swirling Snow Shabbos Minyan at UAlbany – February 2026

This Shabbat Yitro, first weekend of February 2026, of the so-called “Spring Semester” got incredibly cold. There was a light snow on Friday Night and in middle of the night howling winds set in, swirling the snow around, and making … Read the rest

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Parsha Yitro, the Superbowl, & the Camping Theme

This Shabbat dinner at Hillel (we alternate Friday Nights at Jewish UAlbany between Hillel and Chabad) has a camping theme. A paper-fire as a campfire centerpiece, and related camping decor on the tables and around Campus Center 375 where Hillel … Read the rest

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Hakhel Halftime: Superbowl LX (2026) Lessons & Messages

See below for insights, lessons and messages about the Superbowl LX (2026) match up of New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks, prepared by Rabbi Mendel with help from Shabbos House student and alumni sports enthusiasts… in no particular order:… Read the rest

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Ran Gvili – the Last Oct 7 Hostage

The IDF finding and recovering Ran Gvili, the last October 7th hostage, bringing him home to his family and people for burial in Israel – it’s a big deal for Israelis, for all who followed this long 800+ day saga.… Read the rest

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Holy Folly – and the Snow

Our first Sunday Talmud 4-week theme for Spring 2026 is “Holy Folly” and our first piece of Talmud we studied on this theme (from Ketubot  17a) was as the snowfall was already underway with anticipation of a big snowfall (forecast … Read the rest

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Wintertime Torah Dressed in Layers

On a very cold Shabbat like this, I usually share the Chassidic message contrasting “The Fur Coat Jew” vs. the Jew who lights a fire to warm others as well.(Amazed how many of you remember it!) Or see this … Read the rest

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Unexpected Alumni Twists – Winter 2026

While we didn’t plan any formal alumni reunions this Winter 2025-26, we did get to meet up with and celebrate with alumni, and some of it in quite unexpected ways!

CAR-TROUBLE

This alumnus only spent one year with us at … Read the rest

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Go Guesser Game & “with Great Wealth”

For our Welcome Back event for the Spring ’26 semester, our student board suggested some version of the Geo-Guessr game. So we asked students to submit pictures of their winter break places – for students at the event to guess … Read the rest

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