How did you get your start in running Shabbos House?

After our marriage in 1996, we interviewed for several positions where we could live the Rebbe’s vision. For one reason or another we turned them down. Turns out Raizy was looking for the kind of work that we could do together as a team. Then Rabbi Israel Rubin (Mendel’s father), regional director for Capital Chabad, told us that the Shabbos House family left and there was an opening. In our wildest dreams we didn’t think we’d work out well on a college campus, so we agreed to try it for one year. And then we fell in love with it, with the people, and we can’t imagine anything else.

 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your jobs?

Friends! We make so many wonderful friends (which is also the hardest part, because they leave). It is inspiring to witness so much personal and spiritual growth. Oh, and there are more.. too many rewards to list!

 

What kind of preparation goes into serving a meal for more than 100 people?

The turnouts grew gradually over the years, which helped us ease into it. Planning is key. Menus, shopping lists and timelines. Aside for shopping, preparations begin as early as Wednesday. Thank G-d we have lots of help, many students come over and make the work easier and more enjoyable. Right now, it’s the space (small kitchen, not enough room in the dining room) that creates a lot of difficulty. The greatest challenge is fundraising to cover the increasing costs, but the contribution response is heartwarming and somehow it always works out.

 

On many campuses, Chabad and Hillel compete for students, while here, they work together.  What makes Shabbos House unique that enables this to happen?

It truly is one of the greatest blessings of the UAlbany Jewish community. It takes two (and more!) to work cooperatively, so we’re very thankful to the staff at Hillel and to all the Jewish student groups for their dedication to continuing and furthering this commitment to “one community”. Hey, why emphasize what divides us, when we can focus on what unites us.  

 

What is something something weird/funny/interesting about both of you that we wouldn't have otherwise known?

Mendel would like to one day write a commentary called “The Depth of Seuss”. Raizy loves to do Jumbles and word-puzzles. We have four sweet kids, so we end up doing weird and interesting things all the time.