Celebrating Shabbat with the Russians at Chabad of Hewlett

Nearly 300 people joined together for what was called a festive Friday night meal with the Russian-Jewish community now living in the Hewlett area at Chabad of Hewlett on June 17.

“It was great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, while feasting on a delicious multi-course catered Shabbos dinner,” said Rabbi Nocehem Tenenboim, the Chabad’s spiritual leader.

Shabbos candles were lit, there was a buffet and the night was dedicated to the families living in Hewlett and surrounding towns from the former Soviet Union.
“What made the evening magical was seeing so many different people from the community — from kids to senior citizen all together with a common goal — to experience bring in Shabbat together as a community” said Alex Stein, a longtime Hewlett resident.

The children had non-stop entertainment and enjoyed meeting new friends. “It was so fun seeing my friends all dressed up,” said Nicol, a Hewlett Elementary School second-grader and Chabad Jewish Kids Club member.

“We saw an opportunity to connect more Russian speaking families to one another to continue to foster a beautiful feeling of community — all with a little L’Chaim,” Tenenboim said.

Tenenboim added the Chabad of Hewlett is dedicated to serving the Jewish community with unconditional love for every Jew, regardless of age, background or affiliation.