10 years of building a vibrant Jewish Community

I would never have believed that one man and his wife could reach as many Jews as he has in our community.”

Jeff Lane

In 2012, the Chabad House of Hewlett’s goal was to showcase the beauty of the Jewish heritage by creating a nonjudgmental environment for the community it serves. A decade later, members believe they’ve accomplished that and much more. 

“It’s not that common that a synagogue opens, and in 10 years it grows exceptionally,” said member Jacob Scheiner.

Led by Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim and his wife, Rivkie, the nonprofit serves the Jewish community of Hewlett and the surrounding area with a variety of activities, support and resources for adults and children. Its programs include Bat and Bar Mitzvah Club, a children’s program, Hebrew reading lessons, Holiday Preparation, and celebrations in partnership with other civic groups, such as the annual menorah lighting and Hanukkah on Ice, which all have the same goal: to share the Jewish heritage.

“The idea of Chabad is to try to bring the beauty and the treasures of Judaism to everyone, regardless of affiliation or background,” Tenenboim wrote in an email. “To bring the warmth of community, the excitement of Judaism warmly and traditionally yet with out-of-the-box ideas!”

The Chabad House has had several locations, all of them in Hewlett. It was founded in the Tenenboims’ home, and then moved to a small store on Broadway before relocating to its current location at 24 Everit Ave., where many people can be seen coming and going every day. “Throughout the day, you are able to see teenagers, adults & kids coming to join various programs or just to get the warmth from this special house,” Tenenboim wrote. “Countless events, activities, meals, and of course, the open services make the house a home away from home.”

The Chabad was set to hold its 10th-anniversary gala on Wednesday, after the Herald went to press. There was a lot to celebrate for the Tenenboim family and the community it serves, including a new building, going up at 44 Everit Ave.

“They have a good part of the foundation in the ground,” Chabad member Jeff Lane said. “The steel is on order, the concrete is ready to be poured, and the pre-planning is almost completely done. We’re just waiting for the process of construction.”

Lane has known Tenenboim since the Chabad was founded, and said he has always felt welcomed by the attentive, caring Tenenboim family. And Scheiner said of the rabbi, “His commitment and drive to engaging with people is the perfect recipe to success.”

No membership is needed to take part in programs at the Chabad, and visitors’ backgrounds or histories are not questioned. In Tenenboim’s eyes, you’re already a member.

“People ask how many members we have,” he said. “I say, open up the white pages and see how many people live in Hewlett. This is how many members we have. We welcome the whole community to all of our programs and events!”

Events such as the menorah lighting and Hanukkah on ice have brought the community together over the past decade. “I would never have believed that one man and his wife could reach as many Jews as he has in our community,” Lane said.