The year was 1984. Rabbi Shlomo and Rivka Kugel, a young couple fueled by vision and determination, set up a simple hot dog stand at Columbia University — a creative first step in their mission to inspire and connect with the Jewish community on the Upper West Side.
Their goal was clear: to fulfill the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s call to spread Yiddishkeit in the most approachable and innovative way they could imagine — through kosher food.
And it worked!
40 years later, the Upper West Side is bustling with Jewish life. At the heart of it all, Chabad welcomes children, teens, young professionals, families, and seniors – ensuring that every Jew, no matter their background or level of observance, has a place to call home.
As the community flourished, the Kugels were joined by Rabbi Yisroel and Esther Miriam Fried, and Rabbi Meir and Sarah Ossey. Together, they spearheaded a period of remarkable Jewish growth on the Upper West Side, each playing a vital role in expanding Chabad’s reach and bringing the Rebbe’s vision to life in the community.
One of Chabad’s earliest milestones was the founding of its preschool, led by Morah Pearl Stroh. The Chabad Early Learning Center quickly became renowned for its warm environment, outstanding staff, and stellar reputation. Over time, the Alevsky family joined the team, expanding Chabad’s impact by building a thriving Hebrew school, launching after-school programs, and engaging teens in meaningful and inspiring Jewish experiences.
As the next generation stepped in, the mission only expanded. Today, the children of these leaders have taken over key initiatives, leading CTeen, family programs, and various shuls across the area – further energizing the vibrant community. Rabbi Kugel and his wife remain deeply involved, overseeing the larger Chabad umbrella while also leading the community’s main shul.
The Upper West Side is home to many vibrant Jewish institutions, each enriching the community in its own way. Yet Chabad of the West Side has become something uniquely essential — a central gathering place where every Jew can find friendship, inspiration, and a deep sense of belonging. From community events to educational programs and everything in between, Chabad serves as the heart of the community, providing the warmth, connection, and steady rhythm that not only sustain Jewish life but keep it growing stronger every day.
What began as a vision of the Rebbe in 1984 has flourished into the pulse that continues to keep Yiddishkeit alive and strong on the Upper West Side 40 years later. But the heart needs fuel to keep beating!
With this campaign, we’re turning to you to sustain and strengthen the foundation that keeps it all running. Every mitzvah, every smile, every moment of connection – it’s all possible with your support.
Join us in fueling the heart of the West Side. Because no one does it like Chabad.
We love you