Itchke’s Shtiebel Finds a Spot

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Chaim Fogelman knows he might be biased, yet that does not stop him from declaring what he says is “one of Crown Heights’ best kept secrets.”

And that is Itchke’s Shtiebel, a local shul founded in 2008, where Fogelman serves as rabbi and spiritual leader.

“We are a great shul where everyone is welcome,” says Fogelman, who is also a rabbinical coordinator for the OK Labs, one of the largest kosher supervision companies in the country.

“We have 5 shiurim almost every week, we farbreng every Shabbos and there is a great sense of brotherly love. We are a place where the members are loving, caring and devoted to each other,” Fogelman said.

The board members of the shul are Pinny Bard-wigdor, Eli Hecht, Pacey Lipkind, Dovi Wachtel and Moishe Chanin.

Since its inception on Rosh Hashanah 5768, Itchke’s Shitebel has been a place where young and even older people have come to daven, learn, schmooze and of course, the Shabbos Kiddush.

“This has been the one place where I have always felt welcome,” commented one congregant.

During the High Holidays this past month, the Shtiebel has seen its participation grow and they decided to move from the Beis Chaya Mushka school and build off that success to relocate to a larger location.

They now found a home in the bustling and spacious basement of the Rubashkin residence at 1349 President Street which until recently was occupied by Chevra Ahavas Yisroel, another local shul.

This Shabbos, Parshas Noach, will be their first at the new location and members are very excited. “This move will accommodate a more inviting atmosphere and activities,” Pinny Bard-Wigdor told COLlive.com.

“The amount of space will be more than enough to have room for members, guests, and just about anyone else that decides to come and give the Shtiebel a try,” said Bard-Wigdor who is on the building committee with Lipkind, Ben Cousin and Greg Grinman (chairman).

In honor of the move, and as a Chanukas Habayis inauguration, they will be holding a Motzoei Shabbos Kumzitz, October 20 at 9 pm with Rabbi Fogelman, a veteran musician.

The event is open to the community and will include refreshments and L’chaims. Participants are encouraged to bring a musical instrument.

More info can be found on their Facebook page.