Newly Built House is “Home at the Ohel”

By COLlive reporter

Like many Lubavitchers, Rabbi Elkanah Shmotkin has spent many Shabbosim near the Rebbe’s Ohel in the Old Montefiore Cemetery in the Cambria Heights section of Queens, New York.

A row of homes and large tents overseen by Ohel Chabad Lubavitch Center, run by Rabbi Abba Refson, cater to the many who visit there from around the world.

During yomim tovim and special Chassidic days, larger tents are erected to accommodate the masses. But it was during more private visits and occasions that Rabbi Shmotkin felt a void that needed to be addressed.

Whether it was a family gathering at the Ohel for a l’chaim, Bris or Bar Mitzvah, or a trip by an out-of-town community group, the director of JEM (Jewish Educational Media) noticed that they would often need to drive to Crown Heights or the Five Towns to sit down for a warm meal or a place to regroup.

“I’ve noticed that trips to the Ohel can be challenging and stressful for out-of-town visitors, or even locals,” Rabbi Shmotkin told COLlive.com. “Arranging the space and coordinating all of the logistics can turn into a really big deal. At times, the stress can even overshadow the entire purpose of the visit.”

Rabbi Shmotkin and his wife Nechama had an idea – to purchase a house which would serve as an upscale “home away from home,” available for rent by families, groups or for Simchos.

Last January, their idea came to fruition when they procured a 4,350 square-foot house one block from Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch, at 120 Avenue and 228 Street.

The couple set out to design and renovate the home, creating a warm oasis where families or groups can gather and be sure their time at the Ohel will be comfortable and worry-free. The project was enthusiastically encouraged by Rabbi Refson.

A year later, the “Home at the Ohel” is ready for use.

The spacious home contains not only bedrooms, but a state-of-the-art kitchen, dining and living areas, a study (in planning), and more. Bedrooms are available in several configurations, comfortably sleeping between 16 and 22 people, including children’s beds and cribs.

Visitors can learn, farbreng, eat, and sleep, in the luxurious, comfortable home, in close proximity to the Ohel.

The home is fully appointed with everything a visitor would need for a comfortable stay: from linens and towels to soap and shampoo to cribs and paper goods, Shabbos basics, toys for the kids. There’s even a card for free Mikvah access.

The dining/living area has found a special niche for families to gather immediately after announcing an engagement of a chosson and kallah at the Ohel. The house provides an intimate space for family and close friends to celebrate before the official engagement party, close to the Ohel, but at a respectable distance.

The lower level was reconstructed as a “Simcha Room,” to host a full simcha, lecture or farbrengen. The 1,100 square-foot room features a private entrance, eight-foot ceilings, its own heating and AC units, tables and chairs with an option for microphone and linen rentals. Bar Mitzvahs, Upshernishes, Brisim and lectures have already been held in the space.

According to the Shmotkins, the project is an extension of their general Shlichus in life – which they describe as “bringing the Rebbe to people and people to Rebbe.” The couple believes that the home’s welcoming look and feel will encourage many who haven’t yet done so to have meaningful experiences. “The number of people who want to learn from, be inspired by, and connect with, the Rebbe, continues to grow. Now these families and communities have the opportunity to share a Simcha or a quiet Shabbos right near the Ohel.”

The home is available for rent through the website, and a manager handles reservations and assists people with their needs.

On their website, HomeattheOhel.com, the couple explains: “Whether it’s a Shabbos at the Ohel with family or a group; a Bris, Upshernish, L’chaim, Bar Mitzvah or Sheva Brochos; an overnight with mekurovim, a lecture or a post-Ohel meal, you’ll find that the thought and effort we’ve invested in making the home functional and convenient has been worthwhile.”

Prices range from $185 for a Post Ohel “mini-L’chaim.” Simcha rentals typically range between $300 and $700. Rental of the entire home for a Shabbos begins from $2,000 and includes 2 nights.

“We built the home with the needs of the many visitors to the Ohel in mind,” the website explains, “so you can focus on what you came for – to connect, to spend time with the Rebbe; to be inspired and infused.”

Visit HomeattheOhel.com for more information.