By Chani Vogel
Chabad of Swan Lake was founded by Rabbi Yossi and Mrs. Esther Hurwitz 9 years ago. It all began when the Jewish residents of the Presidential Estates who lived upstate began seeking some spirituality in their lives.
They decided that they wanted to have a Chabad representative to come and teach them about their Jewish heritage. What many readers may find interesting is that what we know as the “Country” during the summer is actually home to many residents year round.
At that time 95% of the residents were unaffiliated Jews. When Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz was contacted by the residents of Swan Lake, they also contacted Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky and asked if it was possible to open a Chabad house there.
Rabbi Kotlarsky, along with Rabbi Bentzion Chanowitz, Chabad Shliach in Monticello gave him their blessings, and the rest is history.
Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz purchased a home, and began to share the light of yiddishkiet with people who were previously not interested, and even some of them who were initially antagonistic towards the idea of having orthodox Judaism in their community.
Rabbi Yossi and Esther (of Morah Esther’s Playgroup) Hurwitz were already married for 25 years when all this took place. What made them decide to embark on shlichus when they were happily settled in their lives and businesses in Crown Heights? Their children were getting married, and they were having grandchildren, thank G-d. I think that is super impressive!
For the first few years, Yossi would make a Chanukah Menorah lighting outside his house in Presidential Estates. The people from the neighborhood came, and a grand time was had, but he wanted more. He wanted the candle lighting to be in a centralized location where people from all walks of life would come and enjoy. Thinking about it, Rabbi Yossi and his wife Esther decided that Chanukah lighting should happen in the Shoprite Liberty Mall Parking lot.
The first year Rabbi Hurwitz had arranged and scheduled the date of the menorah lighting celebration with ShopRite. He spoke with Mr. John Rogan (ShopRite’s manager) who gave him permission and was happy to host the first annual candle lighting.
However, three days before the candle lighting Rabbi Hurwitz received a call from the management of the parking lot property of Shoprite mall, prohibiting him from any celebration on the property, Rabbi Hurwitz tried to reason with this manager. After all, he had gotten permission, all the fliers were sent out, and everyone was already invited to the ceremony, the Mayor, Supervisor of town, Chief of Police, county judges, and many elected officials. This manager was unmoved. She refused to budge. She even warned him that if he performs any type of ceremony, he might be arrested! Where did this come from? What should he do? As a chosid he sent an email to Rabbi Refson at the Ohel, asking him to go into the Rebbe and inform the Rebbe as to what was happening. A mere 15 minutes later the manager of ShopRite Mr. John Rogan called Rabbi Yossi and let him know that he wants the candle lighting to take place in the Shoprite Parking lot, as planned. He also told Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz not to worry, that he John Rogan would take responsibility for the manger’s ire. In a bizarre twist of fate, this manager was relocated shortly after Chanukah to a different location.
Since this first candle lighting an annual tradition has begun. Shoprite of Liberty is THE place to be on Motzei Shabbos of Chanukah! In the entire Catskill mountains region this is the place that draws the crowd. The light up necklaces, the Chanukah coins, the Chanukah Gelt, the nosh, the light up glasses, every single detail is thought about. Mostly the crowd is the Chareidi sector that comes up for Shabbos Chanukah, and the unaffiliated Jew who’s neshama is yearning and gets to see this beautiful side of unconditional love and acceptance for all, come together in a spirit of Unity that is truly inspiring. This year Mayor of Liberty Ron Staback lit the shamash, while Stewart Mandel President of the Swan Lake synagogue lit the candles.
As someone who comes up for Shabbos Chanukah to partake in this beautiful ritual, I have to say it is so nice to see the employees in Shoprite with their genuine smiles when they see that we are back. It is like seeing old friends from the summer, and the employees and managers roll out the happy atmosphere in Shoprite, so that we should feel like we just can’t wait to come back in the summer. My children, and my husband get to partake in the Rebbe’s pe’ulos and look forward to this every year.
This year despite the frigid weather, the Menorah Lighting still drew a crowd over 200 people! Both the Sheriff’s and the Police departments took part in securing the area so that we all felt safe knowing that there was such a large contingent of officers that came to the Chanukah Party! When Rabbi Yossi thought that the Sheriff himself may have skipped the lighting due to the weather, he was happily surprised that the Sheriff made himself known to all around. One of the officers told Rabbi Hurwitz that in a different event that they had to police earlier in the day the attendance was about half of what they expected. The Menorah Lighting Crowd came out to show love and support to all, and made a huge kiddush Hashem in the process!
The entertainment was wonderful, Shmully Cyprus of Shatz Music had the crowd enthralled as he juggled fire, and unicycles. His music had the crowd dancing with a warmth that only comes when the feeling of unity stems from inside, and radiates outward! As snow fell on his frozen fingers, Shmully continued to juggle to the delight of the little ones, who were watching in fascination. Menachem Ives had the crowd dancing and moving, and keeping warm in tune to the music by Shatz Music.
Rabbi Yossi Hurwitz and his wife Esther want to thank the Police and Sheriff offices, the Management of Shoprite, Rabbi Moshe Vogel, Chayim Vogel, Menachem Ives, and Shmully Cyprus and the greater Swan Lake / Liberty communities for making the evening a tremendous success.
I am in awe of this !! In the freezing weather ! Keep spreading the light and joys of Chanukah !
This really lit up the Catskills !! Kol Hakavod !
Kol hakavod to pick up and start shlichus
So proud of your work … what a beautiful event ! Zaide would be so proud… in real Tashkenter style ! Bringing the Rebbes Peulos to the Catskills
Your Sydney cousins
Althaus family
We live in Sullivan county, we look forward every year to this Chanukah event. Indeed its the only public celebration in the entire Catskil area, its always very beautiful, very warm, and full of joy.
G-d should bless you guys.
Great job
Well done
You make the Rebbe proud
IT was really beautiful!
Thank you Rabbi Hurwitz and family for bringing such incredible light and joy every Chanukah to all of us upstate. We look forward to your events every Chanukah -and this Sukkot was incredible too!!
What a nice article. Thanks for sharing the love, the lights, the warmth! Great job Rabbi yossi and morah esther!
זקני השלוחים !!! הצלחה