From left, Chana Rubin (with baby Mendel), Rabbi Yossi and Sara Paltiel; Risha, Mushka and Rabbi Mordechai Rubin; Micki and Norman Massry; Rabbi Yisroel and Rochel Rubin at the recent opening of the new Colonie Chabad house.

The Jewish community in Colonie recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Chabad  home.

Rabbi Mordechai Rubin of Chabad Colonie kicked off the event. “Really, I have no words to say today. But I think I can get it in one word. ”WOW!” Maybe I can sum it all up in two words: “Thank You!” Thank you to Hashem, for all his blessings, and to the rebbe for his vision and leadership.”

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky (Chabad World HQ),left, and Rabbi Mordechai Rubin, co-director of the Colonie Chabad,

Rubin continued, Thank you to the entire community, to everyone who came here today, dear friends and family who have come from afar, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky from Chabad HQ, my parents, and my in-laws. “This historic milestone, a beautiful 2-acre property, a home for Jewish life, is what they call a team effort! You were asked to stand up to the plate, and boy, you did. My friends, we aimed for the fences and not only hit a home run, we hit a Grand Slam!”

Rubin, referencing,  the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson  said, “The rebbe, taught that Torah, though given over 3,330 years ago, remains relevant today. On Shabbat we just read about Bilaam, an anti-Semite and prophet who was hired to curse the Jews. But every time he tried, blessings came out instead! This story reflects Jewish history: Despite “curses,” the Jews emerge victorious, transforming challenges into blessings. Even after Oct. 7th, we are opening a new Jewish Center!

Of the blessings that emerged from Bilaam’s attempted curses is the famous prayer and song “Mah Tovu,” “How wondrous are your tents Yaakov, your dwellings places Yisroel.” This refers to places like our Chabad center, a place for Jewish students at Siena College to call home and feel Jewish pride, a place where Jews from all walks of life and ages are welcomed for a Shabbat or holiday dinner.”

Linda Grimm, left and Linda Chandler

Following Rabbi Mordechai Rubin’s remarks, Rabbi Yisroel Rubin, director of the Capital District Chabad,  who is noting 50 years since the rebbe sent him to establish Chabad in the capital region, recited a psalm for the safety and protection of Jews everywhere, especially our heroes and the hostages in the Holy Land.

“We all have moments in our lives where our hearts are too full for words. This is one of those moments,” said the co-director  Chana Rubin. “This event is reminiscent to me of the building of the tabernacle, the home the Jews made for G-d in the desert. Every Jew was invited to participate in its building. Not only were they invited to contribute, but also in order for it to be a house for G-d it needed that all Jews were involved, making it a real home for G-d. Same is true here; everyone is involved!”

Micki Massry then read Psalm 121 in English, a psalm that echoes how G-d always protects us.

Mushka Rubin, 6, took the podium and led the crowd in the enthusiastic recitation of two Torah passages.

Senator Jake Ashby and Councilman Jeff Madden both expressed their encouragement: Ashby commented, “I am honored to bring a proclamation, and we are here with the Jewish community. In fact, I visited Israel last summer, and please know we are here for you.”

Marilyn Tanner, said, “I am so happy to be here. This community is like my family…When things have been rough for me personally, with some health challenges, Rabbi and Chana were really there for me, visiting me in the hospital and offering emotional support. I love bringing my friends here; we enjoy a fun time together. I feel so at home in this space and proud to be a Jew. We all loved the old place, but this space was so needed and it’s really amazing to have, I’m so glad I could be a part of it.”

Rabbi Mordechai Rubin presented Norman and Micki Massry with a crystal menorah engraved with a dedication, thanking them for their generous matching funds and partnership in establishing this new home for Jewish life.

“There’s one word that sums up this rabbi —amazing!” Norman Massry said. “I look for opportunities. This is one I couldn’t miss! I am amazed that you have lit the spark in many Jews there I never even knew existed especially at Siena College. Your work is really needed on campus.

Violinist Josh Sussman and other musicians played for the crowd.

Those attending also enjoyed other highlights including musical entertainment by violinist Josh Sussman, the cheeseboard and dessert table and the L’chaim at the wine bar featured a personalized shot glass each guest could take home as a memento.