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CTEEN Cookies & Q's Recap

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:50:00 AM

Thank you to the 15 CTeens who joined us on Monday night for a fun Cookies and Q's.

The teens had fun playing games, making cookies and notes for local Police Departments in their respective towns and have a Question and Answer session on anything Jewish related.

Report & Photos of From OY to JOY

Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:49:00 AM

Thank you to Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet who joined us on Monday evening and delivered a beautiful and incredible presentation on the topic of From Oy To Joy.

Thank you to everyone who came and joined us for the evening.

At the end of the evening Rabbi Schochet did a book signing for his new book Joy Works, which was just published.

We have a few copies remaining for $20 each. Please let us know if you would like to purchase one.

The event was recorded and upon request we can share the link.

Regards from the Convention in NY

Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:48:00 AM

This week was an action packed week at Chabad of Sudbury, between another fun session for dozens of students at Hebrew School, an amazing CTeen fun event, a powerful and inspiring lecture with Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet on the theme of From OY to JOY, and meaningful JLI Kabbalah Classes, Parsha Classes, Services and meetings and lots more.

This Shabbat the services at Chabad of Sudbury will be led by members of the congregation and we are very grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help out this Shabbat, to work with Shayna and Chana in running Chabad for Shabbat.

I am attending the annual International Conference of Chabad Shluchim, along with thousands of other Rabbis and lay leaders from around the world.

Walking down the street, you bump into colleagues and friends from Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, France, UK, Italy, across the USA, South Africa and so many other countries and places. Each one is representing their community, along with the growth, challenges and meaningful and deep stories of faith, kindness, and connection.

Last night we heard beautiful messages from Rabbis from Israel, the USA, Estonia and the Far East, each one with another message and powerful idea or story.

The energy of joy and determination is everywhere and now in the final hours before Shabbat, the streets are full of people running to and fro as they prepare for Shabbat, carrying Challah, flowers and wine in their hands as they race to get home before sunset.

This morning, a few thousand of us gathered at the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, as we prayed, reflected, sung, contemplated, and inspired each other with the collective responsibility that we are all a part of.

I was honored to be chosen in a lottery to be one of 15 Rabbis to enter the Ohel, the Rebbe's resting place, as perhaps one of the most meaningful moments of the conference takes place. It is when the main reflections and prayers were recited, with the Chief Rabbi's of various countries and other leaders. I stood near the Rosh Yeshiva of my son's school in Los Angeles, a man who is well into his eighties, a tremendous scholar and leader in his own right, who was honored with reading the prayers as thousands listened on the outside and via audio systems.

I don't really have the words to describe this meaningful moment, as prayers were recited for everyone there, and thousands of communities that were represented, prayers for peace in Israel, prayers for peace in Russia and Ukraine, prayers for health, children and so much more.

Tears were flowing freely around me, the melodies were soulful, and we remembered what was the vision of the Rebbe who encouraged all of us to get out into the world, and help transform it into G-d's garden. Unrelenting, always full of faith, trust, positivity and motivation to help and inspire others, to uplift the Jewish community, and to inspire all of humanity, one soul and one good deed at a time.

Are there challenges?

Plenty, of all kinds, and everywhere... but the Rebbe's calling, has inspired thousands of community centers to open up all over the world, to become lighthouses of light, good deeds, community, and connection 7/24.

The energy that everyone is taking away, is one of joy, determination, new ideas to reach and make a difference to even more people, and so many practical ideas and takeaways.

The Portion of the week, Chayei Sarah, talks about the passing of Sarah and the events that took place after she died. Yet, the name of the portion is "The life of Sarah", even though we speak of her death in the second verse of the portion.

The commentaries point out with a well known teaching, righteous people's life and legacies, don't end when they are no longer physically among us, but instead continue to live on and inspire others, as their impact and good work continues to grow.

This was the story with Sarah, and if I may say seeing the beautiful harmony, joy, and determination that is represented all over the world, for a BRIGHTER JEWISH TOMORROW, and a BETTER WORLD, is truly something that I know the Rebbe would be smiling about.

So between the melodies, the tears, and the hearts that were raw and open, as we stood and prayed together this morning, the collective energy of this beautiful vision, was front and center of this gathering and will be for the whole conference and Shabbat.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Yisroel

The very first word spoken by G-d to Abraham

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 10:19:00 AM

Dear Friends,

What was the very first word spoken by G-d to Abraham the very first Jew, 3700 years ago?

"Lech", "Go"!

Abraham from the get go was someone who was told "Go"!

Meaning, don't be complacent, stuck where you are bogged down in your mindset of stagnation and resignation to the challenges of life, and hopeless in your belief of what you can accomplish.

Instead, believe that your job is to always move forward, leave boundaries and limitations behind you, move on to new frontiers, and be ready to outgrow the narrow vision that often can cloud our vision and limit our ability to succeed.

As Abraham's descendants we read these stories and reflect and remember their messages.

While the challenges and responsibilities of life, can often seem so overwhelming and insurmountable at times, and at times it seems easier just to settle in and give in to the challenges, and surrender to their terms.

Yet we think of Abraham and Sarah who were charged with a mission to share G-d with humanity, to inspire the world that life has purpose and meaning, to treat others and to teach them that kindness and compassion are the pillars that uphold our world, and to challenge others to have hope and belief in others, even when all seems so challenging.

When G-d tells Abraham GO it was to do just that.

When G-d tells Abraham GO, it is also a calling to each one of us, GO, KADIMA, ADELANTE, or whatever language you prefer. Believe in the potential and mission G-d has invested in you, and no matter the challenge, you can power yourself forward, one hurdle and obstacle at a time.

On Sunday, I was in the hills of Israel as I visited a farm on the top of a hill that overlooked the city of Shechem and the town of Elon Moreh. My friend who took me there, showed me the verses of the Torah reading of that day, which describe how Abraham reached the land of Israel, and came to the area of Shechem and Elon Moreh.

I looked down at the plains below and at the mountains around me, and thought of the fact that our ancestor walked these hills and these paths thousands of years ago, as he marched into the unknown, and began living a story that has been unfolding for thousands of years.

Who would have imagined the change, the goodness, the blessings and so much more that have developed from those footsteps which took place in the hills and valley below where I stood, when he was willing to act on the words "GO".

Surely there are still challenges in abundance, but when G-d says GO to each one of us, we need to learn to believe in the potential of the journey, of our mission to make the world be a world of kindness, and a world that reflects G-d's vision, and keep walking, hiking, running and moving forward.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

P.S Tomorrow at services I will share some very meaningful anecdotes from this visit.

Regards from Jerusalem

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 1:47:00 PM

B"H

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you from Jerusalem where it is almost Shabbat and the sun is about to set.

I am here for Shabbat as I came to visit my son Levi and spend some time together.

We took an incredible hike in the Judean desert yesterday in a place called Nahal Prat, definitely out of my comfort zone, but nothing like being alone in nature and hiking together in the beautiful Land of Israel.

This afternoon I paid a visit to a soldier who I first met 2 1/2 years ago, who was injured in battle while trying to save two severely injured friends, who were caught in an ambush.

He described to me the moments he held one of his dear friends in his hands as he was mortally wounded and said the Shema with him, in his final breaths as they desperately tried saving his life while under heavy fire and he being injured.

He still does reserve duty and just finished 3 months in Lebanon just a few days ago, and then he goes back to rehab every week for treatment for his own injuries.

It was a deeply emotional conversation on so many levels, as we discussed the future, the now, the past.

Before we ended with a very emotional hug, I shared with him one idea of the weekly Torah Portion.

In the portion of Noah which we read tomorrow, as the floodwaters threaten to drown even Noah, G-d tells him to come into the Ark.

The Baal Shem Tov would often teach that the Ark, in Hebrew Teiva, can mean "words", and the floodwaters as expressed elsewhere, can also refer to the stresses of life, which often seem like they are about to submerge us with their fury, and drown out our inner core, our faith, our connection to our soul and to G-d.

Yet when G-d tells Noah, come to the Ark, it is also a metaphor, for making the time for the "words" of prayer and the study of Torah, which although so challenging in those moments, yet, they enable us to not be submerged by the floodwaters of life, and instead they allow us to use the floodwaters to lift ourselves up and become even stronger.

Obviously the goal isn't to escape there and run away from reality, but to gain strength and then taken on the challenges.

I wished my dear friend who has given so much and endured too much for his young age, that he should be blessed that ultimately he will yet build a family, be an amazing husband and father, and be able to give to his family, children and the world, so much of the deep and special person that he is.

May the incredible sacrifices he has made, be the catalyst for him being able to be the person he wants to be.

As I go to enjoy a Shabbat with Levi in Jerusalem, I wish you all a Shabbat Shalom in Sudbury and elsewhere.

Thank you to Shayna, Chana, Zalman and Leah who are running Chabad this Shabbat and Sunday while I am away.

Yisroel

P.S Join us for tomorrow's Shabbat Services & Kiddush Luncheon for part or all of the time, at which we will discuss and share more anecdotes and messages on the weekly Torah Portion

Let there be Light!

Fri, 9 Oct 2026 8:53:00 AM

Where do we go from here?

The month of the Jewish holidays was a truly uplifting month of community, conversations, prayer, events, celebrations, classes, and festivities and gatherings for all ages as hundreds came through our doors and were connected, inspired or celebrated and gained strength from each other.

The feedback has been tremendous, with so many beautiful notes, messages and voicenotes.

Now it is silence... the Sukkah is down (thank you Uri).. the dancing has stopped.... the High Holiday tent is down.... Oct 7th was just marked... and the regular rhythm of life is kicking in plus the never ending cycle of news, including continuous blood libels against Israel being celebrated and now even rewarded by the world.

In Chassidic theology we are taught that over the month of Tishrie which we are completing now, we are packing our bags and filling up on inspiration, motivation, faith, joy and resilience.

Now are bags are full, and it is time to start unpacking them into our day to day lives.

This week we read the first Torah reading of the entire Torah, the portion of Bereshit. One of the many items which we read about is the story of creation and the ten utterances that G-d used to create the Universe.

The very first utterance and act of creation is "Let there be Light"!

We do not look at that is being insignificant, rather we understand it be a message and guidance to us, to always remember that our job is to be creators of "light".

"Light" in Jewish thought has many connotations, but among the primary ideas, are the "Light" of G-d, the "Light" of Good Deeds and kindness, the "Light" of Truth, or as Isaiah the prophet stated our job is to be "לְאוֹר גּוֹיִים", a light unto the nations.

The Talmud quotes a sage named Rabbi Nachman Bar Yitzchak who stated that "ענן פועלי דיממא אנן", "we are day laborers", meaning our job is to be people who increase light in the world as build up the world.

So as we enter the regular rhythm and cycle of a new year and unpack our bags, let us remember to unpack some of the "light" wherever we go, so that the inspiration, reflections, joy, prayers, hope and more of the High Holidays are tools that we use to do our job as laborers of light, in a world that is still dealing with so much darkness.

Let us unpack some of the light, and bring some joy, a smile, and light, to every interaction we have, as we go about our lives.

Let us shine the light of truth and morality, even if at times the darkness of libels and lies seems increasingly dark.

Lastly, Jewish teachings state that a portion of the original light that G-d created in the first moment, is embedded in the teachings of the Torah.

Each time we study, reflect, and grapple with an idea or message, we enable some of this "light" to impact our thinking in regards to staying focused on our mission in the world, as individuals, spouses, parents, as part of a community, as Jewish people, and as part of a global society.

Let there be light!

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Yisroel

3 years since Oct 7th

Wed, 7 Oct 2026 1:00:00 PM

Today marks three years since those awful terrible moments of Oct 7th when as Jewish people around the world celebrated Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah, thousands of terrorists attacked dozens of communities, army outposts, highways and the Nova Festival, killed almost 1,200, maimed and wounded so many more, kidnapped so many others, and started a war which has caused untold suffering.

That same day, we were shaken by the shockwaves of antisemitism flaring up around the world, as the ground shook beneath our feet from the crowds roaring antisemitic chants who marched in big cities around the world, in academic institutions and elsewhere. As we struggled in pain with the terrible grief and evil that had just occurred, to see others gleefully celebrating or remaining silent, was another stab in the heart.

We rallied, we prayed, we gathered, we raised funds, we advocated and over time we gathered back our strength and lifted our heads high, as we realized that although we are watching a terrible moment in history unfolding, we cannot simply be sad and demoralized bystanders. Instead, we began to gather together, strengthen our faith and communities, strengthen Israel and their needs, do more Mitzvos and Prayer, and we resolved to do even more kindness and goodness in the world around us, so that positivity, unity and understanding, will always be what carry us forward, even if at the same time we must forcefully confront the hatred that is out there.

Yes, the world has changed, the pain is still so real, especially for so many who lost loved ones and friends. Sadly, the hatred has not diminished, if anything it has only increased with renewed blood libels and falsehoods which have sadly influenced so many young minds.

Yet as Jewish people, we are guided by the teachings of Judaism and we know that our job is to remember we are here for a mission even if at times it is hard. We must remind ourselves that we are players on a winning team with the goals being making a better world with eventually a world envisioned by the prophets, one of peace, unity and understanding, and a world dedicated to fulfilling G-d's vision for the universe.

Until we get there, we can't yell back or get distracted by every catcall or slur from the stands, because we are here to play and play it as best as we can. Passing the ball to each other, working in unity, to strengthen each other, strengthen the Jewish people everywhere and Israel the eternal Jewish homeland and score another goal of kindness and positive action to better the entire world around us.

So on this day as we reflect in pain and sadness, and honor all those who were killed, we remember that we must continue to be the proud torchbearers of our Jewish values, and even if the going gets tough, this too shall pass.

As we remember all those who were killed, I recall my dear friend Adi Baharav Rabinowitz who visited us many times, who was killed on this fateful day, saving lives in his village of Netiv Hasarah. On the eve of his Yahrziet, I had the honor of sitting with his family who are a part of the community, and sitting with his little three-month-old grandson who bears his name.

Together we sat in the Sukkah, shook the Lulav and Etrog, spoke of unity, hope, sadness and happiness, and listened to the beautiful sounds of a baby laughing, healing everyone with the innocent sounds of joy and happiness.

May his family along with all the other families of all the victims of 10/7 and beyond be comforted among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem.

Consider taking the time today as you remember and reflect, to do an extra Mitzvah, an extra act of kindness, an extra good deed, wrap Tefillin (stop by Chabad today), study Torah, say a prayer, or whatever Mitzvah or good deed speaks to you.

To our community and everyone who supports our work, through your kindness, we have sent a few hundred thousand dollars to Israel in the last few years, through donations specifically earmarked to help support our efforts, at helping wounded, families of the hostages, safety equipment and gear, children, widows and single mothers, and to people and villages, whose lives were so heavily impacted.

Yizkor, Let us Remember!

Am Yisrael Chai!

Yisroel

P.S Join us on Monday evening Oct 12th as we mark this 3 year anniversary with Barak Morag of Nir Oz, who will share his family's gripping story of Choosing Life.

What a truly amazing Sukkot so far!

Fri, 2 Oct 2026 1:01:00 PM

What a truly amazing Sukkot so far!

Thank you to the hundreds of you who came through our doors for the many wonderful programs and celebrations over this holiday.

From all those who celebrated the first night in the Sukkah, to the many young families who joined us at the Kids in the Sukkah Celebration (lots of photos over here), to the many who came and made sure we had wonderful prayer services each day, to the teens who joined us at the CTEEN in the Sukkah Celebration (lots of photos over here), and to the 100+ adults who joined us at the amazing Sushi in the Sukkah Celebration last night (lots of photos over here).

Every day people stopped by to shake the Lulav or make a blessing in the Sukkah, Shaloh House Day School from Boston paid us their annual visit while we entertained them in the Sukkah, and each and every day the joy continued in so many ways.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped build the Sukkahs, especially to Uri Mizrahi and my sons Zalman and Mendel, and to so many others like Chana who arranged and ran the CTEEN program and cooked for so many of the celebrations, to Leah who helped organize and do so much, to Olga Lepsky for the beautiful branches for the Sukkah, to all of the security team for helping make each event run smoothly and well, and to so many others who helped with setup, cleanup and more.

Now let's go celebrate Simchat Torah.

Photos of the 1st day of Hebrew School

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:52:00 PM

This past Sunday dozens of returning students and lots of new faces and families joined us for the first session for the new Hebrew School Year.

The students had a blast as they saw their friends once again, made new ones, and learned in a hands on way all about the holidays of Yom Kippur & Sukkot.

We welcome all the new staff who have joined us this year and look forward to a great year of learning and fun in a beautiful Jewish atmosphere.

You can still sign up for Hebrew School and join for this academic year. You can read more at www.chabadsudbury.com/chs

What an amazing Yom Kippur!

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:51:00 PM

Thank you to the hundreds of you who came through the tent over Yom Kippur (and Rosh Hashanah) and helped make one of the most beautiful and meaningful Yom Kippur's on record at ChabadSudbury!

From the packed tent and moving melodies of Kol Nidrei, to the meaningful morning services and Yizkor Memorial Service, and with standing room only at Neilah and the break fast, the sentiments in the tent were powerful, uplifting and inspiring all at the same time.

Each person who came helped make this a more impactful Yom Kippur, as we prayed, hoped, reflected, sung melodies, and yes more than a few tears, and of course joyously sang the uplifting song and said the Shema, before the sounding of the Shofar!

There were so many extraordinary moments, and one or two of them, I hope to share over the next few days!

Watching the community grow year to year and the many hundreds of returning faces along with so many new faces, is something we are so grateful for. Hearing kids running around the lawn and playing happily and as prayers ring out from the tent, children's services take place inside as well as a teen program, are all things that we don't take for granted.

We know that the generosity and volunteerism of so many is helping build this warm place of connection, community, faith, good deeds and care for facilitating room for personal growth, communal growth and our collective actions for making a better world.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped in so many ways, to all of the ushers and security team members who helped ensure safe and smooth services, to those who setup the break fast, chairs, tables and more, to Chana for running the Teen Program, to Sheva and Rina for running the kids programs, and to Mendel and DL for helping in so many ways to Chai Security, to Sudbury PD, to Junie, and of course to my brother Shmuel who helped lead so many of the services in such a beautiful way and while we are at it, we wish him a Happy 50th Birthday!!

Thank you to the many dozens of you who made kind donations in honor of the High Holidays and helped enable all of this and more. If you would like to donate or make a Yizkor pledge, you may use this link.

As we said at the end of Neila, we transition from beating and pounding hearts at the end of Neila to the banging of the Sukkah walls, as we take the inspiration of the holidays and translate it into another tangible Mitzvah, good deed, Mezuzah, Tefillin, Candle Lighting, Sukkah, Kindness, Tzedaka or any other Mitzvah!

May 5787 be an amazing year of growth, happiness, health, blessings, peace and more for all and looking forward to welcoming more and more people to the tent and community at Chabad of Sudbury.

A Noe'easter on Sukkot?

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:50:00 PM

Sukkot the holiday of joy and unity is starting in just a couple of hours and it is bringing a very windy and wet friend along, in the form of a big northeaster storm which threaten to take down many Sukkahs and branches.

Entering in to the Sukkah on this holiday and being surrounded by the metaphoric embrace from G-d, while contemplating how G-d protected us from the elements for 40 years in the desert, and ever since then in so many ways, is one of the most powerful messages of the holiday.

As we remind ourselves of the fragility of the walls and roofs that surround us and remember that G-d is the ultimate protector, we celebrate and rejoice in knowing we can connect and be a part of such a great and joyous message and way of life.

We express that by celebrating and inviting as many as possible to join us in the Sukkah, a shelter of Unity, from all the chaos and discord that is out there in the world around us, and collectively give thanks and add joy to each others lives.

Yes, in recent years, the metaphoric storms, winds of hate seem to be blowing from so many directions, and the walls of our institutions and sense of security are at times shaken, as the conceptual storm coming from hate, bigotry and bias shakes our walls and loosens the covers that provide shelter in our lives.

Yet then comes Sukkot with its joyous and hope filled message of faith in the resilience we have been endowed with, to weather the storms, and keep moving forward onward and upwards with our mission in life of bettering ourselves and bettering the world around us.

So Northeaster or not, Sukkot is coming, and we will be celebrating, as we know despite all the stormwinds in the world, we are here to stay, and to march on bringing joy and blessings to the world around us.

Join us this evening at 6:30pm for a pre storm Kabbalat Shabbat and light refreshments in the modified Sukkah (the big one will go up on Tuesday G-d willing), and of course for all the other celebrations and services over the next few days.

Stop by anytime from Sunday and on, to shake and make a Blessing on the Lulav and have a bite in the Sukkah.

Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach

Yisroel

Condolences to the Henken Family

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:39:00 PM

On behalf of the Chabad Center of Sudbury, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Rick & Gabrielle Henken, on the passing of Rick's father, Herbert Henken of Blessed Memory.

Herb was a dedicated husband who was pre deceased by his wife Charlene, a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, and a true Mentch, and as one person, said a good friend of everyone.

Funeral and Shiva took place this week.

May his sons, Rick & Rob and all of his family and grandchildren be comforted among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem and may his memory be a blessing.

Condolences to the Gruman & Reznik Families

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 7:53:00 AM

On behalf of the Chabad Center of Sudbury, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Zina Gruman and Sofya Reznik and all of their family on the passing of Leonid Gruman of Blessed Memory, a beloved and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Funeral and Shiva and more details will be posted shortly.

May his wife, children and grandchildren be comforted among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem and may his memory be a blessing.

Photos & Report of Ladies Challah Bake & New Year Fair

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:59:00 PM

Two beautiful events took place this week at Chabad of Sudbury. On Sunday dozens of families joined together at the Jewish New Year Fair for a morning of fun as we made Shofars from scratch, made Challah, enjoyed the moon bounce, and had fun with arts and crafts.

You can see a lot more pictures in this link.

On Tuesday evening, the beautiful Ladies Challah Bake was held for dozens of local ladies, who enjoyed a fun, classy and meaningful evening in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Challah Making.

You can see a lot more pictures of this event over here.

Rosh Hashanah Recap

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:57:00 PM

Thank you to the hundreds of you who joined us over the course of Rosh Hashanah, to the 70+ who joined us for the dinner on the first night of the holiday, the packed tent on the first day of the holiday, and yes it even filled up on the second day, despite the very heavy rain, and to the hundreds who joined together at Tashlich at the Grist Mill despite the rain ending right around 4pm!

It was a truly uplifting and moving Rosh Hashanah and it included so many moving conversations, visits to nursing homes, tears and beautiful messages, and a sense of community and connection, along with prayers full of hope and aspirations for a Good New Year and a much better year!

A huge thank you to my brother Shmuel Freeman for leading so many of the services, to the ushers and security team for making everything work so well, to the volunteers who helped with setup, to our wonderful neighbors who helped out with welcoming people and other needs, and to the girls who ran the children's programs, to Sudbury, MA Police Department for their help throughout the holiday and at the Grist Mill, to all those who helped with the Luncheons and the Dinner, to everyone who helped with the Landscaping and to so many others!!

This is the first Shabbat of the year and services will be held in the tent and then Hebrew School starts with its first session and multiple new students on Sunday.

On Sunday evening and Monday we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of you over the course of Yom Kippur, and we are expecting record turnout at all the services and the amazing Neila and Break Fast that follows!

The full schedule is posted below and all are welcome!

Gmar Chatima Tova & Shabbat Shalom

Yisroel