NYSDOT Approved Sukkah Available For Travelers on The 87
Clifton Park Rest Area, a popular rest stop on the Thruway, has the only NYSDOT approved Sukkah for travelers between NYC and Montreal, arranged by legendary askan and New York State Police Chaplain Rabbi Berish Freilich. It is also a truck stop where Rabbi Yossi Rubin met a truck driver who mentioned he listens to Rabbi Josh Gordon’s classes. rabbi Rubin got him a pair of tefillin that he committed to put on daily, bringing his Torah learning into action when he drives around the country.
Eighteen years ago, Rabbi Yossi and Leah Rubin founded Clifton Park Chabad, starting with Torah Studies classes at the local library. Today, their vision has grown into a thriving hub of Jewish life, including CKids Chabad Hebrew School offering the acclaimed JewQ program, a CTeen chapter, and various community programs like the Jewish Women’s Circle and the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).
Just recently, at a community Shabbat dinner at Clifton Park Chabad, a CTeen/Youth Leader shared in her ShabbatTalks TED style talk how the Rebbe’s call, “Know Alef, Teach Alef,” has a profound impact on her life. That Shabbat marked Chof Av, Reb Levik’s 80th yartzeit, and by Divine Providence, we printed “The Alef” by Merkos 302 with Reb Levik’s teaching, “All the days of your life… to bring Moshiach.” I realized that these two messages are deeply connected and offer a vital lesson for each of us. We all “Know Alef”—the Rebbe’s teaching to bring the Alef, the essence of Geulah, into the Golah, the exile we experience. Now, our mission is to “Teach Alef” by sharing with everyone we meet how to bring the Alef of Geulah into all we do, illuminating how the light of Geulah can transform every aspect of our lives.
As we went around the Rosh Hashanah table sharing new year resolutions, the message of the Alef continued to inspire: “My new year resolution” said Stephanie, “is to look for the little Alef in everything and make it shine”. The Rebbe’s message shines brightly, even in small towns. Please help the little Alef shine in our community and its ripple effect around the world.
Clifton Park Chabad has launched a campaign to build a new Chabad Jewish Center, designed to better serve the Jewish community in Southern Saratoga County.The new center will not only be a physical space but a true home for the entire community. It will feature areas for prayer, learning, youth programs, holiday celebrations, and social events, fostering a vibrant sense of belonging.
To maximize contributions, Clifton Park Chabad is running a special matching campaign. Every dollar donated will be doubled, amplifying the impact of each supporter. Rabbi Yossi Rubin shared, “This is an opportunity to make a real difference. By participating in this mitzvah, donors are not only helping to build a new center but also ensuring that Jewish life continues to thrive in our community.”
Donors who contribute $1,800 or more will be recognized on a donor wall, allowing them to leave a lasting legacy in the new center. “Each brick is a symbol of the strength and unity of our community,” Rabbi Yossi Rubin emphasized, highlighting the collective effort in building a foundation for Jewish life.
For those interested in learning more about the project, Clifton Park Chabad provides building brochures and encourages conversations with community members. Rabbi Yossi Rubin is available at 518-495-0772 to discuss the many ways how individuals can contribute.
