By Danielle Modica | September 26, 2022
Shabbos House’s High Holiday Event Schedule
Photo Credit: Shabbos House Instagram / @shabboshouse
The University at Albany-affiliated Shabbos House has announced a student-accessible High Holiday event schedule spanning from Sept. 25 to Oct. 25. Events include “express” services, dinners, religious gatherings, dances and more.
The Jewish High Holidays start with the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, that leads into a full season of festivities. Shabbos House will also host events for the other upcoming High holidays - Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini-Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
"Each holiday has its own character and theme, some joyous and some serious, but most of them are celebrated with food and a sense of community,” Shabbos House Director Rabbi Mendel Rubin said. “We make them all accessible in a student-friendly way for them to partake at the ability, observance-level and comfort level that they’re at.”
Established in 1976, Shabbos House is a “home away from home” for students at UAlbany involved in the Jewish faith and community. According to their website, Shabbos House’s mission is to provide “student-friendly synagogue services, Sabbath and holiday dinners, programs, events, atmosphere, educational and cultural opportunities, as well as counseling and support.” Mendel and his wife, Raizy Rubin, have been the directors and family-in-residence since 1997.
The Rubin Family (Center: Raizy and Rabbi Mendel Rubin, L - R)
Photo Credit: Shabbos House Instagram / @shabboshouse
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have not been included in UAlbany’s official holiday list since 2018. Although students can be excused from class without penalization, Rubin notes that many students may not find time to attend traditional holiday services. For more information about UAlbany’s absence due to religious observance policy, visit their website.
“For students who may not be able to make it to a synagogue or our formal events, we’re also offering Shofar Express,” Rubin said. “Students can come to our table on campus 3-5 p.m. both days and can enjoy shofar [celebratory musical ram’s horn], honey cake, and Rosh Hashanah services all under ten minutes.”
Shabbos House is located at 320 Fuller Road in Albany. All events are free-of-charge and open to the UAlbany community. View a pdf of the full High Holiday schedule here. For more information about Shabbos House and upcoming events, visit ShabbosHouse.org.