Mazal tov
Goshen. Chabad of Orange County open’s the first free-standing synagogue in the former Goshen Public Library and Historical Society on Main Street.
| 15 Sep 2020 | 02:32
Everything is ready for the crowd to arrive in celebration of the ribbon cutting at the first free-standing synagogue in Goshen. Photos by Frances Ruth Harris.
Rabbi Meir Borenstein
The federal government awarded the Chabad of Orange County $100,000 for security.
Many gathered for the ribbon cutting.
Diane Greenwood cuts the ribbon, officially opening Chabad of Orange County's first free-standing synagogue.
Younger members of the Chabad of Orange County.
Shevi and Michael Rivkin and family.
Amy, Leah, Emma and John Thomas.
Ronen Kessler; Casey, Shanon, Greyson and Wyatt Auerbach.
Karen Thurston, Rivka Borenstein and Linsey Thurston.
Michelle and Zellman Ayzenberg with their children Zackery and Madeline.
Joanne Greenwald, daughter of Diane and Gary Greenwald, with her mother. The social hall is dedicated in memory of Diane's late husband, the attorney Gary Greenwald.
People could enter ten at a time to see the inside of the synagogue.
The evening was capped off with a dinner inside the synagogue.
“Mazal tov to all who will enjoy the new synagogue!” Rabbi Meir Borenstein said to the 100 or so people who attended the opening of Goshen’s first free-standing synagogue last Thursday evening, Sept. 10. “All are welcome! We spread our light and goodness!”
Borenstein and his wife Rivkie direct Chabad of Orange County.
Earlier this year, Chabad purchased the 1918 building that housed the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society for $635,000 at about the same time the library was moving into its new quarters further downtown Main Street near Salesian Park.
Chabad retained the historical structure of the old library, which Borenstein said is perfect for a synagogue as well as for Hebrew school classrooms, a children’s center, teen lounge, social hall and administrative offices.
The rabbi thanked many for their help in opening the shul and making this evening possible. The men danced inside celebrating the opening and thanking God for his many blessings. People were given delicious treats of a wrap, a salad and a cookie. People were then offered tours circling the building, ten at a time only.
Diane Greenwald cut the ribbon with help from County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Bob Green.
“Everyone’s invited to the synagogue,” Borenstein said. “The synagogue is open to all and there are no fees to become a member. “Wealthier people,” he said, “help pay the bills.”
Borenstein also announced that the federal government had awarded the Chabad of Orange County $100,000. He added that there were security people among the crowd.
After the speeches, the festivities began. Men danced inside celebrating the opening. People standing outside were given box lunches of delicious treats: a wrap, a salad and a cookie.
And there were many local connections. For instance, the social hall is dedicated in memory of Diane Greenwald’s late husband, the attorney Gary Greenwald.
And long time Chabad members, mural painters Lisa Green and her daughter Beverly Green, completed a mural on the wall of one of the classrooms of the Chabad Children’s School.
The evening was capped off with a dinner inside the synagogue.
The High Holy Days
At Chabad of Orange County in Goshen, the High Holy Days this year will be celebrated with all the COVID-19 restrictions.
There will be a regular Rosh Hashanah service in the synagogue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20.
There will also be a special outdoor service outdoors on the front lawn on Sunday, Sept. 20, for the traditional blowing of the Shofar.
All are welcome to attend. Please wear a mask.
Chabad has a policy of “don’t pay to pray“ and have their doors opened to all regardless of their level of observance or affiliation. No membership needed.
For more information, call Chabad at 845-291-0514.