Chabad at Stony Brook Annual Report

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Chabad at Stony Brook Our Mission | Chabad at Stony Brook provides

an

open

door

environment

for

strengthening and enhancing Jewish family life for every Jew regardless of background, philosophy, or level of commitment.

Chabad

serves individuals and families looking for an

accepting,

personalized Jewish experience.

Chabad offers Judaism with a smile, and a

home away from home for every man, woman or child who walks through its doors.

comm unity c r e a t i n g unity since 1 9 8 7

Annual report 2013

Dear Partners and Friends, The past year has been an amazing year for our community. We have grown in many ways as we constantly look for new ways to better meet the needs of the families that make Stony Brook and the surrounding area their home.

Our staff is constantly asking: What can we do to better engage and serve the thousands of Jews in our community? We set goals at the beginning of the year, and we are grateful for the blessings that enable us to meet those goals – the kindness of Hashem, the generosity of our partners, the good will of the community, and a little good luck along the way.

This report provides an overview of our achievements in 2012, and a snapshot of our needs to replicate and surpass that success in the coming year. Your insight and vision in investing in the Jewish future of our community is never taken for granted, and your trust in Chabad at Stony Brook is empowering and humbling. We look forward to your partnership and friendship as we continue on our mission to ensure every Jew in our community experiences the beauty and joy of Judaism and remains connected to the great legacy of our people. With your help, no Jew will be left behind.

Rabbi Chaim and Rivkie Grossbaum Co-Directors, Chabad at Stony Brook

Our Team Rabbi Chaim Grossbaum

Rivkie Grossbaum

Rabbi Adam Stein

Rabbi Motti Grossbaum

Chaya Grossbaum

Esther Stein

Rabbi Shalom Ber Cohen

Chanie Cohen

Rivka Itzhaky

Director & Spiritual Leader

Living Legacy

Adult Education

Annual report 2013

Director & Life Coach Preschool Director

Camp Gan Israel

Hebrew School Friendship Circle Coordinator

Chabad at SUNY

Chabad at SUNY

Business Office

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2 0 12Highlights

Building Campaign Back on Track

Chabad on Campus Road Trips

The Best Staff on Earth

After a delay of several months to negotiate the purchase of a new property, the Chabad at Stony Brook Building Campaign to build the Merrin Center for Jewish Life is back in high gear. The community is ready, the plans are ready, and the desire is here. We are now working to secure the remaining balance required to build a beautiful new home that can adequately serve as the center for our community.

Each year, hundreds of Jewish students at SUNY benefit from our oncampus programs, such as classes, Shabbat dinners, holiday programs and social events. This past year, a special emphasis was placed on off-campus programs. “The idea is to bring students into a truly immersive Jewish experience,” explains Rabbi Adam Stein, Director of Chabad @ SUNY. “On campus students get a taste of Jewish life mixed into their regular campus routine, but on these trips they really get to have a holistic Jewish experience with all their sense engaged.”

Camp Gan Israel at Stony Brook has grown exponentially both in registration and in popularity. We have quickly become a household name as the best place to send a Jewish child locally during winter or summer break to have a spectacular summer or winter day camp experience in a safe and loving environment. Most of this is due to our extraordinary staff. In addition to the involvement of Chabad at Stony Brook staff to lead the program, Camp directors Rabbi Motti and Chaya Grossbaum hire dedicated young women to come serve as counselors and program directors.

One such trip was a Shabbat Experience at Cornell, where thirty students were able to observe Shabbat in its entirety, many for the first time. It was also an opportunity for the students to bond with one another and with the Chabad staff.

Our rigorous application process ensures that we hire only the best for the children in our community. Staff members are chosen not only for their talents and leadership abilities, but also for their dedication to the ideals of Jewish education. To them, it is not just a summer job, but mainly an opportunity to impart Jewish identity and values to the next generation.

And this makes all the difference in the world. The staff are there for the children, and every nuance of the program is imbued with the campers’ best interest in mind. The result is that Camp Gan Israel is the best camp you can find, both incredibly fun and educational at the same time.

We want to build in a fiscally responsible manner, and plan to develop the property in stages.

At the same time, there is a sense of urgency. The Federation’s new census says that which we knew all too well: Suffolk County has the lowest Jewish involvement in the region, and as a result it also has the highest intermarriage rate. We at Chabad accept the responsibility to take this challenge seriously, and do everything we can to reverse this trend. In addition to our existing programming and frontline work, the new center is a major component of our vision to increase access to Jewish programs and strengthen Jewish identity in our community.

There was also one trip each semester to attend a Jewish wedding in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where they were welcomed by the wedding parties and their guests. For most of the participants, it was their first time at a Chassidic wedding, and the incredible warmth, unbridled joy and enthusiasm made for an unforgettable experience.

“It is a joy to be part of the Chabad community. The acceptance of all Jews, without judging our level of religious observance, has enlightened us all.”

“Thank you so much for having me in your Sukkah. I want you to know that this is only the second time I have ever been in a Sukkah before. The first time was last year, in your Sukkah.”

“It’s almost like Camp Gan Israel makes a list of all the things that kids love to do and then fits as many of those things as possible into one summer!”

– Shelly Federmann

– Michael Bugadayev

- Beth Finger

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chabad at stony brook

2 0 12Highlights

Bates House Gives Chabad the Boot!

The Bates House has informed Chabad that we can no longer use their facilities for our High Holiday services because too many people are coming. Though the Bates House has been a “home away from home” for our larger services for some time, we have outgrown it and it can no longer safely accommodate the number of people attending. We will find a better solution, or at least a bigger one, for this year. Stay tuned.

This situation is an extension of the overall growth of our Synagogue programs, which further emphasizes the need for the new center to be built soon. More people are attending services than ever before. More Bar Mitzvahs were celebrated than ever before. More people are turning to our Synagogue as the center of Jewish life in our community. We have resorted to erecting party tents on the lawn to accommodate the large crowds. We take satisfaction in knowing that more and more people are being engaged to actively participate in Jewish life, and look forward to expanding both facilities and diversity of programs to meet the demand.

“I have been unaffiliated for two years and just going to the event, made me once again feel as I though I am once again part of the Jewish community, and at the end of the day, isn’t that a big part of being a Jew?” – Gary Jacobs

Annual report 2013

Hebrew’s Cool

Living Legacy

The Chabad Hebrew School is experiencing tremendous growth, with over 100 kids enrolled this year. We could tell you all the reasons why, but we think the comments below, written to Rabbi Sholom Ber and Chanie Cohen, speak for themselves.

How do you provide an engaging Jewish experience on a large scale that remain intimate and meaningful? This is the challenge of Living Legacy, the social and communal activity branch of Chabad at Stony Brook, led by Rabbi Motti and Chaya Grossbaum. From our Family events to our adult events, Living Legacy provides and atmosphere for the young and younger to come to socialize and celebrate with family and friends our age-old tradition in the most modern and unique ways. At a typical Living Legacy event you will find over 200 smiling faces, an excitement that is palpable, and a unity that is tangible. And all of this takes place within the framework of a meaningful and engaging attraction that entertains as it educates by providing a hands-on experience.

“I don’t know of any other Hebrew schools where the rabbi would have texted me personally to tell me how proud he was of my son (when he learned a prayer) and what a pleasure he is to teach. And he meant it! He wasn’t saying this because he is being paid to.

This isn’t a job for him. It is a calling.”

“The iDaven program at the Chabad Hebrew School is excellent! It enables the student to learn all aspects of each prayer in the Siddur so that the student can understand, participate in, and fully enjoy the services in the synagogue or davening at home. The student can learn each prayer at his/her own pace so it’s appropriate for every student. We’re so happy our daughter is exposed to such a wonderful program!”

“It is the return and referrals that allow our base to be strong and our numbers grow. It is all of you that make us want to return and refer our friends.

Even if we do not participate in everything, we do love all that is offered and feel welcomed when attending. We would not be comfortable any where else. I told my little ladies that Hebrew School starts tomorrow. Their reply was, “WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!” No offense, this was not the expected response, but it was a welcomed one.”

In addition to events, Living Legacy also produces informative and attractive publications and up to date social media Jewish tidbits. During 2012, over 5,000 people were touched by Living Legacy programs, with event attendance of 2,200 people beating all previous records. The signature event and the highlight of the year is the annual Jewish Summer Festival, which attracted over 500 attendees this year. With top-level acrobatic entertainment and concerts, carnival booths and games with Jewish themes and a great barbecue, the festival is a demonstration of Jewish pride at its best.

“The Living Legacy opened up so many doors for me which led me to become a better person and a more observant Jew.” – Sara Fingerman

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“I was born a Jew, raised a Jew, but found out what it means to be Jewish after being a part of Chabad.”

100

k i d s at t e n d Hebrew S ch o o l

- Dr. Robert Blatt

5,000+ 2,200 +66% attend Living Legacy events

Reached by Living Legacy programs and publications

350

families regularly involved in classes and programs

increase in C am p G an I srael enrollment o v er last year

500+

at t e n d J e w ish S u mm e r F e s t i va l

120

“When my family was looking to relocate to East Setauket, we checked out the schools, children with the local culture, made special needs sure there were organic and their families food stores in the area, benefit from The and then we looked for the Friendship Circle closest Chabad we could find. Thankfully we found Chabad at Stony Brook nearby because without it, my family could not have the support it needs for a Jewish life. Chabad helps establish Jewish roots for any family that wants to experience Judaism in an authentic way without any judgement. Every Jewish family is welcomed with warmth and love.”

70

people attended JLI Courses

“Here it is a week after retreat and I’m still smiling. The effects of that wonderful weekend linger.

The camaraderie, the companionship and especially the inspiration remain with you and become part of you.”

– Arline Golby

– Orly Boyle

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chabad at stony brook

2013 Projected Budget EXPENSES:

Adult Education

36,200

Camps & Youth

113,650

Friendship Circle

85,170

Hebrew School

85,580

Living Legacy

134,300

SUNY Campus

142,100

Synagogue

39,100

Preschool

76,200

Women’s Club

44,200

Fundraising & Admin

93,500

850,000

total expenses

revenue:

Tuition & Fees

270,000

Program Grants

180,000

TOtal revenue

450,000

2013 f u n d ra i s i n g g o a l: $400,000

2013 Fundraising Objectives No. of Donors

perc. per donor amount per donor

total per level

1

10%

$40,000

$40,000

2

5%

$20,000

$40,000

6

3%

$12,000

$72,000

6

2%

$8,000

$48,000

10

1%

$4,000

$40,000

DONORS

20

0.5%

$2,000

$40,000

MISC.

—

30%

Various

$120,000

NERS

PART

total: $400,000

Annual report 2013

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Thank you for your support.

We are grateful to all of our donors, without whom we could not achieve our mission

2 0 1 2 Pa r t n e r s Eliyahu & Renee Benoff George & Harriet Blank David and Orly Boyle Joseph & Terri Chehebar Stanley & Sandi Churgin Lee & Mia Cohen Orly Daniell Elliott Dreznick Israel & Caryl Englander Hal & Rochelle Epstein David & Willa Fawer Martin & Estanne Fawer Benny & Rachel Federman

Daniel & Jennifer Federmann Shloime & Suri Fellig Larry & Thuy Fine Scott Friedman Richard & Arline Golby Seymour & Shirley Goldman Shimmie & Alissa Horn Glenn & Susan Kaplan Joshua & Bryna Landes Steven & Chanie Laufer Chaim & Leah Lax Howard Lehman Larry & Ellen Leschen

Hirschell & Deanna Levine Edward & Vivian Merrin Samuel & Holly Merrin Paul & Devorah Richman George & Pamela Rohr William & Thelma Schuman Joshua Setton Audrey Sevin Mark & Barbara Silber Stephen Simon Dovid & Malkie Smetana Daniel & Claudia Talisman Mark & Robbin Teitelbaum Michael & Gloria Young

2012 supporters Sophia Amaro Jeffrey & Eden Aronoff Albert & Victoria Benalloul Samy & Beth Benalloul Howard & Sandra Blank Robert & Terry Blatt Moshe & Esther Beth Bronstein Howard & Nancy Brown Michael & Sandy Brown Henry Bubel, Esq. Vitaly & Alla Citovsky Nathan & Fay Dor Andrew & Robin Fawer

Shmuel & Miriam Finck Alex & Beth Finger Kenneth Gaul Linda Gaul David & Eden Glickman Ira Gober Gourmet Glatt Yossie & Tova Greenbaum Roger & Linda Grimson Tal & Hagit Hakim Rivkah Itzhaky Zvi & Ariella Jacob Dovid & Tzivi Jacobs

Yossi & Nechama Dina Katz Shlomo & Shifra Klein Arthur Krantz Jacob & Adina Lamm Joseph & Sandra Levine Doron & Lorena Levy David & Susan Mazure Jeremy & Linda Merrin Seth & Anne Merrin Jerome & Nancy Nadler Miki Naftali Eli Nash Moshe & Cali Orenbuch

Daniel & Lecia Paskow Robert & Joy Peyster Charles Pipia Yosef Chaim & Malka Rosenfeld Herman & Renee Rosenking Steven & Lori Rothstein Moshe & Chaya Rubin Marty & Judy Schatz Howard & Lisa Shafer Yacov & Linda Shamash Allen & Cynthia Simon Bill Wiesner Mendy & Musia Wilhelm Yosef & Fraida Wolosow

Chabad at Stony Brook Rabbi Chaim Grossbaum, Director 821 Hawkins Avenue, Lake Grove, NY 11755 800.MY.TORAH x106 | 631.585.0521 | RabbiChaim@ChabadSB.com

www.ChabadSB.com