Chabad House opens in northern Rhode Island

Rabbi Aryeh Laufer, his wife Mushka, and their son Mendel have recently established the Chabad House of northern R.I. to serve the needs of the Jewish community in the northern part of the state. They want to dispel the myth that there are few Jews in northern Rhode Island.

Many local Jewish residents have heralded the new Chabad center in Lincoln as the beginning of a new era. It’s been sheer excitement, and to put it in the words of a Jewish resident of Lincoln, “I hope they won’t be leaving soon, we really need them here.”

Getting Jewish people together is of primary importance. This past September, even before the official move from Providence to Lincoln, the Laufer family moved into the Hampton Inn and Suites in Smithfield to conduct High Holy Day services. More than 30 people attended. For some, it was their first High Holy Day service in over 40 years. 

“Purim in Hawaii,” this past March, brought smiles all around. The holiday was celebrated with the traditional Megillah reading and a lavish Hawaiian buffet dinner.

Following the inspiration of the Lubavitcher rebbe, the Laufers’ work embraces Jews of any level of observance. The Chabad center, one of 3,000 worldwide and the fifth in Rhode Island, imbues a sense of community and offers unique Jewish experiences year-round. Whether classes, holiday celebrations, women’s programming, hospital visitations or Shabbat services and dinners, Chabad House of northern R.I. is a community resource for everyone, regardless of background, affiliation or level of observance.

Each Chabad center is supported and governed by the respective local community. To learn more or to get involved, go to www.ChabadNRI.com, email Rabbi Aryeh at rabbi@chabadnri.com or call 401-499-2574.

Submitted by the Chabad House of northern R.I.