_The History of Chabad Lubavitch at Chautauqua
In 1987, Charlie and Penny Shuman, known to have a kosher
home at Chautauqua, were asked to host the chief rabbi of Moscow Choral
Synagogue, Rabbi Adolf Shaevich, during an unprecedented visit of a Russian
entourage to Chautauqua. This was before perestroika, so being a bit
fearful that the “Rabbi” may very well be a KGB agent, Charlie requested that Rabbi
Noson Gurary ask the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, what
to do.
The Rebbe responded that he should welcome him to his home. Then Charlie realized that the Rabbi would be staying in Chautauqua for a full week, while he and his wife had made plans to be elsewhere for the weekend. He phoned Rabbi and Mrs. Gurary and told them that in order to accommodate the rabbi, they needed to come to Chautauqua and take over as hosts. They came, and acted as hosts to the Russian rabbi during this official visit.
With instructions from the Rebbe, Rabbi Gurary, along with a number of other emissaries of the Rebbe, were in touch with Rabbi Adolf Shaevich and arranged to smuggle religious articles, books and other items into Russia to be passed along to the underground Lubavitch movement that thrived there.
Thus, this Chautauqua connection had far-reaching results, enabling Jews in Russia to strengthen their religious observance….but that was just the beginning.
Esther Gurary/Vilenkin’s parents experienced Chautauqua and realized that it was a phenomenal place to establish a Chabad center. The next summer the family moved into 37 Miller Street. Esther remembers her parents’ open house...a huge number of interested people came by, visited and chatted.
“Pretty soon our living/dining room filled with crowds of people who came to my father’s informative and humorous classes. Every Friday before Shabbos my mother, Rebbetzin Miriam Gurary, of blessed memory, would cook and bake up a storm in Buffalo and then pack us all into the car and drive to Chautauqua. She conducted challa classes in our home there and this summer home functioned as a mini shul on Shabbos.”
Esther remembers walking past the amphitheater and hearing the army bands, symphonies, and watching ballet. She sometimes sat and listened to lectures, and often went biking...loving all the hills and scenes of the beautiful grounds. Chautauqua, and all those summer experiences, made a strong impression on Esther and her siblings.
After a number of years, Rabbi Gurary’s responsibilities in Buffalo, and his wife’s health concerns, eventually prevented him from continuing his commutes to Chautauqua...but the seeds had been planted.
After Esther and Zalman Vilenkin married in 1999, she told him of her memories of this beautiful intellectually stimulating summer community and discussed establishing Chabad in Chautauqua. Since both were teaching during the year, they had uncommitted summers, so the prospects sounded ideal.
How amazing it would be to create a place of Jewish learning in a venue that attracted people from near and far because of its unique emphasis on education and culture. Where else to offer classes, discussions, talks and debates, than a place where people go to hear and partake in lectures several times a day.
It was late in January 2001 and the Vilenkins didn’t realize that people found accommodations months in advance and that finding an apartment for the entire season would be challenging. However, they found an apartment to rent on 9 Simpson St, and stayed there for six seasons until their growing family outgrew the space.
It didn’t take long before they met many wonderful people whom they now consider some of their dearest friends. Their apartment held daily discussions on all topics in Judaism as well as hands on sessions in preparing traditional Jewish foods and challa braiding. Sometimes they added a craft, making Shabbos candles using colored wax sand. They always carried a full supply of tea lights so that everyone could go home with candles to light alongside their challa for a fuller Shabbos experience.
Friday nights were the highlight of their week and still are a chance to sit down and enjoy spending time together with family and new friends at the Shabbos meal. Shabbos morning services were held in their small living room, followed by a Kiddush. Though they didn’t always have a minyan, they were at times surprised with an overflow attendance and overjoyed when they were able to offer a bar mitzvah service/aliyah to men who had never had a bar mitzvah or opportunity to make a blessing on the Torah. The Vilenkins feel that every person that takes the time out of their day to join in prayer or perform a mitzvah, generates a special spiritual aura that energizes all of us and brings greater awareness of G-d’s presence.
In their first year they were unfamiliar with the Chautauqua protocol, the complicated rules for gaining acceptance, recognition, and the privilege of advertising and being able to rent facilities...the Vilenkins found that their new friends stepped up to the plate.
Deborah Zaretsky attended some of Zalman’s first classes in Chautauqua’s newly acquired and still unfamiliar Turner building, and immediately realized that the inconvenient location, without adequate transportation, would not be conducive to attendance for anyone who wanted to go from morning class to the 10:45 A.M. lecture in the Amphitheater. She was surprised to learn that, due to space limitations and regulations, no other venue was an option. Without hesitation she generously offered to have classes in her own beautiful apartment, in the St. Elmo, centrally located on Bester Plaza.
The Vilenkins couldn’t believe how gracious and hospitable Deborah and Allen were. At precisely 9:00 A.M. every morning their living space was immaculate, and quickly converted to a classroom that filled up, day after day, 5 days a week, the entire season! The Zaretskys made the daily classes accessible to so many and tried helping in any way they could. In a truly “Abrahamic spirit” they made Chabad feel welcome and comfortable.
Sheila Gitlitz, of blessed memory, a remarkable, intelligent, strong willed woman, decided Chabad should be, and would be, welcomed within the Chautauqua community as a fully recognized religious denomination. Unbeknown to the Vilenkins she gathered a group of like-minded Chautauquans to discuss the matter with the administration. Additionally, petitions were circulated to demonstrate that Chautauquans within the Jewish community believed that Chabad should be accepted.
Joe Rait, of blessed memory, whom the Vilenkins fondly called Reb Yossel, was a friend and supporter of Esther’s father, Rabbi Gurary, from the time he set up the Chabad in Buffalo. Now, in Chautauqua, he helped the Vilenkins with so many details. He joined with Sheila Gitlitz to insure Chabad would be treated fairly and justly. Much of what he did, together with Sheila, was done without their knowledge, and they told them little…but the results were dramatic. They galvanized support and found a welcoming hand from Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, chair of the religious department. In 2005, Vilenkin’s fifth season on the grounds, Chabad was officially recognized as a part of the Chautauqua community!
As an official denomination Chabad Lubavitch of Chautauqua was now listed in the schedule of events in the daily newspaper and their events could be advertised and written up in articles. Until then, Chabad had publicized their events by posting brochures in frequently visited locations, buying ad space in the Chautauquan Daily, and by word of mouth. The new status greatly enhanced Chabad’s ability to connect with more Chautauquans. There was an immediate increase in class and lecture attendance, and the challa classes overflowed.
With an official Board, headed by Hannah Weinberg, the group believed that it would be exciting to plan events that would unite the whole Jewish community. Board members met together with Board members of the Hebrew Congregation and, as a united Jewish community, organized some very special programs. In 2006 and 2007 these organizations together held Jewish musical recitals at the Athenaeum Hotel which were performed by the New Arch Trio and Chaim Tzemach. In 2008 they showed a film, “The Forgotten Refugees”, in Smith Wilkes Hall. Both of these events drew hundreds of participants.
Chabad’s next program was the launching of the annual kosher barbecue in 2007. Volunteers served hot dogs, hamburgers, home made knishes, pastries and snacks. To pull this large operation off many people gave of their time and energy. Entertainment included Mr. Harvey Cohen who conducted a kumzitz, Dr. Danny Mason conducting balloon launching with the children, and Barry Perlis, otherwise known as Happy the Clown, dazzling everyone with his clown activities. The response was amazing, and the barbecue has now become a much anticipated tradition with old and young Chautauquans. In 2011, Chabad began offering a 2nd annual Kosher BBQ as well.
The department of religion headed by Dr. Joan Brown Campbell and her assistant Maurine Rovegno kindly offered the Hall of Missions for Shabbos morning services and Kiddush lunch. With such a central location, and great accommodation, Shabbos morning was a beautiful experience with just the right ambiance.
Going one step further, Dr. Campbell generously allowed Chabad Lubavitch of Chautauqua to use the Hall of Missions for the first ever formal community Shabbat dinner at Chautauqua, on a Friday night in 2008. With candle-lighting and all the traditional Shabbos foods - wine, challah, gefilte fish, matza balls, chicken, chicken soup and desserts, with, of course, Kiddush recital, songs, story-telling, and blessings. The beauty of this Shabbos experience was very rewarding...and appreciated by those who attended.
Through the effort of Sheila Gitlitz, daily morning classes were moved to the Library of Alumni Hall, where they continue to this day. Topics are selected by request, and vary from year to year. Popular subjects include Ethics, Talmud, Jewish Philosophy, Jewish Psychology, Biblical Analysis, Kabbalah, Laws and Traditions, Holidays, Jewish Life Cycle Events, and other themes. Classes are attended by individuals coming from different backgrounds, leading to lively discussions and fresh perspectives. Everyone is welcome to come and learn. Often the classes attract members of the clergy who wish to know more about Judaism. No previous Judaic knowledge is required to appreciate the subjects presented, and everyone walks away with an enhanced understanding of Judaism.
Each year the Vilenkins now offer three special lectures at the Hall of Philosophy, co-sponsored by the Department of Religion, where topics of wide interest are explored. They have lectured on Medical Ethics: Stem Cell Research, Cloning. Philosophy: the Jewish view on the Afterlife, Dreams, the Evil Eye, and Biblical Narratives…to name a few.
In 2009, with the establishment of the Everett Jewish Life Center at Chautauqua, Chabad was offered the Library room to host our morning Shabbos services and Kiddush, and use of the Kosher kitchen. On the spacious porch the Vilenkin’s teach the popular challa braiding classes each Friday afternoon. Additionally, Chabad now hosts well attended Friday night Shabbos community dinners twice a season at the EJLCC.
Throughout the year the Vilenkin’s keep in touch with those who have attended summer classes and programs by mailing informative holiday guides, handmade Shmura Matza for Passover, and occasional personal missives. In 2010 they have added the new weekly e-mail newsletter that contains a message on the Torah portion of the week, announcements and updates, as well as many links to sites dedicated to Jewish topics and information.
Over the years the Vilenkin family has grown and been able to celebrate some of the children’s milestone events with the Chautauqua community. The Vilenkin’s son Shmuel, had his bris (circumcision ceremony), when he was eight days old, at the Athenaeum Hotel. Three years later his upshernish (first haircut ceremony), was celebrated on his birthday, again at the Athenaeum Hotel. The whole community was invited and they were joyous celebrations.
In 2010, Chabad celebrated in 10th anniversary at Chautauqua with a Gala Dinner at the Historic Atheneaum Hotel. The Vilenkins have shared that throughout their years here, they felt fortunate and grateful for all the friendships, love, and support they have experienced. For them “it is a blessing to be able to serve the Chautauquan community by sharing our beautiful Jewish heritage through learning and experiencing our traditions.”
The Vilenkins went on to acknowledge their appreciation:
“This year 2010, marks our tenth season. The Rebbe has taught us that in all positive endeavors we must never feel complacent, but strive to grow and expand. We thank you for celebrating this most memorable milestone with us and know we can count on you to help us grow, continue to serve, and be an integral part of, the Chautauqua community.”
The Rebbe responded that he should welcome him to his home. Then Charlie realized that the Rabbi would be staying in Chautauqua for a full week, while he and his wife had made plans to be elsewhere for the weekend. He phoned Rabbi and Mrs. Gurary and told them that in order to accommodate the rabbi, they needed to come to Chautauqua and take over as hosts. They came, and acted as hosts to the Russian rabbi during this official visit.
With instructions from the Rebbe, Rabbi Gurary, along with a number of other emissaries of the Rebbe, were in touch with Rabbi Adolf Shaevich and arranged to smuggle religious articles, books and other items into Russia to be passed along to the underground Lubavitch movement that thrived there.
Thus, this Chautauqua connection had far-reaching results, enabling Jews in Russia to strengthen their religious observance….but that was just the beginning.
Esther Gurary/Vilenkin’s parents experienced Chautauqua and realized that it was a phenomenal place to establish a Chabad center. The next summer the family moved into 37 Miller Street. Esther remembers her parents’ open house...a huge number of interested people came by, visited and chatted.
“Pretty soon our living/dining room filled with crowds of people who came to my father’s informative and humorous classes. Every Friday before Shabbos my mother, Rebbetzin Miriam Gurary, of blessed memory, would cook and bake up a storm in Buffalo and then pack us all into the car and drive to Chautauqua. She conducted challa classes in our home there and this summer home functioned as a mini shul on Shabbos.”
Esther remembers walking past the amphitheater and hearing the army bands, symphonies, and watching ballet. She sometimes sat and listened to lectures, and often went biking...loving all the hills and scenes of the beautiful grounds. Chautauqua, and all those summer experiences, made a strong impression on Esther and her siblings.
After a number of years, Rabbi Gurary’s responsibilities in Buffalo, and his wife’s health concerns, eventually prevented him from continuing his commutes to Chautauqua...but the seeds had been planted.
After Esther and Zalman Vilenkin married in 1999, she told him of her memories of this beautiful intellectually stimulating summer community and discussed establishing Chabad in Chautauqua. Since both were teaching during the year, they had uncommitted summers, so the prospects sounded ideal.
How amazing it would be to create a place of Jewish learning in a venue that attracted people from near and far because of its unique emphasis on education and culture. Where else to offer classes, discussions, talks and debates, than a place where people go to hear and partake in lectures several times a day.
It was late in January 2001 and the Vilenkins didn’t realize that people found accommodations months in advance and that finding an apartment for the entire season would be challenging. However, they found an apartment to rent on 9 Simpson St, and stayed there for six seasons until their growing family outgrew the space.
It didn’t take long before they met many wonderful people whom they now consider some of their dearest friends. Their apartment held daily discussions on all topics in Judaism as well as hands on sessions in preparing traditional Jewish foods and challa braiding. Sometimes they added a craft, making Shabbos candles using colored wax sand. They always carried a full supply of tea lights so that everyone could go home with candles to light alongside their challa for a fuller Shabbos experience.
Friday nights were the highlight of their week and still are a chance to sit down and enjoy spending time together with family and new friends at the Shabbos meal. Shabbos morning services were held in their small living room, followed by a Kiddush. Though they didn’t always have a minyan, they were at times surprised with an overflow attendance and overjoyed when they were able to offer a bar mitzvah service/aliyah to men who had never had a bar mitzvah or opportunity to make a blessing on the Torah. The Vilenkins feel that every person that takes the time out of their day to join in prayer or perform a mitzvah, generates a special spiritual aura that energizes all of us and brings greater awareness of G-d’s presence.
In their first year they were unfamiliar with the Chautauqua protocol, the complicated rules for gaining acceptance, recognition, and the privilege of advertising and being able to rent facilities...the Vilenkins found that their new friends stepped up to the plate.
Deborah Zaretsky attended some of Zalman’s first classes in Chautauqua’s newly acquired and still unfamiliar Turner building, and immediately realized that the inconvenient location, without adequate transportation, would not be conducive to attendance for anyone who wanted to go from morning class to the 10:45 A.M. lecture in the Amphitheater. She was surprised to learn that, due to space limitations and regulations, no other venue was an option. Without hesitation she generously offered to have classes in her own beautiful apartment, in the St. Elmo, centrally located on Bester Plaza.
The Vilenkins couldn’t believe how gracious and hospitable Deborah and Allen were. At precisely 9:00 A.M. every morning their living space was immaculate, and quickly converted to a classroom that filled up, day after day, 5 days a week, the entire season! The Zaretskys made the daily classes accessible to so many and tried helping in any way they could. In a truly “Abrahamic spirit” they made Chabad feel welcome and comfortable.
Sheila Gitlitz, of blessed memory, a remarkable, intelligent, strong willed woman, decided Chabad should be, and would be, welcomed within the Chautauqua community as a fully recognized religious denomination. Unbeknown to the Vilenkins she gathered a group of like-minded Chautauquans to discuss the matter with the administration. Additionally, petitions were circulated to demonstrate that Chautauquans within the Jewish community believed that Chabad should be accepted.
Joe Rait, of blessed memory, whom the Vilenkins fondly called Reb Yossel, was a friend and supporter of Esther’s father, Rabbi Gurary, from the time he set up the Chabad in Buffalo. Now, in Chautauqua, he helped the Vilenkins with so many details. He joined with Sheila Gitlitz to insure Chabad would be treated fairly and justly. Much of what he did, together with Sheila, was done without their knowledge, and they told them little…but the results were dramatic. They galvanized support and found a welcoming hand from Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, chair of the religious department. In 2005, Vilenkin’s fifth season on the grounds, Chabad was officially recognized as a part of the Chautauqua community!
As an official denomination Chabad Lubavitch of Chautauqua was now listed in the schedule of events in the daily newspaper and their events could be advertised and written up in articles. Until then, Chabad had publicized their events by posting brochures in frequently visited locations, buying ad space in the Chautauquan Daily, and by word of mouth. The new status greatly enhanced Chabad’s ability to connect with more Chautauquans. There was an immediate increase in class and lecture attendance, and the challa classes overflowed.
With an official Board, headed by Hannah Weinberg, the group believed that it would be exciting to plan events that would unite the whole Jewish community. Board members met together with Board members of the Hebrew Congregation and, as a united Jewish community, organized some very special programs. In 2006 and 2007 these organizations together held Jewish musical recitals at the Athenaeum Hotel which were performed by the New Arch Trio and Chaim Tzemach. In 2008 they showed a film, “The Forgotten Refugees”, in Smith Wilkes Hall. Both of these events drew hundreds of participants.
Chabad’s next program was the launching of the annual kosher barbecue in 2007. Volunteers served hot dogs, hamburgers, home made knishes, pastries and snacks. To pull this large operation off many people gave of their time and energy. Entertainment included Mr. Harvey Cohen who conducted a kumzitz, Dr. Danny Mason conducting balloon launching with the children, and Barry Perlis, otherwise known as Happy the Clown, dazzling everyone with his clown activities. The response was amazing, and the barbecue has now become a much anticipated tradition with old and young Chautauquans. In 2011, Chabad began offering a 2nd annual Kosher BBQ as well.
The department of religion headed by Dr. Joan Brown Campbell and her assistant Maurine Rovegno kindly offered the Hall of Missions for Shabbos morning services and Kiddush lunch. With such a central location, and great accommodation, Shabbos morning was a beautiful experience with just the right ambiance.
Going one step further, Dr. Campbell generously allowed Chabad Lubavitch of Chautauqua to use the Hall of Missions for the first ever formal community Shabbat dinner at Chautauqua, on a Friday night in 2008. With candle-lighting and all the traditional Shabbos foods - wine, challah, gefilte fish, matza balls, chicken, chicken soup and desserts, with, of course, Kiddush recital, songs, story-telling, and blessings. The beauty of this Shabbos experience was very rewarding...and appreciated by those who attended.
Through the effort of Sheila Gitlitz, daily morning classes were moved to the Library of Alumni Hall, where they continue to this day. Topics are selected by request, and vary from year to year. Popular subjects include Ethics, Talmud, Jewish Philosophy, Jewish Psychology, Biblical Analysis, Kabbalah, Laws and Traditions, Holidays, Jewish Life Cycle Events, and other themes. Classes are attended by individuals coming from different backgrounds, leading to lively discussions and fresh perspectives. Everyone is welcome to come and learn. Often the classes attract members of the clergy who wish to know more about Judaism. No previous Judaic knowledge is required to appreciate the subjects presented, and everyone walks away with an enhanced understanding of Judaism.
Each year the Vilenkins now offer three special lectures at the Hall of Philosophy, co-sponsored by the Department of Religion, where topics of wide interest are explored. They have lectured on Medical Ethics: Stem Cell Research, Cloning. Philosophy: the Jewish view on the Afterlife, Dreams, the Evil Eye, and Biblical Narratives…to name a few.
In 2009, with the establishment of the Everett Jewish Life Center at Chautauqua, Chabad was offered the Library room to host our morning Shabbos services and Kiddush, and use of the Kosher kitchen. On the spacious porch the Vilenkin’s teach the popular challa braiding classes each Friday afternoon. Additionally, Chabad now hosts well attended Friday night Shabbos community dinners twice a season at the EJLCC.
Throughout the year the Vilenkin’s keep in touch with those who have attended summer classes and programs by mailing informative holiday guides, handmade Shmura Matza for Passover, and occasional personal missives. In 2010 they have added the new weekly e-mail newsletter that contains a message on the Torah portion of the week, announcements and updates, as well as many links to sites dedicated to Jewish topics and information.
Over the years the Vilenkin family has grown and been able to celebrate some of the children’s milestone events with the Chautauqua community. The Vilenkin’s son Shmuel, had his bris (circumcision ceremony), when he was eight days old, at the Athenaeum Hotel. Three years later his upshernish (first haircut ceremony), was celebrated on his birthday, again at the Athenaeum Hotel. The whole community was invited and they were joyous celebrations.
In 2010, Chabad celebrated in 10th anniversary at Chautauqua with a Gala Dinner at the Historic Atheneaum Hotel. The Vilenkins have shared that throughout their years here, they felt fortunate and grateful for all the friendships, love, and support they have experienced. For them “it is a blessing to be able to serve the Chautauquan community by sharing our beautiful Jewish heritage through learning and experiencing our traditions.”
The Vilenkins went on to acknowledge their appreciation:
“This year 2010, marks our tenth season. The Rebbe has taught us that in all positive endeavors we must never feel complacent, but strive to grow and expand. We thank you for celebrating this most memorable milestone with us and know we can count on you to help us grow, continue to serve, and be an integral part of, the Chautauqua community.”
