[PHOTOS & article submitted by the Nickelsburg Kehilla] As we approach the Summer months, prepartions have begun for the well-known beis medrash Khal Bnei Yisrael D’Woodbourne.
The historic Shul has become known in the last few years as a fortress for thousands of Jews, who steadily flow from far and near to come and daven in the shul.
The Woodbourne shul is one of the oldest shuls in the Castkill region, but was closed years ago for public use. Several years ago, the famed and noted Nikelsburger Rebbe of Boro Park, famous for his unlimited love for all Jews and drawing them close to Torah and mitzvos, involved himself in the shul, and with the merit of his holy forefathers and with much siyata diShmaya, was able to restore some of the greatness to the shul.
In nearly no time after re-establishing the shul, it was seen as a local and central location, attracting a large crowd to its gates.
The shul is full throughout the entire Summer, from early morning till late at night.
Ahead of this coming Summer season, construction work was needed to be done to the shul: rebuilding the roof of shul, which was a direct request of the local building department, and due to these major overheads and costs, the management of the shul, headed by the Nikelsburg Rebbe, have been forced to undertake these expensive projects.
Founding of the Shul
The Beis Medrash Khal Bnei Yisrael D’Woodburn was founded 94 years ago, in 5678/1918. At the time, it served as a central shul for the whole region, Summer as well as the whole year.
In the subsequent years the shul was accessible and used by countless Jews. If only the walls could talk, they would certainly have much to relate, about the mesirus nefesh which the local Jews had in keeping Torah and mitzvos, in those trying times.
Over the years, thousands upon thousands of Jews, from all walks of life, have davened in the shul. Notable among them are famous Rebbes and Rabbanim, zt”l, and lhbch”l, shlita.
Until about fifteen years ago, the shul was fully active, although no longer in the full scope off its previous years, but it was still functioning, especially in the summer months.
About ten years ago, the shul was closed, and with it, a piece of local Jewish life.
Some four years ago, the Nikelsburg Rebbe delved into this issue, undertaking several ideas and activities and conducted interviews with the necessary persons and entities. The Rebbe didn’t rest until the shul was once again opened to the general public in the Summer months.
The Nikelsburg Rebbe had for many years spent the Summer months not far from the Woodburn shul, and was personally witness how useful and practical the shul could be for so many Jews in the Summer.
With a glance at the current success of the shul, which has built itself up so nicely, in such a short time, one surely notes that the founders of the shul set it up with much mesirus nefesh.
The shul is located on the main street in Woodbourne, which thus is especially convenient and accessible for all Jews who are on holiday in the bungalow colonies across the entire Catskill region, particularly in the area of Woodbourne.
This also helps many more Jews be enabled to daven with a minyan in the shul.
It may sound unbelievable but the fact is that only this past Summer alone, over 50,000 (fifty thousand!) Jews davened in the shul, and over thirty chiyuvim managed to have on a daily basis minyanim for their late parents.
Over the course of the Summer, the Nikelsburg Rebbe serves the community willingly. When one comes in to shul, the Nikelsburg Rebbe is there, greeting all warmly. During most of the day, there is always something light to eat and drink available in the shul, which so many thousands have constantly enjoyed.
Preparation for Summer
As the community prepares for the coming Summer months, the shul prepares itself once again to service the community. The Nikelsburg Rebbe has put much strengths and efforts into the continued success of the shul.
As earlier mentioned, there are many added costs ahead of the Summer this year.
The renovation of the roof is extremely expensive enterprise and comes close to the range of between ninety and one hundred thousand dollars! As of now, it is not known from where to cover this exorbitant cost.
It is certain that Jews, who know the importance of the shul, will willingly help the Nikelsburg Rebbe and enthusiastically participate with large amounts, thereby making sure that, with Hashem’s help, the shul can continue to function.
Also, those who want to contribute to other facilities in the shul, such as air-conditioning, opening a mikveh, etc. are able to speak with the Nikelsburg Rebbe, who is always ready to be part of the success of the shul, all without any self interest or profit.
It is certain that the zechus of the many thousands of Jews who will, be’ezras Hashem, during the coming summer months, daven and participate in shul will be to the benefit of the sponsors and donors, and they will be helped with all their needs.
Those who wish to help can personally speak with the Nikelsburg Rebbe at: 646 256-4049.
(Click here for a TLS report of the Shul last Summer).
I love the rebbe!
A very very good place to give tzedaka, the rebbe is a very special man and u have such diversity in the shul and everyone feels at home
Great news clip, however…. I understand raising money for this very worthy cause, but to say it will cost in the range of $90- $100,000 is very missleading. Max roof with new wood & shingles $18-20,000. Spanish tiles add $20,000
Maybe they can all come together and
fix the roof when they are there.