150 community members and supporters gathered at Flying Cloud Ranch in Petaluma, California, to celebrate a decade of Chabad in Petaluma and look ahead to the next chapter.

One hundred and fifty community members and supporters gathered on Sunday, August 23, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma.

Rabbi Dovid and Devorah Bush arrived in Petaluma in the fall of 2015 with a vision of building vibrant Jewish life in California’s North Bay. Beginning with programs in private homes, community spaces, and coffee shops, the community steadily grew, eventually moving into its current space in downtown Petaluma.

Today, Chabad of Petaluma has become a hub of Jewish life, with Shabbos and holiday celebrations, Torah classes, Camp Aleph, youth and family programs, and programming for teens and seniors. Its annual public Chanukah celebration has grown into one of the area’s most visible Jewish events, with thousands of chocolate gelt coins dropped this past year from a hot-air balloon.

The outdoor gala featured an elegant dinner, live Klezmer music, and a gratitude and awards ceremony honoring community members who have played an important role in Chabad’s growth. Rabbi Yosef Langer, the Bay Area’s “Rally Rabbi,” sounded the shofar, while Jewish pop artist Yitzchok Moully joined the celebration and led guests in creating “Overflowing Blessings,” a collaborative art piece depicting a cup overflowing with vibrant color.

The City of Petaluma formally proclaimed August 23 “Chabad of Petaluma Day,” with additional proclamations and resolutions from Governor Gavin Newsom and other state and federal officials recognizing the anniversary.

The Bushes also expressed their gratitude to Rabbi Mendel and Altie Wolvovsky, Shluchim to Sonoma County, who warmly welcomed them to Sonoma County and have been a source of friendship, guidance, and support throughout the past decade.

“It meant so much to see so many people come together to celebrate this milestone and the wonderful community we’ve built together,” Rabbi Bush said. “We’re truly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

The anniversary was not only an opportunity to look back, but to look ahead—to the continued growth of Jewish life in Petaluma and the next chapter of the shlichus.

“Ten years ago, this was all a dream,” Rabbi Bush said. “Now it’s time to dream again.”