SUNY Downstate Medical Students Experience an Unforgettable Shabbos in Crown Heights

Over 40 Jewish students from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University gathered in Crown Heights for an inspiring Shabbaton filled with warmth, Chassidus, and Jewish pride.

The Shabbaton, held over Shabbos Parshas Noach, was organized by Chabad of SUNY Downstate under the leadership of its Shluchim, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok and Rebbetzin Tamar Holzman.

The gathering brought together students from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds, many of whom do not ordinarily observe Shabbos, for a weekend of inspiration, friendship, and the warmth of a traditional Chassidic Shabbos.

The weekend began with a beautiful Friday night Seudas Shabbos at the home of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holzman. Over a lavish Shabbos meal, the students enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The featured speaker was Rabbi Efraim Mintz, Executive Director of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), whose inspiring and engaging words deeply resonated with the students. The meaningful discussions and genuine warmth kept many of the participants at the table until 1:30 AM.

On Shabbos morning, a number of students joined the davening at the Sephardic shul led by Rabbi Lazer Avtzon, experiencing the familiar Sephardic nusach and atmosphere.

Shabbos lunch was graciously hosted by Rabbi Dovy and Naomi Andrusier at their Crown Heights home. The Andrusier family, known for their generosity and chesed, prepared an exceptionally elegant and beautiful Seudas Shabbos for the large gathering.

The family shares a special connection with SUNY Downstate through their daughter, Dr. Miriam Andrusier, a graduate of Downstate’s College of Medicine who was actively involved in Rabbi Holzman’s Jewish campus activities during her medical school years.

The featured speaker at the afternoon meal was renowned lecturer and author Rabbi Manis Friedman, whose insightful and captivating presentation inspired the students and generated tremendous enthusiasm. The uplifting atmosphere continued throughout the afternoon, with the meal concluding at approximately 4:00 PM.

Following Mincha, the students reconvened at the Holzman home for Seudah Shlishis, where Rabbi Michoel Golomb, a respected Mashpia at 770 and author of Maamorim Explanatory, shared inspiring Chassidic stories and insights into the deeper meaning of Shabbos and Mitzvos.

The Shabbaton concluded with Maariv and a spirited musical Havdalah featuring Aviro (Avrohom Rosenfeld). The music and joyous dancing brought the memorable Shabbos to an especially uplifting conclusion.

For many students, the experience was particularly meaningful. Several participants had never before attended a traditional Shabbos meal, while others committed to observing the entire Shabbos, including refraining from using their phones.

The warmth, inspiration, and sense of belonging left a deep impression, with several students describing the Shabbaton as an experience they would never forget.

The Shabbaton was dedicated L’ilui Nishmas Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman OB”M, who pioneered Shabbatons in Crown Heights beginning in 1963, together with Rabbi Manis Friedman. Rabbi Friedman’s participation in this Shabbaton added a particularly meaningful connection to that longstanding tradition of inspiring Jewish souls through the warmth of a Chassidic Shabbos.

The event was made possible through the efforts of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holzman, with the dedicated assistance of second-year medical student Talia Soleymani, who was instrumental in initiating and coordinating the Shabbaton, together with fellow medical student Mordecai Lis.

More than simply a weekend away from the demanding schedules of medical school, the Shabbaton offered these future physicians an opportunity to connect with their Jewish heritage, experience the beauty of Shabbos, and form lasting friendships within a warm and welcoming Jewish community.

To learn more about or support the ongoing activities of Chabad of SUNY Downstate, visit ChabadSUNY.org, and follow @chabadsunydownstate on Instagram for updates and highlights.