Editing Merrick, Long Island

'''Chabad of Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh''' is a Chabad-Lubavitch center serving the Jewish communities of '''Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh''', located on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. Under the leadership of '''Rabbi Shimon Kramer''' and '''Chanie Kramer''', the Chabad House has become a vibrant hub of Jewish outreach, education, holiday programming, and community building. While it does not host regular Shabbat ''minyanim'', Chabad of Merrick has become an essential presence in the area’s Jewish life.

== Founding and Background ==
Chabad of Merrick was founded in the early 2000s when Rabbi and Mrs. Kramer arrived in Merrick as ''[[Shlichus|shluchim]]'' of the Rebbe. Merrick, while home to a significant Jewish population, had many families that were not yet connected to regular Jewish observance or education. Seeing the opportunity to fulfill the Rebbe’s call to reach every Jew, the Kramers began offering home-based programs, classes, and holiday events.

From the outset, their approach was personal, inclusive, and consistent — offering [[Mivtza Torah|Torah]] with warmth, ''[[Mivtza Ahavas Yisroel|ahavas Yisrael]]'', and a genuine desire to uplift every Jew.

== Activities and Programming ==
Chabad of Merrick offers a wide range of programs and services, tailored to the needs of the community.

=== Hebrew School ===
One of the centerpieces of Chabad of Merrick’s work is its '''Hebrew School''', which meets weekly during the school year and attracts dozens of children from Merrick and nearby towns. The curriculum focuses on:

* Hebrew reading and writing (using the Aleph Champ program)
* Jewish holidays and traditions
* Torah stories and Jewish history
* Mitzvah education
* Hands-on learning, including crafts, baking, and experiential activities

The Hebrew School is known for being engaging, warm, and accessible, especially for families who are not affiliated with other Jewish institutions.

=== Holiday Programs ===
Chabad of Merrick is most visible to the public during the '''Jewish holidays''', when it hosts well-attended programs that bring the wider community together. Some of the highlights include:

* '''Public Menorah Lightings''' at the Merrick LIRR station and other central locations, attended by hundreds of participants, along with local officials and media coverage.
* '''Purim Celebrations''' featuring Megillah readings, themed costume parties, Purim carnivals for children, ''mishloach manos'' campaigns, and festive meals.
* '''Passover Model Matzah Bakery''' where children learn how matzah is made from scratch.
* '''Community Seders''' that welcome Jews from all backgrounds to experience a meaningful and joyous Pesach.
* '''Lag B’Omer Picnics''', games, and activities at local parks.
* '''Sukkah Mobile''' tours to local homes, schools, and shopping centers for people to make a brachah on the ''lulav and esrog''.
* '''Shofar in the Park''' events around Rosh Hashanah, with accessible shofar blowings for all ages.
* '''Yom Kippur educational experiences''' for children and families.
* '''Simchas Torah parties''', dancing, and treats for kids.
* '''Tu B’Shevat Seders''', nature activities, and Jewish environmental programming.
* '''Shavuos Ice Cream Parties''' and the reading of the Aseres Hadibros.

=== Youth and Teens ===

* '''CTeen Merrick''' offers local teens the chance to get involved in Jewish programming, volunteer work, and social events with Jewish content. The chapter participates in national and international CTeen Shabbatons and is active year-round.
* '''Children’s Events''' throughout the year include Jewish holiday clubs, Mommy & Me programs, craft workshops, puppet shows, and hands-on learning experiences.
* '''Bat Mitzvah Club''' for pre-teen girls exploring Jewish identity, character-building, and life values in a fun, relaxed setting.

=== Adult Education and Engagement ===
Chabad of Merrick offers '''Torah classes and workshops''' for adults at various levels:

* Weekly classes on topics such as Torah portions, Jewish holidays, Jewish philosophy, and current issues through a Torah lens.
* Women's learning events and small-group learning.
* Private one-on-one learning with Rabbi or Rebbetzin Kramer, either in person or online.
* Seasonal lecture series and guest speakers.

=== Mitzvah Campaigns and Outreach ===
Chabad of Merrick is active in various '''Mivtzoim''', bringing mitzvah opportunities directly to the community:

* '''Tefillin visits''' to local professionals, stores, and homes.
* '''Shabbos candle distribution''' to women and girls.
* '''Mezuzah checks''' and installations throughout the area.
* '''Holiday packages''' distributed before Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Pesach.
* '''Chanukah gift drives''' and toy collections for families in need.

=== Lifecycle and Personal Support ===
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Kramer are deeply involved in '''pastoral work''', providing:

* Jewish counseling and guidance
* Hospital and home visits
* Arrangements for baby naming, bris milah, bar/bat mitzvahs, and weddings
* Shiva visits, Kaddish arrangements, and support for those mourning

They often serve as the only rabbinic connection for families in times of joy and difficulty alike.

=== Community Events and Social Life ===
In addition to religious and educational programming, Chabad of Merrick is known for its '''welcoming community atmosphere''':

* '''Shabbat Dinners and Holiday Meals''' (by invitation or RSVP), especially around major holidays or themed community events
* '''Women's Nights Out''' with themes like painting, challah baking, or inspirational speakers
* '''Family Fun Days''', concerts, and activities at parks and community centers

== Facilities ==
The current Chabad House serves as the main center of operations, hosting classes, programs, Hebrew School, and events. As the community continues to grow, Chabad of Merrick is planning to expand and upgrade its facilities to meet increasing demand.

== Regional Collaboration ==
Chabad of Merrick partners with other Chabad centers across Long Island and participates in joint programming such as:

* The '''Great Long Island Challah Bake'''
* '''Long Island CTeen gatherings'''
* '''Regional shluchim meetings'''
* '''Joint community-wide events''' for Chanukah and other holidays

== Impact and Vision ==
Chabad of Merrick has played a major role in revitalizing Jewish life in the area. Through personal connections, meaningful programming, and unwavering dedication, the Kramers have brought Torah, mitzvos, and a sense of belonging to thousands of Jews who may otherwise have little Jewish involvement.

The Rebbe’s vision continues to guide their work, as they reach more families each year and expand the scope of their activities with warmth and joy.

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