Happy last day of 2014!!!!

Its a crisp cold New England morning that finally feels the way the last day of the year is meant to feel around these parts. Still, as I gaze out over the porch at Rabbi Shmaya Friedman and Aliza Friedmans house on the left and our beloved Shul and Chabad of the North Shore on my right, I’m feeling nothing but an unmistakable warmth.

For me this warmth is in my existential knowing that the “ground upon which I stand” is sacred for me. A warmth grounded in faithfulness that the life that I’m in is the one I’m meant to be in. Though true happiness is based on acceptance it is nurtured by humble gratitude. “The ground upon which you lie I have GIVEN you.” (Hashem — Genesis)

So gratitude it shall be. First and foremost BARUCH HASHEM !!!!!!!!!!!!

Next, I want to thank my parents for raising me…. a task which more often than not consisted in simply keeping me safe. Somehow in the middle of all the fires I started (I dont think any actual ones) that they had to dutifully put out — in my school, and in the Northeast Philly neighborhood that I grew up in, they managed to keep the most important fire, a love of Torah, Chassidus, and the Jewish People, burning brightly

I consider the path that I’ve chosen — Shlichus, as a calling, rather than a profession. I am lucky to have been part of the generation that grew up literally at the “feet” of The Rebbe — arguably the most innovative, inspiring and effective Jewish leader since Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai.

Just a day before he suffered a massive stroke the Rebbe wrote to us in response to a letter we had written regarding moving out to Boston. He directed us to found Chabad of the North Shore, telling us that “this is an auspicious time to do this.” He was aware that Layah was in her ninth month due to give birth to our first child and he blessed us for a speedy delivery and a healthy child.

The written response that we received was the last written correspondence for going out on Shlichus, and all subsequent responses regarding starting new communities — till the Rebbe OBM passed away, were communicated verbally.

I am grateful every day for this precious gift, this letter that sits framed on my desk.

To all my friends, supporters, and community members out there I want to say thank you for partnering with me and sharing this vision of a vibrant North of Boston Jewish community.

Thank you for enabling me to dream this dream together with you. I wake up at 6 AM pretty much every morning. Most mornings I hop out of bed. I do so simply because I love what I do. I realized recently that it’s not that I still love what I do. I truly love it more and more each day.

The mosaic of Chabad of the North Shore is just that. There are so many pieces that go into the puzzle. Each and every one of you is an important piece.

Regardless of which of these programs you are passionate about:

The Chabad Community Shul The adult education offerings The high holiday experience at the Shul — the learning Service with Layah Lipsker or the convenience of multiple High Holiday locations around the North Shore Our Peabody branch ably led by the beloved and energetic Dynamic duo of Rabbi Nechemia Schusterman and Raizel Schusterman who just moved into a stunning new purchased facility on Lowell street in Peabody Camp Gan Israel of the North Shore The New Aleph Academy Pre school of the North Shore North of Boston JEW CREW Teen programs Jewish Heritage Events — Celtics Chanuka North Shore Chanukah The constantly expanding POP-UP programing in Lynnfield, Wakefield, Danvers, Beverly, Chelsea, and the Surrounding Mystic River communities, Cape Ann and others. The weaving together of the Chabad Community Shul and Ahavat Shalom in Lynn, (and the inspiring journey that we are undertaking together under the wise and compassionate leadership of Marc Winer and Harold Mindel and the board of directors) The growing synergy and partnership with the Walnut Street Shul in Chelsea (and interacting with Mr Herbie Coopersmith, Mr Richard Zabot and the entire board) The growing partnership with the Chelsea Jewish foundation and The Aviv center for Living — under the devoted and tireless leadership of Barry Berman and his family. The growing synergy and partnership with the Winthrop Jewish community and Hebrew School The North Shore Eruv project, slated to begin ACTUAL construction in Feb — March The North Shore Mikvah Campaign and building expansion /renovation project The Hot Shabbat family Shabbat experience and of course the beloved Friday Project.

or…..Wether you actually participate in one or several of these programs, help fund them financially, or BOTH — you are an integral part of the reason we are able to do all the above mentioned, and much much more, so THANK YOU!

As you know we are NOT funded centrally. This means that we MUST fundraise LOCALLY and we consider our generous North Shore Philanthropists — equal partners in the growth and vitality of our communities. I want to thank each and every one of you that has stood by us all these years. Your faith in our work is as important as your generous Tzedakah, so THANK YOU!

This might be a good time to remind those of you that might be contemplating a year end gift, or want to pay a pledge that its still not late to do so today by logging on to www.nsjewish.com The puzzle for this year is almost done but we are still missing a few pieces and we are not quite there yet!

Another important YASHER KOACH. There is one other dear Friend and supporter who does not live in the Boston area, who has become a true pillar and patron of our community. Him and his family are quintessential Baaley Tzedakah. Though you prefer to remain anonymous — You know who you are and you know how much I am blown away and appreciate what you do for this Community…THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!

I am so grateful to my Dear partners, cousins, friends, and neighbors Rabbi Shmayah and Alizah Friedman: all I can say is THANK YOU for going way beyond being co-workers and becoming co-dreamers together with Layah and I.

I want to say THANK YOU to all my dear friends from far and near, especially those of you who were able to celebrate our twins Bas Mitzvah with us, as well as rallying to bring food for us when we had a medical challenge this year. I will not mention all of you as the list is long and I run the risk of omitting some of you. We are so honored and thankful for your friendship.

Last but not least. Family.

Though I love my siblings and my mother in law and brother and sister in laws on both sides of the family dearly, they all live on opposite coasts and I don’t get to see them often enough…. so i want to say a special THANK YOU to whats app!

Still I want to point out how lucky I am that my twin sister Chani Kugel and her family has adopted the North Shore as her second home, or if you are counting Tannersville then its technically her third. The Yom-Tovs that our families routinely celebrate together are priceless.

Finally my beloved and amazing wife and children. To my six children I am so grateful and amazed for the way each and every one of you glows with a different kind of holy and beautiful. I am in awe of the different ways each of you has grown and the amazing people you continue to become. You are each an endless source of pride, inspiration and joy. To my Dear wife Layah Lipsker without whom NONE of this would happen. You are the center and the glue that keeps this all together. You simply never cease to amaze me. I am lucky to have you by my side. I love you all.

Yossi