Rappin’ with the Rabbi

Marvelous, meaningful, intelligent, wonderful,” are adjectives used to describe Rabbi Mendy Lewis by the participants of the Gallen Adult Health Care program (GADC), and residents of the Jewish Home at Rockleigh (JHR). “A bit of Bible study and songs, relating it well to everyone and all religions, and a kind heart,” says Nadine Kaiser, Recreation Director of GADC, “makes the participants very happy and excited.”

Rabbi Lewis volunteers his time every Monday to “bring smiles and meaning” to the residents of JHR and GADC. In GADC, the Rabbi does a short presentation from the Bible or related writings - relating it to current events and life in general - and sings songs, accompanied by his ‘chorus’ of participants. Afterwards, he strolls around the facility speaking to people, telling jokes, helping Jewish men put on tefillin, and basically eliciting smiles. Rabbi Lewis also interacts with staff to encourage mitzvot (good deeds) and Jewish custom – tefillin, shaking lulav & etrog on Sukkot, and other holiday activities.

He sees excitement from the participants and feels very uplifted as he’s fulfilling his goal of making a difference! Over the years, Rabbi Lewis got involved in kiruv (bringing Jews back to their roots), and has devoted his life to this. Rabbi Lewis’ wife, Devora, is very involved in this endeavor as well, especially with women and children. Their 4 young children also have a role in that they are learning so much from their interactions with everyone.

The Lewis’ are opening a Chabad House in neighboring Old Tappan shortly. For the past 2 years, they have sponsored Jewish activities from their home. The response has been so great that they are relocating to an office space in the center of Old Tappan. Activities hosted are adult education, teen programs, Sunday Hebrew school, Saturday morning prayer services, Shabbat dinners, soon to come Mommy & Me program, and much more.

GADC client, Bill Freeh asked Rabbi Lewis to “pray for us when he goes to Israel,” and “enjoys the program very much.” Sandy Lewis feels that “his sharing Judaism with everyone is good and meaningful for her.” Margarita Liepmann enjoys “sharing thoughts, hopes and dreams with the Rabbi.” Phyllis Retzkin says “it’s [GADC] a wonderful place to come to, and very fulfilling, especially since many of us live alone.” Nechuma Gruenbaum, a JHR resident, says he’s an “intelligent and interesting young man.”

Rabbi Lewis has some wonderful relationships with the residents at JHR and clients at GADC. There are so many stories to tell.... Rabbi Lewis can be reached at rabbi@chabadot.org (www.chabadot.org).

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