The famous Woodbourne Shul at 457 Route 52 proudly announces the opening of its Summer 2015 vacation season. The shul reopened to the public for weekends as of Shabbos Parshas Shlach, June 13th, and full services will begin on Wednesday of Parshas Chukas, June 24th. As always, the shul will provide the public with dozens of minyanim round-the-clock, numerous shiurim both daily and weekly, as well as light refreshments.

This unique blend of Torah, Avodah and Gemilus Chasodim are the hallmark of the charismatic Rabbi Mordechai Jungreis shlit”a, Niklesburg Rebbe. Beginning in 2010 the Rebbe revitalized the decaying building and transformed it into a booming center of life servicing the entire Sullivan County and beyond.

The Historic Congregation Bnai Israel building has become a major draw for summer vacationers looking to grab a minyan and a bite on the go. Of course, there are many, many regulars as well. Under the magnetic leadership of Rabbi Jungreis shlit”a, the 93-year-old building now listed on the National Register of Historic Places has been brought back to life as tens of thousands of people pass through its doors each summer.

From its humble beginnings in 2010 when the Rebbe hung up a sign announcing “Minyanim Going On Now!” the shul has grown exponentially with each passing season. The naysayers who politely told the Rebbe his idea was crazy and the plan would never get off the ground were quickly proven dazzlingly wrong. Last year major renovations were undertaken as the shul threatened to collapse under the strain of so many worshippers. Restrooms were added to relieve the long lines that can form at busier time (essential at all times…) and floor beams shored up and replaced.

Despite his incredible devotion and exhaustive efforts, Rabbi Jungreis sees himself not as the shul’s rabbi but more as a gabbai, a steward who oversees the public domain. “This is not my shul—it’s your shul, it’s everyone’s shul. This is Klal Yisroel’s shul!” Indeed, the trademark sign hanging on the large Menorah outside greets every arrival with a cheerful “All Are Welcome!” The Rebbe’s legendary warmth is part of the very fabric of the shul. Many people openly admit that they visit the Bnai Israel chiefly to experience meeting the Rebbe and enjoy his heartfelt blessings.

As in previous years, the shul will be open for full services from early morning until after the last Maariv—usually 2 AM or later. You can also enjoy a bite, cold and hot drinks, Daf Yomi shiurim, and the delicious Thursday night cholent along with the equally enthralling weekly shiur by the inimitable Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss. Don’t forget to stop and say hello to the Rebbe and receive his affectionate blessings!

As we go to the press, the exciting news broke that a deal has been successfully concluded to purchase the lot adjacent to the shul! After years of talks, in recent weeks a benevolent lawyer generously offered his help and negotiated a closing on behalf of the shul with the non-Jewish owner.

Hopefully, we will benefit from this development immediately as the additional property will allow for extending the kitchen and other facilities. More significantly, the addition of this lot opens up the opportunity for expanding the shul to accommodate the ever-growing crowd of worshippers and visitors in future summers.

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)