HUDSON- In celebration of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, on December 10th Rabbi Mendel and Rochie Kremer – founders of the newly established Chabad Jewish Center of Columbia County – invite the community to join the county’s public Menorah Lighting at Hudson Town Square. The celebration will feature a giant Menorah, a fire performer, and a unique “gelt drop” in collaboration with the local Fire Department. Mayor Kamal Johnson and other Hudson public officials will be joining the festivities.
Originally from Montreal, the Kremers moved to Hudson in September of 2023. They quickly infused the city’s evolving landscape with a vibrant Jewish spirit, providing community and kinship for a unique melting pot of artists, retirees, vacationers and young families. Initially operating from their home’s basement, the couple envisions expanding their new Chabad center and establishing a permanent space that better caters to the community’s needs.
The Kremers are excited for the community to join their public Chanukah Menorah lighting in Hudson Town Square. “In these challenging times, the significance of public menorahs and Jewish pride cannot be overstated,” says Kremer. “With the impact of the recent events in Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitism, we must stand united as Jews and proudly assert our identity without fear.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, Hudson and Columbia County have witnessed a substantial increase in population, with over 5,000 people – including artists, retirees, and families with small children – relocating from NYC. The Chabad center aims to foster a stronger sense of community for both newcomers and long-time residents.
“We aspire to offer every Jew in Hudson and Columbia County the opportunity to connect with their heritage and Jewish tradition in a way that feels comfortable to them,” says Kremer. “Recognizing the growing need to expand and enrich Jewish life in the community, we visited last year, fell in love with Hudson, and decided to make it our home.”
The Kremers bring a wealth of experience in Jewish leadership roles to Hudson. Mendel and Rochie both worked as youth directors for the Spanish-speaking community in Montreal, and Mendel has led Jewish holiday events in Cuba, rural Canada, and Ukraine. Rochie, a Montreal native, served as Assistant director of a preschool in Montreal. She also worked at the Chabad centers in Pleasanton, CA and Rochester, NY.
Since arriving in September of 2023, the Kremers have successfully organized events for the Jewish High Holidays, Sukkot, and Purim, drawing a diverse crowd. In the coming months, they plan to introduce weekly prayer services, Shabbat dinners, children’s programs, and various community events.
