When Rabbi Nochum Katsenelenbogen — who usually just goes by Rabbi K — first came to the United States from London, he was doing so to join the Chabad ranks in New York City, the place that he described as “the heartbeat” of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
“It was our grand central location for the entire Chabad world and even for the Jewish world at large,” Katsenelenbogen said. “So, it was natural that we were there, but myself and my wife were looking to open a Chabad, something that we had a strong passion about.”
So, a little over 20 years ago when Katsenelenbogen heard about the need for a Chabad house in Owings Mills, Maryland, he met with a regional director and expressed his interest in taking the lead.
“The rest is history,” he said.
Like any new synagogue, things started slow for Katsenelenbogen and the Chabad of Owings Mills. The first couple of High Holiday services garnered small crowds of no more than two dozen people.
These past High Holiday services saw more than 600 worshipers come through the building’s doors.
“We never forget the goal of reaching each and every single Jew in this community, and so we do that,” Katsenelenbogen said.
It’s not just services either. In true Chabad fashion, the schedule at the Owings Mills house is always packed.
“We do it whether it’s by meetings, whether it’s at events, whether it’s at classes, to try and connect with each and every single Jew, and we’ve seen tremendous success. We are very blessed. We love this community, and we’ve really seen tremendous success over here,” Katsenelenbogen said.
The Chabad of Owings Mills exemplifies the spirit of the larger organization, which is to remove the barriers to Judaism for all who consider themselves Jewish. The Chabad doesn’t charge much if anything for most of their events, and sees everyone from Orthodox to Reform to Reconstructionist Jews come through their doors.
“We have a thriving Hebrew school. We have tremendous holiday programming, a packed Purim event, Shabbat dinners and social events that bring the Jewish community together. We really have variety across the board, and we try to have something for everyone,” Katsenelenbogen said.
Chanukah is right around the corner, and it’s yet another big event. The first night, on Sunday, Dec. 14, the Chabad will host a community menorah lighting featuring arts and crafts and entertainment, as well as two mascots: a giant dreidel and Judah Maccabee.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Chabad is having a good old-fashioned Chanukah party, with an interesting theme. “We have a balloon theme for the year. So we’re going to have a giant balloon menorah, and we’re going to have balloon twisting and balloon activities and everything,” Katsenelenbogen said.
Ultimately, Katsenelenbogen’s approach, like other Chabad rabbis, goes back to the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Rebbe. He founded the movement, and is still one of the most famous figures in modern Judaism despite passing in 1994.
“We don’t judge people. We love it when people attend. And every mitzvah is tremendous. Every step in the right direction is amazing, and it’s treasured and it’s all done with a smile and with warmth and with authenticity,” Katsenelebogen said. “There’s a good reason that Chabad has become so strong and powerful as it is around the world, because it’s obviously doing something right in its approach to how we interact with Jews around the world.”
Katsenelenbogen doesn’t miss London, even though life is quite different in Owings Mills and the greater Baltimore region. He has grown to love this area, and said the only thing he truly misses is being close to family.
“That physical connection is not always there, but we make it work,” he said.
Katsenelenbogen says the greatest sacrifice was made by his adult children, who moved with their parents decades ago and left their friends in England behind. Ultimately, he says, it was all worth it, as he wanted to make his life about service to other Jews.
“We want that everyone we get in touch with to become a teacher for other people, and should then go and inspire and encourage other people to get involved as well,” he said.
Rabbi K and Chanie are the most welcoming couple that I have ever interacted with on a Jewish level. They have invited us to their house for intimate celebrations during Shabbat and Sukkot. I love the Thursday lunch and Learn which are so enlightening as well as Chanie’s marvelous cooking demonstrations at her home. The entire family is a treasure to our community!