Shliach Delivers Albany Invocation

At a Tu B’Shevat gathering in Albany, NY, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver led 200 legislators who munched dried fruits of Israel–dates, pomegranates, figs and carob – in honor of the day.

The annual event was organized by Rabbi Israel Rubin, shliach to Albany, who began offering the Tu B’shvat spread in 1976, near the Assembly Chamber.

Rabbi Rubin commented: “Everyone is talking about ‘stimulus’ … here we celebrate Tu B’shevat while all is frozen, the trees are bare, and there is no growth. It is now that the sap begins to flow within for the New Year. We are still in the dead of winter, but spring and hope are on the way. Tu B’Shvat teaches us how to weather the harsh climate, and be optimistic and hopeful that the sun will shine again.”

In recognition of Chabad’s year-round outreach to government workers and elected officials, Rabbi Rubin was selected to offer the invocation in both legislative houses on Tu B’shevat morning. Assemblyman John J. McEneny of the 104th Assembly district, which covers Albany County, made a presentation on the Assembly floor that was full of references to Rabbi Rubin’s Tu B’shevat messages in previous years. Another legislator, a member of an environmental committee, circulated a memo that included one of Chabad’s Tu B’shevat messages whose environmental green theme was drawn from the Talmud. “It’s clear that they are listening,” said Rabbi Rubin. “When I meet people later on, they remember our parties.”

As the rabbi with the longest tenure in Albany, lawmakers are comfortable turning to Rabbi Rubin for help. He has brought a minyan together for legislators who needed to say kaddish, the mourner’s prayer. Chabad of Albany can be counted upon to hang mezuzahs in offices and arrange for kosher food for visitors and lawmakers. Spending time in the Capitol has given Rabbi Rubin deep appreciation of the term “public servant.” When the Assembly is in session, work hours can extend into the wee hours of the morning. The legislators “work hard at arriving at a decision. Nothing is taken for granted; everything is analyzed. They put in a lot of hours trying their best for the good of New York State,” he said.