New Shluchim to Maryland

Rabbi Mendel and Mushkie Fogelman (nee Baron), along with their six-month old son Isser Dovid, have just arrived in Laurel, MD to serve as the local Chabad representatives in the area.

Laurel is a historic city nestled along the banks of the Patuxent River and situated at the intersection of Howard, Prince George and Anne Arundel counties.

Due to its location along the corridor between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the area has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The government has a major presence in the area, with the National Security Agency headquartered in nearby Fort Meade, and the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, a defense contractor with over 5000 employees situated at Laurel’s northwestern corner.

The Fogelmans were appointed by Rabbi Hillel and Chanie Baron, local Chabad representatives to the Howard County area for over 30 years. They were approved by Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, director of Chabad activities to the Maryland region.

The timing of their arrival could not have been better. This Monday marks the 75th anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s arrival on American soil on the 28th of Sivan 5701 (1941).

Mendel’s grandfather, Rabbi Hershel Fogelman obm, was present at that occasion. His yahrtzeit will take place this week, on Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz.

In a JEM video released in honor of the milestone, Rabbi Hershel, who would later go on to direct Chabad activities in Worcester, MA for over 70 years until his passing in 2013, recounted how upon the Rebbe’s arrival change was evident.

Mendel recalls his grandfather relating to him how the Rebbe, even in those early years, foresaw the eventual development of the Chabad movement into a force that would have a global impact, even making a statement to that effect at a farbrengen with the bochurim at the time.

Upon settling down in Laurel, the younger Rabbi and Rebbetzin Fogelman will be continuing this vision, continuing to reach out to Jews wherever they may be found.

The Fogelmans will be using all methods at their disposal to share and promote authentic Judaism. They hope to provide an inclusive center where all Jews will feel welcome to explore their heritage.

While their direct efforts will be focused on the Jewish community, their ultimate goal includes bringing healing, peace and fulfillment to the world at large.

For those who would like to contribute:

To send a check, please make it payable to “Chabad of Greater Laurel”, and send it to 10604 Delfield Court, Laurel MD 20723.

To make a direct transfer from your Bank of America, Chase or PayPal account, you can send to chabadlaurel@gmail.com.

To send a donation via debit/credit card, please visit bit.ly/LaurelChabad.