For the first time in history, the small college town of Geneseo, N.Y.—tucked into the Finger Lakes region and best known for its natural beauty and tight-knit campus community—is getting permanent Jewish infrastructure.

Rabbi Laivy and Goldy Mochkin, along with their four young children, have arrived in Geneseo to establish a Chabad presence that will serve both the local community and the 250+ Jewish students at SUNY Geneseo, one of the state’s highest-ranked public colleges.

The Mochkins’ arrival marks a turning point for Jewish life in the area. Until now, there has been no synagogue, no community center, no consistent Jewish presence. Yet Geneseo, a school known for its strong academics and picturesque surroundings—including the nearby Letchworth State Park, often called “the Grand Canyon of the East”—is home to hundreds of Jewish students, many from the New York City area, who now find themselves far from home at a time when being Jewish on campus has never been more complicated.

Just weeks into their move, the Mochkins met a Jewish student who had experienced a vile antisemitic harassment incident on campus. “It was an immediate and sobering reminder of why we’re here,” said Rabbi Mochkin. “At a time when antisemitism is rising on college campuses across the country, it’s more critical than ever that students feel safe, proud, and supported.”

A 700% increase in antisemitic incidents has been reported across U.S. campuses since October 7, and the fear and isolation felt by many Jewish students has become a pressing concern. The Mochkins hope to counter that with something deceptively simple: a warm, welcoming Jewish home.

Rabbi Laivy is no stranger to upstate New York—he grew up on shlichus just 30 minutes away in Rochester. After three years of shlichus in Northern California, he and Goldy felt drawn back to the region, this time to plant their own roots.

“I’ve always believed that college is one of the most pivotal stages in a person’s life,” said Rabbi Mochkin. “It’s the moment people start asking the big questions—about purpose, identity, and meaning. We want to be there for them when they’re asking.”

Goldy echoes that sentiment. “I’m excited to create a warm home for the students on campus. My hope is to help instill in them a deep pride in their Jewish identity—and to help them realize just how much light they carry and how much good they can do.”

Their first steps include hosting students for Shabbat dinners, launching a Jewish student club on campus, offering one-on-one learning sessions over coffee, and opening their doors—literally—to any student who needs a place to belong.

Rabbi Nechemia Vogel, director of Chabad of Rochester and regional head shliach, is thrilled about the Mochkins’ move. “We’ve waited a long time for the right couple to come to Geneseo,” he said. “Laivy and Goldy are bringing not just experience and enthusiasm—but a genuine love for people. I’m confident they’ll transform the Jewish experience on that campus.” Rabbi Vogel is especially excited that Laivy grew up locally . “He understands the rhythm of this region—and the unique opportunities and challenges of small-town life.”

“We’re not here to start a program,” said Rabbi Mochkin. “We’re here to build a home.”

For more information, reach out to [email protected]

To support the new Chabad center in Geneseo, click here.