With Chanukah approaching, activists in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York are gearing up for a spectacular season of mivtza menorah.
By Anash.org reporter
With the power of Yud Tes Kislev charging through Lubavitch, communities around the country are revving up the engines for Chanukah mivtzoim. Here, we present the efforts of three communities who are working to ensure that every local Jew experiences the joy of Chanukah this year.
At Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois, a ‘7 for 70 campaign’ organized by Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz and Rabbi Baruch Epstein aims to have 70 families distribute 7 menorah kits, in honor of 70 years of the Rebbe’s nesius. Participants can buy inexpensive ready-made menorah kits, complete with extra long candles and brochures to give out.
Further out west are the Lamplighters, organized by Rabbi Shmuly & Shterny Gurary of Hancock Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Lamplighters will be able to spread the light of Chanukah in various ways. Participants can sizzle Latkes at a Chanukah stand outside of Ralphs, a local grocery store. Jewish shoppers who stop by to sample a latke will be offered a Menorah and Chanukah guide.
Other opportunities include bringing Chanukah joy and Menorah lights to local nursing homes, and picking up Menorahs and Chanukah guides to give to neighbors and friends.
In New York, the Lubavitch Youth Organization is kicking off its “NYC – IT’S LIT” Chanukah campaign through which schools, families, couples and girls can participate in organized mivtzoim.
The Tzach staff are working to make sure that every nursing home in and around Crown Heights is treated to a Chanukah experience. Participating Crown Heights schools and families will be given a time and place to show up and shine.
Another initiative will connect young couples with nearby shluchim who will provide them with a list of names and addresses as well as Chanukah supplies to distribute in Brooklyn apartment buildings. Participants will go door to door, offering Jewish families the opportunity to light the Menorah.
Last but not least, Lubavitch Youth will focus on bringing Chanukah to the streets of NYC. Local girls will receive mivtzoim supplies from nearby shluchim, and will then set out to reach all of the Yidden in the area by approaching them in the streets.
“And may it be Hashem’s Will that through the preparations for the Chanukah campaign, we should be zoche immediately to the dedication of the third Beis Hamikdash, through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, bekarov mamosh, and with serenity, and joy and gladness of heart.” (free translation, Sichas 17 Kislev 5741)
For more information on how you can share the Chanukah light in your community:
Chicago: Email [email protected]
Los Angeles: Email [email protected] or call (323)-540-0485
New York: Email [email protected], or call/ text/ WhatsApp (845)-393-1951
