Released Time, following the rebbe’s call to bring Yiddishkeit to every Jew, had a team of 180 Bochurim crisscrossing New York City to bring the light and warmth of Chanukah to 700 Jewish homes, illuminating them with Chanukah songs, stories and joyous dancing.
The bochurim arrived at their locations with an infectious enthusiasm to share the light of Chanukah. Living rooms across the city were transformed into lively Chanukah parties, where menorah candles illuminated the room as songs, stories, and dancing filled the air. For many families, it was their first time celebrating Chanukah in such a personal and joyous way.
In an unprecedented fashion, a team of 180 dedicated Released Time instructors brought the Rebbe’s vision to life, spreading the light and warmth of Chanukah to 700 Jewish homes across New York City.
While many think of Chanukah outreach as simply handing out menorahs and hoping recipients know what to do, Released Time takes a much more immersive approach, transforming Chanukah into an uplifting and meaningful experience.
Under the meticulous direction of Rabbi Sadya Engel, Released Time prepared special Chanukah party kits for every instructor. “On an average evening, up to 50 cars or Ubers were dispatched from our Headquarters sending our instructors to every corner of New York City,” Rabbi Engel explained. “Each group was equipped with Menorahs, donuts, dreidels, chocolate coins, games, gifts for the whole family, and mezuzahs. From there, the instructors knew exactly how to bring the light of Chanukah into each home.”
The bochurim arrived at their locations with an infectious enthusiasm to share the light of Chanukah. Living rooms across the city were transformed into lively Chanukah parties, where menorah candles illuminated the room as songs, stories, and dancing filled the air. For many families, it was their first time celebrating Chanukah in such a personal and joyous way.
One young boy, Aaron, after lighting the menorah for the first time with his parents, gazed at the flickering candles in awe and exclaimed, “It’s like the candles are telling us a story!”
Spirited renditions of “Haneiros Halolu” “Maoz Tzur” and “I Have a Little Dreidel” filled the air, with children clapping, singing, and even dancing. In one home, a father, who hadn’t sung Jewish songs since his own childhood, found himself joining in. “It’s amazing how much comes back when you hear these melodies,” he said, visibly moved by the experience.
Children squealed with delight as they spun dreidels, eagerly waiting to see whether they’d land on gimel. In one home in Rego Park, as a Chanukah story was being shared by Rabbi Zalman from P.S. 196, one little girl, Ella, raised her hand with shining eyes and asked, “Can I be a Maccabee too?” With a smile, Rabbi Zalman assured her, “You already are! Every mitzvah you do makes you a Maccabee in today’s world.”
As the menorah candles flickered in the windows of these 700 homes, they illuminated more than the rooms—they reignited Jewish pride and commitment. One father, inspired by the warmth and energy of the evening, asked the rabbis to help affix mezuzahs to the doorposts of their home.
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Rabbi Shimon Hecht from the Executive Committee of NCFJE expressed profound gratitude. “The real credit goes to the bochurim,” he said. “Their dedication, warmth, and passion brought the Rebbe’s vision to life, touching the hearts of hundreds of families.”
The Chanukah outreach effort by Released Time is a shining example of the Rebbe’s call to bring Yiddishkeit to every Jew, wherever they may be. As the flagship program of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education, Released Time continues to fulfill its mission of connecting children and families to their Jewish heritage through meaningful and joyous experiences.
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