LIGHT: The Jewish Response tp Darkness

THE JEWISH RESPONSE TO DARKNESS

CHABAD CHANUKAH GUIDE 5784 / 2023

LIGHT

‫ב׳׳ה‬

WINNING THE WAR OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS Your Eternal Inheritance

From the teachings of the Rebbe

G‑d said to Abraham, “I have given this land to your descendants.” (Genesis 15:18) The profound connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel traces back to a Divine promise made to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 15:18.

In this promise, G‑d conveyed that the entire Land of Israel is an inheritance for Abraham’s descendants, and this inheritance remains intact, unaffected by negotiations or exchanges.

In essence, the Jewish inheritance and connection to Israel is beyond human agreements or geopolitical strategies. This truth is a light that dispels much darkness.

When Jewish individuals confidently and unapologetically assert this Divine connection to the Land of Israel, it sends a powerful message to the international community. It emphasizes the authenticity of this relationship and the unique nature of the Jewish people’s connection to the land.

Conversely, relying on treaties, military victories, or diplomatic maneuvers to justify claims to the Promised Land can undermine the respect and understanding of other nations regarding this inheritance.

By resolutely affirming our authentic connection to the Land of Israel, we play a part in hastening the arrival of the Redemption, the era when the truth of G‑d will shine forth, fostering harmony and peace among all nations.

YOU CAN’T MOVE. THE LOSS AND GRIEF ARE DEVASTATING. WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE WHEN YOU CAN’T MOVE? THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF GUIDE TO ILLUMINATE THE JEWISH RESPONSE TO DARKNESS. WHILE JUDAISM DOESN’T EXPLAIN TERRORISM OR TRAGEDY, IT DOES PROVIDE A POWERFUL RESPONSE:

IN DARK TIMES, DON’T DIMINISH YOUR LIGHT; INCREASE IT. Rabbi Hirsh Gansbourg was born in

1928 in Soviet Russia. After immigrating to Israel with his family, Hirsh traveled to the United States and joined the Rebbe’s Yeshiva at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.

In 1948, when Israel’s War of Independence erupted, Hirsh’s father, back in Tel Aviv, requested Hirsh, “Come home and join his two brothers as they fight for your land and people.”

The devoted student Hirsh wrote Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, the 6th Chabad Rebbe, for advice. The Rebbe replied, “In military terms, a deserter is not one who does not fight, but one who leaves his assigned post. Your fighting post is here, stationed in the yeshiva.”

Hirsh stayed at his fighting post and studied and prayed, and together with his brothers and sisters in the newly formed IDF, they won the war.

The Rebbe’s message still rings true today: Israel’s war is fought physically and spiritually. The Rebbe

encouraged and blessed Israel’s military efforts on the front lines, and at the same time, he urged civilians to perform mitzvot to assist our men and women in uniform spiritually.

To the Rebbe, everyone has a post and position in protecting our homeland, and they are all crucial for victory.

In 1950, as the Rebbe assumed leadership of Chabad, Hirsh was at his post and soon became instrumental in transcribing and publishing the teachings of the Rebbe, providing the spiritual ammunition that continues to inspire people everywhere.

Throughout the years, whenever the Rebbe would announce a new mitzvah initiative to help combat darkness, Hirsh was at the forefront of every mitzvah campaign, always ready to serve.

In a gentle yet fearless way, he motivated others to perform mitzvot, reminding us that our actions are meaningful in spiritually assisting those protecting our homeland on the frontlines.

THE JEWISH RESPONSE TO DARKNESS

SOMETIMES, THE DARKNESS IS SO THICK THAT

W

e each have a frontline where we battle the darkness of terror. Our civilian response is also crucial for victory because debilitating sadness and anxiety only aid our enemies. When we react by intensifying our light and efforts, shifting our focus to a more profound sense of purpose, this demonstrates that evil cannot prevail and light wins over darkness.

Throughout Jewish history, our choosing to amplify light, despite loss, terrorism, or hatred, is our coping method and victory. In dark times, we don’t diminish our light; we increase it.

Historically, the model for this approach is Miriam, the prophetess, when her parents, Amram and Yocheved, divorced due to Pharaoh’s decree to kill male infants.

Miriam challenged her father, highlighting that his response also impacted females. Counterintuitively, Miriam argued for not diminishing but multiplying, even in times of darkness. This strategy worked, and her little brother Moses was born.

Similarly, survivors like Eli Wiesel couldn’t imagine bringing children into such a dark world. The Rebbe urged them to date and marry, to multiply and not diminish, emphasizing the importance of building a Jewish home and family as a powerful act of defiance.

Jewish expansion is the key to defying and defeating those who seek to destroy us.

“TODAY, DON’T DIMINISH YOUR LIGHT; INCREASE IT” We all play a role in today’s battle of light over darkness. We are all soldiers of light, and as in any conflict, the troop’s enthusiasm is critical, and we need your morale to be high.

When navigating any difficulty, your confidence and mood are critical for success. The Chasidic masters take this idea one step further by quoting Psalm 121:5, “G‑d is your shadow,” explaining that G-d follows your lead like a shadow. So, when you smile and increase your light, G-d smiles back with His Divine light. That’s why your attitude and actions matter. Your confidence and positivity at home or the office impact the Divine response and assist in our national victory.

“I will answer them before they call.” —Isaiah 65:24 In times of need, we pray to G-d. At first, prayer looks like a request from G-d, but simultaneously, it’s a simple declaration that G-d is the true source of our success. Prayer is the language that expresses and deepens our relationship with G-d, the ultimate source of our salvation.

Tezdakah brings redemption.”

—Isaiah 1:27 The life-giving act of charity, materially sustaining those in need, highlights our G-dlike image. When we give to others, we get more than we give because G-d mirrors our charitable actions and gives us life-giving acts of benevolence. Be generous towards others, and G-d will act charitably with you.

BEHOLD THE GUARDIAN OF ISRAEL WILL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP. —Psalms 121:4 Keep in mind that we’ve been here before. In every generation, they rise against us, but G-d saves us. As Mark Twain famously penned: “The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor,

then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all and beat them all.”

That’s because we have a Divine source for our protection; as Isaiah 46:4 says, “I will carry you; I will sustain you and

TAKE ACTION:

The real source of Jewish survival and protection has always been, and still is, G-d. So naturally, since the Torah itself is the core foundation for our connection to G-d and the land of Israel, we study Torah.

The Torah is vast, and modern technology has made a tremendous amount of Torah study available online, making your heritage available at your fingertips.

TAKE ACTION:

TZEDAKAH

PRAYER

TORAH STUDY

1 2 3

The Torah is the inheritance of every Jew. —Deuteronomy 33:4

Psalms have been our go-to prayer during times of distress.

The words of the humble warrior King David activate protection and provide healing. You can find selected Psalms for times of distress at Chabad.org.

TAKE ACTION:

Here are a few practical examples of powerful mitzvah lights you can do now to help activate our secret weapon:

Give to your favorite charity, but also put a physical charity box in your office, kitchen, or the center of your home. This charity box will symbolize that charitable people work or live here. Ask your local Chabad for a “Pushka” or charity box.

The daily study of Chumash (Torah), Tehilim (Psalms), and Tanya (Chabad Philosophy) is an acronym for Chitas (fear), and it serves as a deterrent, putting spiritual fear into the hearts of our enemies. Chabad.org is a great place to start.

deliver you.”

Since the days when Egypt’s Nile River turned to blood, our secret weapon has always been G-d. Our connection to G-d secures our Divine protection, and there are steps we can take to enhance this connection. The Hebrew word mitzvah, means both commandment and connection, as the mitzvah secures and connects us to G-d, who commands it.

Now, we can express our unity through a tangible “collective” Torah scroll written in Israel, where the scribe dedicates each letter to a different Jew.

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, You have established strength because of Your adversaries to put an end to the enemy and avenger.”

—Psalms 8:3 Small children can light up a room like no one else in the spiritual war of light over darkness. When Haman launched his evil plan against the Jews, Mordechai gathered the children and prayed. The youth’s pureness of heart and unique Divine connection puts an end to the enemy and avenger.

“Write it upon your doorposts and gates so I shall give you and your children long life.”

—Deuteronomy 11:20 In response to the 1974 outrageous tragedy of the Ma’alot Massacre, the Rebbe said: “The mezuzah assures long life for you and your children, meaning it protects the Jewish people inside and outside their homes.”

TAKE ACTION:

Harei-nee mih-ka-bel o’lai mitzvat ah-sei shel v’ohavta l’rei-acha ka-mocha. (I

hereby take upon myself to fulfill the commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself.)

2) After each of your daily prayers, add this verse from Psalms 140:14: Ach tzadi-kim

yodu Lishmecha yei’shvu y’sharim et pa’necha. It’s a prayer of serenity and

peace to usher in the post-victory era: (Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name; the upright will dwell in Your presence).

TAKE ACTION:

The Jewish nation is like the many different letters in a Torah scroll.

We are all distinct and unique but form a perfect Torah scroll together. —The Baal Shem Tov

1) The famed kabbalist known as the Arizal suggests saying this daily affirmation before morning prayers:

Have a scribe write a letter in the Torah for you and your loved ones. Visit LettersforUnity.com

TAKE ACTION:

Jewish Unity is a powerful antidote to war. Jewish Unity has spiritual ripple effects, and when you create an atmosphere of love and peace within your home and community, that harmony impacts the world around you. We can each shine a light, but our superpower is a collective light that amplifies and blazes through the toughest darkness.

Our Jewish Unity is so powerful it can counterbalance global disunity and heal a broken world.

l Gather your children and pray.

TAKE ACTION:

AFFIRMATION OF LOVE

LETTERS FOR UNITY THE POWER OF YOUTH

MEZUZAH

4 5 6 7

“Love thy neighbor as thy self.”

—Leviticus 19:18

l Teach them the words of the Torah. l Help them give to charity.

The Rebbe selected 12 verses that are perfect for children to recite. You can find them at chabad.org/kids.

Order a mezuzah for your home.

Already have a mezuzah? Find a friend or neighbor needing a kosher mezuzah, and contact Chabad for a hand-written scroll.

Our sages explain that this verse refers to the tefillin worn on the head.

That’s why in 1967, just days before the outbreak of the Six-Day War, the Rebbe, began a campaign to encourage Jewish men and boys over thirteen to put on tefillin. When you perform the mitzvah of tefillin it translates this verse into action, providing spiritual protection from enemies.

Light will win over darkness, and when things go right and you succeed, don’t pat yourself on the back.

Instead, adopt the habit of saying Thank you G-d, the true source of your success. This heightened gratefulness will foster your faith and connection to G-d.

Based on the teachings of the Rebbe

O N E I N D I V I S A B L E N AT I O N Haman attacks us not because of what we do but because of who we are. Hamans of the world seek to annihilate Jews regardless of their age or individual beliefs or practices. The story of Purim tells us how, although the Jews were dispersed across various lands with different customs and languages, Haman saw them as “one people” and sought to destroy men and women, elderly and babies.

Haman’s attack displayed his evil intent, but it also highlighted the unifying factor and oneness of all Jews. Although we focused on our age and individual beliefs and practices, Haman reminded us and

highlighted who we are: one people with one heart.

We’ve faced adversaries like Haman throughout history, but we’ve endured. Situations change, but there is one thing that stays the same.

Think of it like a scientific study. Scientists conduct many experiments in various conditions to understand the fundamental properties of a natural element. They need to see what characteristics remain consistent in all situations. Similarly, our ancient people have existed for over 3,300 years and have lived in diverse conditions worldwide. To uncover the core elements that define our people’s

TAKE ACTION:

GRATITUDE

TEFILIN

“All the nations will see that the name of G-d is called upon you, and they shall fear you.”—Deuteronomy 28:10

TAKE ACTION:

The weekly tradition of women and girls lighting candles on Friday evening (18 minutes before sunset) has long been one of our greatest weapons against darkness. The three Hebrew words Neirot (candles) Shabbat Kodesh (holy) are an acronym for “Neshek” (weapons). The tangible dispelling of physical darkness with its light reflects the unique weapon or power of Shabbat candles to create the light of Shabbat. Just imagine what it does to the spiritual forces of darkness.

Women and girls bring light into the world weekly. Married women light two candles, and single girls light one candle.

Men and boys over thirteen don tefillin daily, Sunday through Friday. Tefillin are not worn on Shabbat. Contact Chabad for assistance.

TAKE ACTION:

SHABBAT LIGHTS

8 9 10

“If you kindle the Shabbat lights, I [G-d] will kindle lights for you in Zion.” —The Midrash

Start your day with Modeh Ani Lefanecha...before getting out of bed. Say “Baruch Hashem” or “Thank you G-d” whenever possible. Try incorporating daily gratitude into your life and see how voicing this fundamental truth changes your world.

Check your local candle lighting times and recite the following blessing: Baruch Ata Ado-nai elo-hei-nu melech ha-olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzi-vanu l’hadlik ner shel shabbat kodesh.

By Shira Gold

existence and strength, it’s not our physical traits, language, customs, or even racial purity. Regardless of time or place, what unites us is the Torah and Mitzvot, the Jewish way of life that has remained the same. The identifying markers of Torah and Mitzvot keep us resilient, protecting us from physical and spiritual threats.

Haman was responsible for his downfall. His evil schemes backfired, and instead of inflicting destruction, he unwittingly activated Jewish unity, mitzvah observance, and our Divine protection.

le t t h er e b e ligh t

happy

chanukah

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RIVKA RAVITZ

Rivka Ravitz from Jerusalem was chief of staff under former President of Israel Reuven Rivlin, and she is also the mother of twelve.

Rivka traveled around the world, meeting leaders from different countries. Ravitz and Rivlin soon learned they needed to prepare for a meeting at the Vatican, noting that the Pope shook hands with people. Ravitz, an orthodox Jewish woman, doesn’t shake hands with strange men. Ravitz would bow instead of shaking hands in similar high-profile situations, but as a Jew, she couldn’t bow to the Pope because he wore a cross.

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Rivka, she stood firm to her values and traditions.

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When the meeting finally began, the Pope greeted each of Rivlin’s male entourage and shook hands, but when the Pope stood in front of Rivka, she stood firm to her values and traditions.

The awkward moment was diffused when the Pope proudly bowed to Rivkah.

Today, Rivka remembers that moment clearly, and she’s sure that the Pope bowed not to her personally but to honor our traditions and values.

DR. SHEILA NAZARIAN

Kivi Bernhard Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff

Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and star of Netflix’s “Skin Decision: Before and After,” was born during the dark time of the Iranian Revolution, when a modern Iran suddenly fell under religious extremist Islamic rule. Nazarian and her family were traditional Jews who celebrated Shabbat proudly, but now the Shabbat lights were no longer safe.

The family hired a smuggler to take them to America, and Nazarian, with her mom and sister, hopped into a waiting car, taking their sacred Shabbat traditions with them.

Lighting Shabbat candles in Iran was only the beginning of Nazarian’s career of spreading light. Once in America, the family settled in Beverly Hills, California, where they attended synagogue and celebrated as Jews. Nazarian’s education led her to discover her love of plastic surgery, and eventually, in 2020, she starred in Netflix’s “Skin Decision,” a show nominated for an Emmy that catapulted Nazarian into the limelight.

Today, Nazarian uses her social media platforms to shine her light and speak about Judaism and Israel.

“I wasn’t born brave, but if you put yourself ten percent outside your comfort zone, and when that gets comfortable, you push yourself more, you’ll get to a place where you can speak your truth.”

Whether spending time with her family, working at her practice, or being an activist, Nazarian’s ultimate goal is to foster her heritage, protect our people’s ancient flickering Shabbat lights, and ensure a better world for her children.

When Kivi Bernhard released his business book Leopardology: The Hunt For Profit In A Tough Global Economy, he had no idea what tremendous response it would receive.

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The only problem? It was on a Saturday, and Kivi, a Shabbat observant Jew, would not break Shabbat to participate.

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Quickly, his book rose to the top of the bestseller lists, and he became one of the most in-demand professional speakers on the planet. He soon got booked to keynote the Microsft Conference.

The only problem? It was on a Saturday, and Kivi, a Shabbat observant Jew, would not break Shabbat to participate. A senior vice president of Microsoft offered Kivi an excessive amount of money – double or triple, but he rebuffed them, explaining it’s not about money. It’s about Sabbath observance.

Eventually, Microsoft moved the entire conference to Sunday, and Kivi went on that day and did an excellent job. Later on, Bill Gates said, “Isn’t it wonderful to have something that money can’t buy.”

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Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff was born deaf. Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Yehoshua attended public school but later switched to the Chabad Yeshiva and became a rabbi. After moving to Israel, Yehoshua became the first deaf rabbi in Israel and Chabad’s official emissary to the Jewish deaf community.

After marrying his wife Cheftziba, they moved to Rishon L’Zion. They founded Chushim Ben Dan, a nonprofit

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Yehoshua became the first deaf rabbi in Israel and Chabad’s official emissary to the Jewish deaf community.

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organization and Chabad outpost in Israel for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. As a deaf rabbi, Yehoshua can help hard of hearing and deaf Jews connect to Judaism in a way a hearing rabbi can’t. Today, Rabbi Yehoshua and his wife are helping young and old like only they can. Yehoshua says, “A deaf rabbi will understand their question and origin and provide a different comfort level for them.”

BEACONS OF LIGHT

YITZCHOK MOULLY

Yitzchok Moully is a conceptual artist whose work explores the intersection of spirituality and the material world we live in. Having grown up in Melbourne, Australia, Moully attended

moully is comfortable holding a prayer book or painbrush Chabad Yeshivot and eventually became a Rabbi.

Today, Moully is comfortable holding a prayer book or paintbrush as he brings together colorful worlds resulting in a unique palette of colors and ideas. Recently, Moully has created outdoor art fixtures of Am Yisrael Chai and unique public art menorahs of light with his distinctive voice and personality that uplift and inspire. Today, his ultimate goal is to ignite a spark within the viewer that will continue well beyond the piece of art and brighten the world around us. You can view his art at www.Moullyart.com

THERE “BELETLIGHT. GENESIS 1:3 ” —

LEAH RIVKIN

In a world where the values of tradition and heritage sometimes fade into the background, individuals like Leah Rivkin stand as beacons of inspiration. Leah serves as the co-director of Chabad Teen International (Cteen INTL), an organization dedicated to the education and empowerment of Jewish teenagers. Driven by the Rebbe’s wisdom that “When you educate an adult, you educate an adult, but when you educate a child, you educate generations.”

Leah and her dedicated team reach over 200,000 Jewish teenagers annually, overseeing the development of educational programs for over 730 CTeen chapters spanning 58 countries.

One remarkable milestone in Leah’s journey occurred in 2018 when she played a pivotal role in a collaboration between Yeshiva University and Cteen that gave birth to CteenU. This groundbreaking initiative provides collegeaccredited Jewish courses tailored for high school students worldwide. These courses empower teens and foster a deep connection with their heritage and faith.

Leah grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, near the Chabad world headquarters. From a young age, Leah dreamed of becoming a part of the Rebbe’s vision and actively contributing to the Jewish community.

Today, thanks to Leah and her team, CTeen has become a global force for education and inspiration, helping today’s youth become the leaders and torchbearers of the Torah for future generations.

Devorah Benjamin

Ordinary Me

Marriage is a profound and joyous milestone, symbolizing a new chapter in the history of our people.

Yet, financial constraints can cast a bittersweet shadow on this celebration. It’s hard to imagine a wedding without a band or flowers. That’s where Devorah Benjamin comes in.

Life offers us many different avenues for tzedakah. The needs of those around us allow us to be charitable and alleviate the suffering of others. In 1993, Devorah embarked on a mission to assist underprivileged brides and grooms with their wedding needs. Struggling families find financial aid for everything from gowns, jewelry, hall rentals, catering, photography, and bands, and, of course, her priceless advice and guidance are the icing on the cake.

Devorah is known in Brooklyn, New York, for her unwavering determination and ability to go door to door collecting small donations. Over the last thirty years, Devorah’s wedding fund has grown to over one million dollars annually, but her humility and devotion are unchanged. Devorah’s hands-on approach and negotiation skills have made her a respected figure among vendors, ensuring affordable services.

Today, many couples look back at their wedding albums with joy, all thanks to Devorah. Despite the growth, Devorah remains dedicated, collecting donations rain or shine, allowing everyone to partake in this noble cause of creating beautiful weddings for all couples, regardless of their financial means.

Ordinary was born in a nondescript hospital in an unimportant city. Today, you might not notice anything inspiring about his daily routine. Ordinary is trying to make the world a better place just by navigating the challenges of existence, ensuring his son gets to school on time, and attempting to maintain a tidy garage.

I don’t think you would use the term philanthropist when discussing his contributions, but there is a small charity box in his ordinary kitchen.

We often applaud individuals of outstanding achievement, and rightfully so.

Yet, I’ve come to understand that to be a true beacon of light, you don’t necessarily need to slay dragons or rescue princesses. Conquering seemingly mundane hurdles

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When applauding the achievements of others, don’t let it underestimate your significance.

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can be seen as heroic. That’s why each day, G-d provides opportunities to infuse the ordinary with heroism.

Simple acts, like kindness to a child or dropping a dollar into a tzedaka box, are sparks of light that dispel much darkness.

When applauding the achievements of others, don’t let it underestimate your significance. Your circumstances are uniquely yours, and only you can be the ordinary hero in your story.

The Art of

By Shaindel Marcus

Resilience Meet the World’s Only One-Handed Soldier:

Izzy Ezagui

J

ust a few weeks after Ezagui finished initial military training, Operation Cast erupted. Ezagui’s unit led a mission over the Gaza border to retrieve the body of a fallen comrade. That’s when a direct mortar hit, resulting in the traumatic loss of Ezagui’s left- and dominant- arm. This would be the end for most, but for

Ezagui, this was only the beginning.

After six months in the hospital, Ezagui decided to trade heavy painkillers for phantom pain and knew he must go back to the IDF. He says, “The first thing I said when I woke up was that I intended to continue my role with combat.”

When his parents heard he wanted to return, they had two completely different reactions. His father was furious. How could he want to return to where this happened to him?

On the other hand, his mother supported him in doing what he felt was right. Ezagui saw one bottom line from both reactions: they had faith in his ability and believed he could return to the battlefield. He believed in himself because his parents believed in him.

He took that strength and trained like never before. With determination, he passed all the required tests for the IDF, including shooting, reloading guns, throwing grenades, unjamming firearms, charging hills, climbing ropes, and doing pushups. He returned to his position as a sharpshooter and

became the world’s only one-handed soldier to return to duty after the traumatic injury.

Ezagui originally joined the IDF ideologically to protect the Jewish people, his people. The second time was different. He returned to the army because he knew that if something like this happened to him, it was for a reason, and he had to find it. He realized if he went back, he would be able to inspire other soldiers and show them that anything is possible if you are dedicated and committed.

In another sense, he felt going back would undo the damage of what had happened. If he could do what he did before and after his injury, it’s almost as if it had never happened. Ezagui says, “As soon as I was back in combat, there were full days where I forgot that I had an injury. It was just me again.

I was whole.” This mindset helps him in civilian life as well since he doesn’t see himself as disabled, and neither do those around him.

Now, Ezagui is back in Israel, again fighting for his country. As frightening as it was to return, he claims he didn’t need much of a push to go back. He says, “None of us have the luxury of sitting it out. Our enemies won’t let us.”

About: Izzy Ezagui was born in New York and, in his childhood, moved with his family to Florida. Ezagui visited Israel in his teens and fell in love with the land and its people. In 2008, he officially joined the Israeli Defense Forces. In 2018 Ezagui published his memoir titled Disarmed: Unconventional Lessons from the World’s Only One-Armed Special Forces Sharpshooter.

TO SEE THE CHANUKAH MIRACLE,

C

The Talmud suggests that there might be an additional miracle hidden within this story. The idea goes like this: Our enemies had declared a physical and spiritual war on holiness to replace Judaism with Hellenism. That's why they placed a pig on the altar and

This tiny jar of oil was the catalyst for the incredible eight-day miracle of Chanukah. So, what is this

“the divine spark within each of us” small, elusive jar of oil that remains untouchable by our enemies?

The Chasidic masters compare it to the divine spark within each of us. It represents our unbreakable

faith. The tiny jar of oil is that untouchable part of our inner selves that remains pure and immune to negativity. The Chasidic masters see this "Oil" as the true Chanukah miracle.

Chanukah's little jar of oil is a metaphor for the indomitable faith and spirit of the Jewish people that persists despite numerous challenges and adversities and continues to be a light among the nations. This enduring "jar of oil" symbolizes our nature-defying Divine essence and unyielding faith that keeps burning.

Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe

hanukah celebrates our ancestors' wonderous victory over their enemies and a miraculous event where a one-day oil supply lasted eight days in the Temple's menorah.

contaminated the menorah's oil supply. Yet, somehow, they missed one small jar of oil.

Celebrate Chanukah Dec. 7th -15th

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CHANUKAH GUIDE

MENORAH

HOW-TO

MENORAH PLACEMENT

Many have the custom to place the menorah in a doorway opposite the mezuzah (such is the custom of Chabad-Lubavitch) so that the two mitzvot of mezuzah and Chanukah surround the person. Others place it on a windowsill facing a public thoroughfare.

SET UP

It is preferable to use cotton wicks in olive oil, or paraffin candles, in amounts large enough to burn until half an hour after nightfall. If not, regular candles can be used as well. The candles of a menorah must be of equal height in a straight row. The shamash, the servant candle that kindles the other lights, should stand out from the rest (i.e. higher or lower).

The Chanukah lights must burn for at least half an hour each night. Before kindling the lights, make sure that there is enough oil (or if candles are used, that they are big enough) to last half an hour.

WHO LIGHTS?

All members of the family should be present at the kindling of the Chanukah menorah. Children should be encouraged to light their own Menorahs. Students and singles who live in dormitories or their own apartments should kindle menorahs in their own rooms.

HOW TO LIGHT

On the first night of Chanukah one light is kindled on the right side of the menorah, on the following night add a second light

to the left of the first and kindle the new light first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night.

ON SHABBAT

On Friday eve the Chanukah lights are kindled before the Shabbat lights (which are lit 18 minutes before sundown).

Additional oil or larger candles should be provided for the Chanukah lights ensuring that they will last half an hour after nightfall.

THE BLESSINGS Hold the lit shamash candle in your right hand and recite the following blessings:

1. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Chanukah.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

2. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-tei-nu ba-ya-mim ha-heim bi-z'man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

On the first night of Chanukah (or if it's your first time lighting the Menorah) recite the following:

3. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-kiy-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu liz-man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

After kindling the lights, the Hanerot Halalu prayer is recited:

Haneirot Halolu Onu Madlikin, Al Hatshuot V'al Hanisim, V'al Haniflo-ot. She-osiso Laavoteinu Bayomim Hoheim Bizman Ha-ze, Al Y'dei Kohanecho Hakdoshim. V'chol Sh'monat Y'mei Chanukah Haneirot Halolu Kodesh Heim, V'ein Lonu R'shut L'histamesh Boheim, Elo Lir'oson Bilvod, K'dei L'hodot U'lhalel L'shimcho Hagadol, Al Ni-secho V'al Niflo'otecha V'al Y'shuotecho.

LET’S UNWRAP THE TEFILLIN!

Photo credit Yisroel Teitelbaum @jewish.giant

M

ost biblical commandments are instructions on what we should or shouldn’t do. However, there are a few, in fact, only three mitzvot, that are simply signs or identifiers of who we are. In Genesis, G-d tells Abraham that circumcision would be their sign and covenant. Later, after the Jews left Egypt, G-d tells them to keep the Shabbat and Festivals holy as “a sign between Me and you.” Then, G-d tells the Jews to wear tefillin as a sign upon their arms. It’s a sign of who we are.

(We only need two signs or witnesses in Jewish law, so we don’t wear tefillin on Shabbat and holidays; the extra indication would demean the sign of the day.)

like how, during the plagues in Egypt, G-d instructed the Jews to mark their doorposts as a sign of protection for their homes, the mezuzah safeguards and identifies the Jewish household, the tefillin serves as a symbol and reminder of who we are, a powerful sign that protects us.

E PLURIBUS UNUM (OUT OF MANY, ONE)

Our daily life falls into three categories: information, feelings, and behavior. Firstly, we have our mind and everything we know and think about, followed by our heart, things we are passionate about, and thirdly, our actions.

The biblical commandment of tefillin is a ritual that combines mini scrolls, black leather boxes, and straps. In performing the mitzvah, first, the hand-tefillin is tied opposite the heart, then the headtefillin is placed on the head, and finally, the straps reach the finger.

The straps work like spiritual cables that unite what we know, feel, and do together for one G-dly purpose.

But we always start with the heart to indicate that although we may differ in knowledge or observance, we are one nation with one heart at our core.

“All the nations of the land will In 1967, just days before the outbreak see that the name of the Six-Day War, the Rebbe, began of G-d is called a campaign to encourage Jewish men and boys over thirteen upon you, and they to put on tefillin. shall fear you” The verse: “All the THE PROTECTOR OF ISRAEL

nations of the land will see that the name of G-d is called upon you, and they shall fear you” was the basis for the Rebbe’s idea.

Years earlier, the sages had explained that this verse refers to the tefillin worn on the head. In other words, tefillin protects us from our enemies, but now, as Israel’s survival was on the line, it was time to translate this verse into action.

That summer, Chabad launched the tefillin campaign in Israel, and soon, the mitzvah was being performed in homes, offices, and street corners worldwide.

A POWERFUL SIGN

What a mezuzah is to a house, tefillin are to the body. As a mezuzah transforms a house into a Jewish home, tefillin declares our Jewishness. Much

YOUR TRUE POWER

As a soldier fighting against darkness, you may face hostile forces that try to bring you down. Ultimately, you will be victorious when you demonstrate that your strength comes from your connection to G-d. The Rebbe’s 1967 tefillin campaign sought to activate this truth and guard our people. And still today, the tefillin’s powerful protection helps us nationally and personally as it pronounces to the world and ourselves that “the name of G-d is called upon you.”

WINGS OF PROTECTION The Talmud tells a tale about how Elisha, “the man of wings,” got his unique name:

Once in Jerusalem, the wicked ruler proclaimed a decree against the Jews that whoever donned tefillin would be killed. Elisha, defied the order. It happened that Elisha was seen by the authorities wearing the tefillin, so he started running. But the soldier chased him and eventually caught him.

By then, Elisha had already removed the small black boxes and leather straps and hid them in his hands.

“What is that in your hand?” the soldier demanded, “The wings of a dove, sir,” Elisha replied.

That was a life-and-death moment for Elisha. A crowd of Jews gathered as the soldier clarified that Elisha would get the death penalty if he held tefillin. When Elisha finally opened his hands, miraculously, he was holding the wings of a dove.

The shocked soldier told Elisha, “I must have made a mistake; you’re free to go.”

And that’s how he got his name, Elisha, the man of the wings.

The Talmud goes on to analyze the story.

“Why did Elisha choose a dove’s wings over any other bird?” The Talmud answers that Elisha chose a dove based on the words of King David in Psalm 68:14. “As the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her pinions with brilliant gold.”

In other words, Elisha understood that our tefillin guards us, similar to how the wings and feathers protect a dove.

(Talmud Brachot 14b)

By Rabbi Shmuel Marcus

My Story

By David Shamoulian

T

as a people, a reminder of our enduring faith.

he story of my encounter with a Chabad family in Lake Tahoe marks a turning point in my connection to Judaism and the journey towards a meaningful project that would touch the lives of many.

As I met the Chabad Rabbi, my soul was sparked. He was the last person I expected to see in a random, faraway place.

We discussed Judaism, and a friendship blossomed.

This seemingly simple act of two Jews finding each other would evolve into a profound journey of rediscovery and commitment to preserving our Jewish identity.

About the artwork:

The Mezuzah, I soon realized, was more than an ornament; it was a repository of history

The Mezuzah, seemingly small and unassuming, connects us not only to our past but also to Jews worldwide. It weaves us into the tapestry of history, reinforcing that we are part of something greater.

In an era where traditions are threatened by

YOUZUZAH? MEZUZAH

Fast forward a few weeks later, and an antisemitic incident at work made me feel lost and upset. I turned to the rabbi with an idea to bring light from darkness. The mezuzah project was created. The immediate goal is to ensure every Jew in my office has a mezuzah on their door.

Yehuda Lang is a Torontobased artist who shares Jewish ideas through colorful images. The V’he Sheamda prayer in the Passover Haggadah inspired Yehuda to create the soldier in Tefillin. You can view and purchase his art online at Yehudalang.com.

The incident deeply impacted me, emphasizing the importance of preserving our heritage.

Our community is small, and in an ever-changing world, it becomes imperative to maintain at least a minimum level of pride in our Jewish identity.

silent presence reassures us, reminding us of resilient people who held onto their faith through persecution, exile, and hardship.

Why a mezuzah?

It’s not just a decorative item but a symbol of pride and continuity that had adorned the doorposts of Jewish homes for over 3,000 years. It is a testament to our resilience

YOUZUZAH.COM

and a vessel of hope.

It whispered stories of love, endurance, and unwavering commitment.

The commandment from Deuteronomy 6:9, “Write them on the doorposts of your house and gates,” became a tangible link between generations.

In times of joy, the Mezuzah reminds us to be grateful for our blessings.

As our fingers brush against it, we acknowledge the voices of generations who celebrated triumphs and weathered storms before us. During moments of despair, the Mezuzah offers solace. Its

modernity, the Mezuzah stands as a beacon of timelessness. It bridges the gap between the every day and the divine, encouraging us to infuse our lives with purpose and meaning.

Our journey with the Mezuzah has just begun, and little did we know that this symbolic piece would become a powerful project to ensure that every Jewish home could proudly display this ancient symbol of faith and Divine protection.

Please join us at YouZuzah.com.