Chanukah Sample 2023

WINNING THE

Artwork by Yehuda Lang

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SOMETIMES, THE DARKNESS IS SO THICK THAT 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.

THE JEWISH RESPONSE TO DARKNESS

WAR OF LIGHT OVER DARKNES

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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.

W

e 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 91, “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.

THE JEWISH RESPONSE TO DARKNESS

CHABAD CHANUKAH GUIDE 5784 / 2023

LIGHT

‫ב׳׳ה‬

Here are a few practical examples of powerful mitzvah lights you can do now to help activate our secret weapon: The Torah is the inheritance of every Jew. —Deuteronomy 33:4

TZEDAKAH

PRAYER

TORAH STUDY

1 2 3

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.

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

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.

“I will answer them before they call.” —Isaiah 65:24

TAKE ACTION:

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.

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.

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, WKH %DE\ORQLDQ DQG WKH 3HUVLDQ URVH ÀOOHG WKH

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

TAKE ACTION: 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.

protection; as Isaiah 46:4 says, “I will carry you; I will sustain you and 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.

AFFIRMATION OF LOVE

LETTERS FOR UNITY THE POWER OF YOUTH

MEZUZAH

4 5 6 7

“Love thy neighbor as thy self.”

—Leviticus 19:18 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.

TAKE ACTION: 1) The famed kabbalist known as the Arizal suggests saying this daily affirmation before morning prayers: Harei-nee mih-ka-bel

o’lai mitzvat ah-say shel v’ohav-ta l’ray-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 L’Shmecha yay’shvu yesharim 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).

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.

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)

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

TAKE ACTION: z Gather your children and pray. z Teach them the words of the Torah. z Help them give to charity.

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.”

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

TAKE ACTION: 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.

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

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.

SHABBAT LIGHTS

8 9 10

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

Based on the teachings of the Rebbe

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:

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.

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

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.

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

TAKE ACTION: 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.

By Shira Gold

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.

7KLQN RI LW OLNH D VFLHQWLÀF VWXG\ 6FLHQWLVWV FRQGXFW 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

XQFRYHU WKH FRUH HOHPHQWV WKDW GHÀQH RXU SHRSOH·V H[LVWHQFH 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 EDFNÀUHG DQG LQVWHDG RI LQÁLFWLQJ GHVWUXFWLRQ KH XQZLWWLQJO\ activated Jewish unity, mitzvah observance, and our Divine protection.

TO SEE THE CHANUKAH MIRACLE,

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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

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

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.

Celebrate Chanukah Dec. 7th -15th

LOOK IN THE MIRROR

By Ben Sherman

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MENORAH

HOW-TO

MENORAH PLACEMENT

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WHO LIGHTS?

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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. %OHVVHG DUH <RX /RUG RXU *RG .LQJ RI WKH XQLYHUVH ZKR KDV VDQFWLÀHG XV ZLWK +LV FRPPDQGPHQWV DQG FRPPDQGHG XV WR NLQGOH WKH &KDQXNDK OLJKW

2. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-te-nu ba-ya-mim ha-hem bi-z'man ha-zeh. %OHVVHG DUH <RX /RUG RXU *RG .LQJ RI WKH XQLYHUVH ZKR SHUIRUPHG PLUDFOHV IRU RXU IRUHIDWKHUV LQ WKRVH GD\V DW WKLV WLPH

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3. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu liz-man ha-zeh. %OHVVHG DUH <RX /RUG RXU *RG .LQJ RI WKH XQLYHUVH ZKR KDV JUDQWHG XV OLIH VXVWDLQHG XV DQG HQDEOHG XV WR UHDFK WKLV RFFDVLRQ $IWHU NLQGOLQJ WKH OLJKWV WKH +DQHURW +DODOX SUD\HU LV UHFLWHG

Haneiros Halolu Onu Madlikin, Al Hatshuos V'al Hanisim, V'al Haniflo-os. She-osiso Laavoseinu Bayomim Hoheim Bizman Ha-ze, Al Y'dei Kohanecho Hakdoshim. V'chol Sh'monas Y'mei Chanukah Haneiros Halolu Kodesh Heim, V'ein Lonu R'shus L'histamesh Boheim, Elo Lir'oson Bilvod, K'dei L'hodos U'lhalel L'shimcho Hagadol, Al Ni-secho V'al Niflo'osecha V'al Y'shuosecho.

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

The verse: “All the 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 Rebb’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 WHÀOOLQ ZRXOG EH NLOOHG (OLVKD GHÀHG WKH RUGHU ,W KDSSHQHG WKDW Elisha was seen by the authorities ZHDULQJ WKH WHÀOOLQ VR KH VWDUWHG running. But the soldier chased him and eventually caught him.

By then, Elisha had already removed the small black box 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.

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7KH VKRFNHG VROGLHU WROG (OLVKD ´, 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.” ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV (OLVKD XQGHUVWRRG WKDW RXU WHÀOOLQ JXDUGV XV VLPLODU to how the wings and feathers protect a dove.

(Talmud Brachot 14b)

By Rabbi Shmuel Marcus

My Stor DIVINE PROTECTION

By Tzvi Freeman

As every homeowner knows, it’s not WKRVH OLWWOH JDGJHWV ZLWK WKH ÁDVKLQJ lights that protect your home. It’s the police station. You just need to make sure those gadgets are connected.

A mezuzah on your doorpost works the same way — only that it’s connected to a Higher Protection Agency. Much higher.

In fact, that’s how every mitzvah works ³ WHÀOOLQ 6KDEEDW FDQGOHV 7RUDK study, acts of kindness. Think of them as dedicated connections putting you RQOLQH ZLWK WKH ,QÀQLWH 6HUYHU RI $OO Things.

Mezuzahs, however, have a special quality: They connect directly to the protection function. As the sages of the Talmud taught, put a mezuzah on your door and you’re protected in your house and away. Now that’s something no earthbound service offers.

That’s why, in 1974, when terrorism began to rise, the Rebbe, declared a worldwide mezuzah blitz. Thanks to that campaign, mezuzahs are once again a standard feature on Jewish doorposts everywhere.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.