February 2025
California Fires
The devastating fires in California touched every one of us. The scenes of destruction of full neighborhoods and communities breaks our heart.
The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, taught us that everything that happens in the world, has a lesson for us in the service of G‑d.
One of the unique natures of fire is that it can spread very fast. When you do a mitzvah with fiery love, excitement and enthusiasm, it will spread like a wildfire… .
- Rabbi Zushe Greenberg
January 2025
President Carter and the Menorah
In 1973 the Lubavitcher Rebbe introduced a campaign to install outdoor giant menorahs in the most public places to inspire and encourage Jewish pride.
On the fourth night of Chanukah 1979, President Jimmy Carter lit the Shamash on the brand new giant Menorah in Washington, D.C., right across the street of the White House.
It is not a coincidence that 45 years later, at the age of 100, former President Carter passed away on the fourth night of Chanukah! What better way for G‑d to tell us all how important was this act of showing solidarity with the Jewish people and promoting the idea of spreading light in the world.