Dear Friend

This Saturday night, immediately following Havdalah, we will be lighting the first Chanukah candle. This first light will set a most powerful process into motion: The process of illuminating our own souls, as well as the soul of the entire New Orleans, with the light and inspiration of Chanukah.

The Hebrew word Chanukah means rededication. The holiday was given this name because the Maccabees, upon returning from the battlefield and repossessing the Temple, rededicated all of the Temple vessels which the Syrian Greeks had defiled.

Another Hebrew word that is closely related to Chanukah is Chinuch – education. The holiday of Chanukah centers around educating our children. The Menorah lighting, Dreidel games, Chanukah gelt, and daily gifts all ensure that children are active participants in this holiday.

The impact the Chanukah candles have on our children is a phenomenon we can all appreciate. When we light the Menorah in our homes, our children watching on, a burning flame is kindled in their souls. A light of belonging is turned on, deeply affecting their Jewish pride and Jewish psyche.  

Where is this impact most recognizable? When we light the Menorah each year at the Spanish Plaza on the Mississippi River. This display of Judaism in public, and so proudly too, sends powerful messages to our children. It affirms to them their rights to be proud of their faith. It teaches them that they have a place, even as a minority, in this country, and that they have the great power, and great responsibility, to illuminate the city in which they live.

I encourage you to do something powerful this Chanukah for your children’s education. Bring them to the public Menorah lighting, Tuesday at the Riverwalk.

This year, besides the Riverwalk and all of the programs at Chabad Center and Chabad House we will be lighting a Menorah at Lambeth House, Lakeside Mall, and, for the first time, at the VA hospital, celebrating our veterans.

Wishing you a warm, happy and glowing Chanukah,

Rabbi Yossi