|
By the Grace of G-d
Immediately after Chanukah, 5786
Dear Anonymus Person,
This Chanukah will be remembered forever.
As communities worldwide prepared to glow with Chanukah light, the barbaric terrorist attack in Sydney last Sunday shattered what should have been a moment of great joy and public celebration.
The shots fired at Jewish families gathered on pastoral Bondi Beach to illuminate Sydney and initiate Chanukah lightings all across the globe ricocheted around the world, threatening to extinguish the holy and timeless celebration of the holiday.
Children asked tearfully whether it was safe to light a menorah in their window, and communities everywhere grappled with the potential dangers of their impending public gatherings of Jewish light and pride. For a brief moment, the light of Chanukah seemed to hang precariously in the balance.
And then, seemingly out of nowhere, a visceral cry of Maccabean resolve erupted from people of all walks of life all around the globe, growing in spirit and increasing in faith and determination, until reaching a powerful crescendo:
The light of Chanukah will not be extinguished!
To the contrary:
Amplifying the timeless teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of saintly memory, regular citizens, communal leaders and heads of state proclaimed from every rooftop that even a little bit of light dispels much darkness; and that when facing dark threats and adversity, we must increase the light of goodness, we must amplify our individual and collective celebration.
The result?
More people, in more locations, celebrated Chanukah than ever before in history!
Amid heightened security, individuals and communities across the globe kindled more Chanukah candles, and illuminated more places of darkness than ever!
The Jewish people blazed new trails this Chanukah and wrote itself into the history books.
*
But now that Chanukah is over, what happens with all the light, with all the energy and momentum? Where do we go from here?
The Rebbe teaches that now is when our Chanukah mission really begins!
We must now take the pristine Chanukah light and share it in ever-increasing measure year-round.
We each have the power to banish the darkness around us by illuminating ourselves and our surroundings with the light of G-dliness and goodness. We must act.
*
In those initial hours of horror and fear, countless people turned to Chabad.org for solace, for strength, for answers, and for direction.
They learned about bringing light to the world. They learned about courage. And they learned of the Rebbe’s teachings about light and about how when darkness presses in, the response is not to dim the light, but to increase it.
This message lit up around the world, and was echoed in newscasts, speeches, articles, and countless discussions with family, friends and beyond. Bring the light. Be the light. Spread the light.
Looking now to the days ahead, we resolve to shine this timeless light more brightly and widely than ever.
We will chart new paths and build new tools to reach every person on the globe who seeks meaning and inspiration.
We will work even harder to ensure that these priceless treasures of life reach every single person individually.
But to properly apply the energy and light of this Chanukah and make a meaningful difference to millions, we really need YOU.
It is your partnership that allows us to provide these priceless life tools to those who need them most!
Can we count on you to help shine the light forward with a generous gift today?
A gift of $180, $360, $1,800 — or any amount that fits your budget — will make a real difference.You can contribute via Credit Card, PayPal, E-Check (ACH) or Bank Wire / Transfer.
Checks can be mailed to:
Chabad.ORG • 770 Eastern Parkway Suite 405 • Brooklyn, NY 11213
Please remember Chabad.ORG in your will!
Your gift will help ensure that families, children, and individuals around the world receive bright and warm guidance, reassurance, and access to Jewish wisdom when they need it most.
Please give today on our secure page:
Chabad.org/Give
If now is not a good time for you to give, we understand. But if you are able, please know that your support helps us meet the post-Chanukah needs. As we approach the end of the fiscal year, your gift also ensures that we enter the coming year prepared for the challenges ahead.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for helping ensure that the light of Chanukah continues — openly, confidently, and without apology.
With blessings from all of us at Chabad.org that you and all yours succeed to bring the light of Chanukah into every day of the year,
Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin
Executive Director P.S. Chanukah reminds us that light is increased by being shared. Your gift today helps carry that light into homes and conversations that are searching for it right now.
|
