Eight Nights. Eight Leaders. One Community.
Each night of Chanukah, CHJCC honors a leader whose light helped shape our community. Tonight, as we kindle the seventh candle, we pay tribute to a man whose steady voice and bridge-building spirit strengthened Crown Heights during pivotal decades.
Honoring Rabbi BenTzion Schaffran obm
Rabbi BenTzion Schaffran (1937–1996) was a gifted Chabad educator, speaker, and community leader whose influence touched Crown Heights and the broader Jewish world.
Born in Chicago and later educated in the Chabad Yeshivos of Brooklyn, he became known for his eloquence and clarity, inspiring students across college campuses and Chabad Houses in the 1960s.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Rabbi Schaffran played a key role in improving relationships between Jewish and African American residents of Crown Heights, working with community leaders to open dialogue, reduce tension, and strengthen cooperation. His calm, thoughtful leadership helped bring stability during challenging periods. He also promoted initiatives supporting job creation, schools, and camps, reinforcing the community’s social fabric.
His contributions were recognized nationally: in 1974, he served as Guest Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives, delivering that day’s opening prayer.
Honor Rabbi Schaffran’s legacy by dedicating tonight’s light.
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Eight Nights. Eight Leaders. One Community.
May this Special Night, Shine Bright in our Paths
Gut Voch
A Freilachen Chanukah & Chodesh
For those who remember how our Holy Rebbe spoke so passionately about CH. The Rebbe labeled the phrase “Kan Tzivah Hashem Es Habrocho”
For those who gave their time energy to fight for our community. Is unmeasurable in any way.
To http://www.collive.com i would ask Respectfully to include for each a brocho for Arichas Yomim many more tranquil & productive years. Or if Ch”V not a name for a Lichdige Gan Eiden. (Didnt know how to word this last part. No offense or disrespect intended)
Happy Chanukah
Beautiful Chodesh