In the early fifties, Crown Heights was a beautiful Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn. Yet with all the freedom they were afforded, Jews in the mid-twentieth century were still uneasy about being seen as too Jewish, Rabbi David Eliezrie writes in his book The Secret of Chabad.
The Yeshiva at 770 Eastern Parkway had just a few dozen students, he tells. One of the dorms was a 20-minute walk away. But the Rebbe insisted that the bochurim walk there on foot.
The Rebbe wanted the Jews who were starting to assimilate to see Yeshiva students in hats, jackets and beards – unafraid to express their identity.
The Rebbe did the same with Chanukah. In the early days, erecting Menorahs in public squares was an oddity and an uphill battle (as detailed in an article in this magazine). We were not deterred. More Menorahs were built, larger lighting ceremonies were arranged and Car Menorah Parades filled the streets.
Today, Chassidim walking down Eastern Parkway is a regular sight and Chanukah is perhaps the most publicized Jewish holiday in America and the world over. The Rebbe succeeded in magnifying pirsumei nisa – publicizing the miracle of Chanukah – to unprecedented proportions.
If you think about it, pirsumei nisa was literally written with our crazy world in mind. Even with some of our movements being restricted due to the pandemic, we can easily share the light and warmth of Chanukah with others.
The Mitzvah Society (profiled in this magazine) allows you to ship a Menorah kit to literally anyone in the world. Driving around with a Menorah is definitely fine with the CDC.
Another method is via social media. Our constant connectivity means that any idea and message can instantly be shared with a wider audience than our immediate surroundings. Posting your photo celebrating Chanukah with family or friends can inspire a not yet frum relative or acquaintance to do the same.
In this dark and uncertain world, every bit of extra light is essential.
Happy Chanukah!
Mica Soffer
Publisher and Editor of COLlive.com and COLlive Magazine
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The Chanukah 5781 edition of the COLlive Magazine was delivered directly to homes in Crown Heights and placed in select stores for pick-up. We’d love to hear what you thought of this edition of the magazine, and we’re always open to hearing ideas and suggestions. Email them to [email protected].
READ ONLINE (or download):
COLlive Magazine Chanukah 5781
the magazine was fantastic
great writers
great chanukah stories