Concert in Jerusalem in Memory of Young Shliach’s Yartzeit

At Jerusalem’s First Station, 400 people gathered for a spectacular menorah lighting and concert hosted by Chabad of Baka and The Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem, directed by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel.

It was the 4th night of Chanukah and the 17th yahrzeit of Levi Hendel z’l, who tragically lost his life in a car accident at the tender age of 13, while en route to Chanukah mivtzoim at an army base in Eilat in 2006. Levi’s brother Rabbi Avraham Hendel, together with his wife Nechama Dina and their children, moved from Florida to Yerushalayim on Levi’s first yahrzeit and founded Chabad of Baka~Beit Levi to continue his light and legacy.

The moving Chanukah program at First Station celebrated the children and volunteers in the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem, with one special needs participant and his volunteer being honored to light the impressive menorah. Ari Yehuda was glowing with joy and said, “Hachi kef – this was the most fun!”

An interactive science and fire show by Dr. Molecule mesmerized and entertained children of all abilities. The Solomon Brothers Band had the crowd on their feet, dancing in unity and joy. South Jerusalem Friendship Circle volunteers from various seminaries and yeshivos joined and enhanced the celebration with their infectious love and enthusiasm. Hundreds of fresh donuts were distributed and enjoyed.

One of the Friendship Circle families who joined from the Har Homa neighborhood shared, “Thanks so much for making such great events and for making us feel part of a community.”

VIDEO of Chanukah Concert

Chabad of Baka lit up Jerusalem’s First Station with a huge menorah lighting, including music and donuts, every evening of Chanukah. The many restaurants and shops also enjoyed having the Chabad volunteers help them light the menorah.

In addition, multiple menorah lighting events were arranged throughout Baka, including at community centers and at a local nursing home. A highlight was visiting IDF soldiers near the Gaza border for a delicious barbecue with an emotional menorah lighting and music and dancing.

NOW, Chabad of Baka needs your help. After celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony this summer, they are gearing up for the construction of Beit Levi, the beautiful shul and community center in Levi’s memory, which will serve the myriad needs of Jerusalem residents and visitors.

The Rebbe’s inspiration and his response to terrorism in Eretz Yisrael continues to guide us today. The Rebbe shared, “Behemshech habinyan tinacheimu.” By your continued building you will be comforted.

As Jews around the world are still reeling from the unfathomable horrors of this past Simchas Torah, the Chabad of Baka community in Jerusalem remains an oasis of comfort and strength for Jerusalem residents and travelers. In addition to increased classes and programming for their thriving community and for families of kids with special needs, Chabad of Baka initiated a war relief effort.

Hundreds of meals are being sponsored, packed, and delivered to IDF soldiers, together with holy items (such as Chitas books). Chabad of Baka uplifts hundreds of soldiers with music, dancing, tefillin wrapping and divrei Torah. Meals and support are also provided for reservist families, and coordinating with Chabad in Belgravia and Uptown Chabad in Toronto, thousands of dollars were distributed to grieving families to help them with their basic needs and were used to purchase protective gear for our soldiers.

Now, more than ever, is a time to build in Eretz Yisrael and in the holiest city in the world, Yerushalayim. You have a chance to partner with Chabad of Baka~ Beit Levi and to be a part of setting the stones for a permanent center and synagogue for any resident, traveler, or tourist to return to again and again.

Join this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and invest in the greatest real estate in the world: your home- and every Jew’s home- in Jerusalem!

Every donation will be TRIPLED by a generous matcher; donations are tax deductible in the US and Israel. 

May Hashem bless you bountifully for your kindness and tzedaka, and in the zchus of rebuilding Yerushalayim, may the fast day of 10 Teves be transformed into a holiday with the coming of Moshiach now!

Video of Chabad of Baka Building Campaign