A group of excited kids bundled up and ventured into the cold winter evening Tuesday, armed with Menorahs and Chanukah guides and ready to bring the joy of the holiday to the New York streets.
But this time, it was not the usual scene. This time it was close to 30 young girls who eagerly filled up the Mitzvah Tank and embarked on Mivtzoim in North Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Accompanied by their mothers, the girls offered Jewish passersby Menorah kits and taught them about the holiday.
“Every night, the boys go out on the Tank, and some of the girls asked, “why not us?'” said Rabbi Moshe Pinson, President of Bais Shmuel Chabad of Crown Heights, who organized the trip.
“On Shabbos, when we asked our Shul congregants to donate towards the cost of the Tank for Chanukah, the suggestion was made that the girls should have the opportunity to use it as well,” he said. “Everyone was really excited to be a part of it.”
The Rebbe encouraged everyone – boys and girls – to be a part of Mivtzah Chanukah, Pinson notes.
“I loved the idea of having an all girls Tank,” said Naomi Stern. “I had a great time and can’t wait to go again.”
“The girls possibly had even more success than the boys,” Pinson said. “It’s harder to tell a nice Jewish girl ‘I’m not interested’ and walk away. People really responded positively to them,” he said.
Way to go! What a great idea ! Why should Chanukah be only for the boys. Keep up the good work !
every time we walk down kingston my girls see the mitzvah tanks and say they wish they could go in one!
Go Leah &Sara!!!!! You guys are awesome!!!!!
Your an amazing chosid! Your mother must be looking down and glowing with nachos!!!
Wow! Wow! So nice that an all girls tank was out on the streets and bringing the joy and light of Chanukah to Jewish New Yorkers!
Bais Shmuel always goes the extra mile!