Jerusalem’s Mamilla Avenue once again became a beacon of Jewish pride as Chabad Talbiya-Mamilla hosted its annual “Light Up Mamilla” Chanukah festival. Every night drew thousands of residents, tourists, soldiers, and families, gathering around the majestic menorah that stood as a symbol of resilience and eternity: Am Yisrael Chai.
For 18 years, Rabbi Eliyahu and Chanale Canterman have served as the shluchim of Talbiya-Mamilla, bringing warmth and Jewish vibrancy to the neighborhood. For 15 of those years, they have organized the beloved Mamilla public candle-lighting, complete with renowned performers, honored guests, and the distribution of hundreds of sufganiyot. Chanukah-Mamilla 5786 featured seven public nights, each dedicated to a group whose courage and spirit embody the miracle of Jewish survival.
Night 1 – Honoring Hero Survivors & in memory of Those Murdered Al Kiddush Hashem.
The Opening Night was emotionally charged as Rabbi Eli Canterman invited a survivor – hero of Gaza, Keith Siegel, kidnapped to dark tunnels for 480 days, to light the first candle together with his wife Aviva, herself a released hostage. Keith’s melodious voice and heartfelt brachot moved the entire crowd. Keith thanked Hashem and the nation for being able to light and make blessings over the menorah as a free man. He recited the brachot with a melodious voice and pure happiness.
Music by the Hershtik Singers and DJ Avi Kay, along with an address by Rabbi Shimon Freundlich, Shuliach to Beijing, honored the memory of Shliach of Bondi Beach – Rabbi Eli Schlanger HYD who was murdered for being Jewish.
Through darkness tries to crush spirits, the Jewish flame always rises higher.
Night 2 – Celebrating Children with Special Needs (“Friendship Circle Night”) Friendship Circle children lit the menorah, illuminating the evening with pure joy. Shlomo Lipman and Mushmush uplifted the crowd as families and volunteers, danced on Mamilla avenue. The night highlighted Friendship Circle’s commitment to celebrate, uplift and include every individual of every ability.
Night 3 – “Light Prevails”: Honoring Survivors of Terror.
This powerful evening honored survivors, including Yelena Trufanov & represented all who embody courage forged through hardship. The Solomon Brothers electrified the atmosphere with their music, as hundreds joined in a collective prayer for healing and rebuilding.
Night 4 – paid tribute to Hidden Heroes & Israel’s Reservists.
The menorah was lit by four reservists who stand on the frontlines, endlessly defending Am Yisrael. Nemouel’s performance wowed the crowd in a powerful night of reminders – sacrifice, devotion, and endless courage.
Night 5 – Children’s Night
A night traditionally devoted to children, Night 5 featured young shaliach MZ Canterman (celebrating his 14th birthday) and Zalmy Feldman, among the honored lighters. Zalmy, who lost his legs as a child, approached the menorah on his prosthetics to light the candle, drawing the admiration of thousands. Chaim Zippel had the crowd on the feet dancing for a full hour while volunteers distributed hundreds of sufganiyot.
Night 7 –
Motza’ei Shabbat was dedicated to Israel’s heroic Lone Soldiers . Performances by Mendy Jerufi and Davidi turned Mamilla into a spirited concert of solidarity, as the crowd joined the soldiers in singing “Am Yisrael Chai.”
Night 8 – Zos Chanuka –
Saluting Unity & Acts of Kindness.
The menorah was lit by Shimshi Goldhirsch, nephew of Chabad Shliach Rabbi Eli Schlanger HYD, along with the Now-Jewish Nanny, whose personal journey has inspired many, and the Glaser family, honoring the memory of Yechiel Avrohom Avigdor z”l.
Longstanding Chanukah MC of 15 years – Yossi Frankel, and friend of Friendship Circle, Elozor Fingerer, also lit a candle, bringing Zos Chanukah to a heartfelt close.
A Jewish Festival of Light, Resilience, and hope.
Each night, thousands had attended the events to sing, dance, reconnect, and strengthen one another. Survivors, soldiers, honored guests, musicians, families, and children- every participant became a lamplighter, passing forward the fire of Jewish hope.
As the final notes drifted into the Jerusalem night, one truth was clear:
When Am Yisrael gathers to light the menorah, we illuminate the world.
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Chabad Talbiya- Mamilla & Friendship Circle is in the last hours of their campaign to shower Am Yisrael with light, unity, hope and healing – not just for 8 days of Chanuka but throughout the entire year.
A wounded Am Yisrael needs this more than ever.
26000 shabbos meals sent to Gaza & Lebanon
47 displaced families apartments furnished in Jerusalem
50 Rejuvenate youth events
75 hostage mother Challa bakes
2 years of the Amshelanu center – clothing, shoes and essentials for war affected families Respite trip with hostage mothers to the women’s Kinus
Help them reach their goal by tonight so they can continue spreading the Rebbe’s light in Jerusalem.
