By COLlive reporter
Photos by Tamas Kalman and Nechama Wolff
Chanukah is an especially meaningful time for Chabad of Baka, which was founded in memory of Levi Hendel ob’m, a young shliach who passed away en route to Chanukah outreach in 2006.
Levi z’l and two other yeshivah students, Yonatan Biton z’l and Moshe Golan z’l, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on their way to an army base in Eilat, where they were going to lead a Chanukah program for Israeli soldiers.
Levi’s brother, Rabbi Avraham Hendel, and his wife Nechama Dina moved to Jerusalem on Chanukah of 2007 to open Chabad of Baka- Beit Levi to continue Levi’s legacy of kindness and unconditional love.
This year was Levi’s 13th yartzeit and the giant menorah lighting events led by Chabad of Baka at Jerusalem’s First Station were a wonderful tribute to him.
Every evening, there was a huge menorah lighting with music, donuts, and dancing, joining Jews of every background. With the assistance of Mayanot yeshivah students, Chabad of Baka also lit the menorah at the various restaurants at First Station.
Night number three was extra special, with an entertaining performer and an energizing concert with the Solomon Brothers.
Hundreds of people joined in the festivities, including the families and volunteers of the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem, which is directed by Chabad of Baka.
As one mother shared after the menorah lighting with the Solomon Brothers, “What an impressive evening- beyond words!”
Another participant enthused, “Great music, great people and always great fun with Chabad of Baka!”
May the neshama of Levi ben Yisrael Yosef ha’kohen have an aliyah in the merit of all the outreach work that is being done in his memory, and may we be reunited with our loved ones with the coming of Moshiach speedily.
For upcoming events and to be a part of Chabad of Baka’s exciting building campaign, visit chabadofbaka.com.
These shluchim are truly special – so refined and loving and emmes’dik!
May they be blessed with continued Hatlzacha!!
rabbi Avremel and Nechama Dina, you inspire me with your huge hearts, amazing work, and genuine chassidishkeit ! BEAutiful pictures!
What a spectacular event!
Chabad of Baka unites our people from all walks of life!
Their programs are inspiring and entertaining!
Thank you Rabbi Avremel and Nechama Dina Hendel for all that you do and wishing you continued Hatzlacha in your shlichus.