With nearly 300 Anash couples participating, Florida will become the fourth pilot location of the Lamternchik (lamplighter) project.
On numerous occasions the Rebbe directed Chassidim to each have their own group of people with whom they maintain contact, and have an ongoing positive influence, “and even better — ten Jews, an eidah kedosha.” (Shabbos Parshas Tetzaveh, 5752)
Vaad Or Vechom Hahiskashrus together with senior Shluchim and Askanim, have collaborated to advance the Lamternchik project, which provides a systematic way for Anash to develop relationships with families with whom they are trying to bring into their “minyan”, thereby facilitating them and their families with constant, ongoing involvement in the Rebbe’s work, strengthening their Hiskashrus.
“I’ve known Eli* for a long time,” says Dan Bayer* a Chicago resident and co worker of Eli’s. “But this was the first time we got to know the other side of Eli, his family life, orthodox lifestyle and all. It has made a big impression on my family. They [Eli and his wife] came over to our home with a beautiful gift and spoke about how all Jews are one big family. It is something really different from what my family sees on TV and Facebook. Our spouses really hit it off together and I hope they’ll come again sometime in the future. It’s almost like we have our very own rabbi!”
Before the Yomim Tovim, five or six times a year, each member of the Lamternchik project receives a kit that includes comprehensive guides and a beautiful gift to give to the families they will visit in their homes. Members will also be able to tap into the many resources Vaad Or Vechom Hahiskashrus is developing, such as web tools, handbooks, conferences, etc.
“What I find most amazing about this project is that it is an international effort,” says Zalmi Lapinski of Buenos Aires, Argentina. “Truly in the spirit of Shnas Hakhel. You have Chassidim from here, from London, Chicago, and now South Florida all part of this program, in addition to similar programs in Israel, France and Russia.”
With a generous grant from Keren Meroimim, the project launched on Yud Aleph Nissan 5776 in Argentina, and has since added a new city to its roster before each campaign (London for Shavuos, Chicago for the Three Weeks,) with Florida joining the upcoming Rosh Hashana campaign which will focus on mivtza neshek.
*identities have been changed.
To sign up or find out more information, contact your city’s coordinator:
Buenos Aires
Rabbi Zalmen Lipinski 11 3101 2692
Chicago
Rabbi Moshe Markowitz 845 263 7963
South Florida
Rabbi Yossi Denburg (Coral Springs) 754 368 0633
Rabbi Mendy Lieberman (North Miami) 917 721 1162
Rabbi Shmuel Rainitz (Walnut Creek) 347 681 9981
London
Rabbi Sholom Ber Sudak (Stamford Hill) 07969 724108
Rabbi Getzel Itzinger (Golders Green) 07768 007447
Rabbi Yossi Baitz (Golders Green) 07947 600599
Who are they? Doing such incredible things so quietly, penetrating deep into the hearts of Anash. I wish them hatzlocho raba for the good of Lubavitch.
It says there’s a pilot program. Gd bless the organizers for taking this responsibility and to quickly be able to open everywhere. We want this. We need this.
which is similar to israel in that chabad houses are not enough. We haven’t even made a dent yet.
Kol Hakavod for your incredible work! May this be the beginning of many good things to come! Hatzlacha Bakol!
Have your community contact Vaad Or Vechom Hahiskashrus to ask them to join, maybe they will launch one in your city.
This is needed in every city where there is Anash communities, like Israel, New Haven, Five Towns, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Baltimore, Monsey, Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Detroit
this is great. do we have one in NYC?