Lighting Up Mamilla Avenue

Walking the streets of Jerusalem over Chanukah is soul stirring. Menorahs peek out of each doorway and alley. Every two blocks stands another Chabad electric menorah and signs at every bus stop announce another Chanukah event for children, families or the elderly.

Yet the Menorah that has been gathering speed for the past seven years, uniting all in its glowing light, stands on 18 Mamilla Avenue.

The dancing circles, fresh donuts and huge crowds at the Mamilla avenue public lighting, organized annually by Rabbi Eli and Chani Canterman at Chabad of Talbiya-Mamilla, have become a fixture in the heart of Jerusalem. Year after year schools and colleges of every persuasion, tourists, olim chadashim, store-owners and shoppers, gather around the outdoor shopping promenade waiting to see what spectacular Chanukah celebration is coming up next.

For weeks in advance social media and whatsapp groups are buzzing with the same question, “Anyone know what the schedule is for the Mamilla Avenue menorah lightings are?” People vie to sponsor candles, appreciating tremendous kiddush Hashem brought about by this seven day celebration.

This year started off with a bang, honoring Am Yisrael with Rabbi Riskin, Chief Rabbi of Efrat. The Solomon Brothers performed, to the joy and dancing of the excited crowd.

Sagive Lugassi, International Tanach prize winner, lit the candles on Children’s Night together with others who performed outstanding good deeds in Israel.

One of the yearly highlights is on motzei shabbos, honoring Lone Soldiers and their self sacrifice for the safety of Eretz Yisroel. The dancing was electric as Leibele Lipskier performed a cacophony of niggunim and current songs, keeping the crowd of 2000 dancing well past his 45 minute slot. Soldiers in uniform were honored with the lighting and following the dance-fest they met at the Canterman Family’s rooftop for a BBQ.

It was a unique atmosphere of achdus among the soldiers, who were filled with the joy of the chanukah festivities. Yoni Kut, a Bar Mitzva boy, showed his care and concern for others by sharing a large portion of his gift money with the lone soldiers. He handed out winter packages of warm gloves, flashlights and more to the delight and appreciation of each soldier.

The 7th light of chanukah was another special night honoring victims of terror. Rami Levy was honored with reciting a blessing and lighting the first candle. Those who had lost family members or suffered as a result of terror lit the remaining candles. Itzik Dadya lifted the spirits of the entire crowd with his popular songs and upbeat music.

Whether it was The Kinderlach performing in honor of Yaldei Yisrael, the Portnoy Brothers portraying Art and Volunteerism or The Jerusalem Klezmer Band celebrating the Jewish nation around the globe, each night was unique in style and every night echoed unity and Jewish pride.

The lights of the menorah in Mamilla are now dimmed, but the energy and warmth of those eight magical nights still reverberates in the hearts and souls of the thousands of Jews who took part in this year’s celebrations.